“Gentlemen,” continued he, “there is not the remotest doubt but that Captain Mac Elwin is in the wrong. That gentleman has unreasonably, and without the slightest pretext, questioned the honour of Harry Drake’s proceedings in a matter of play, and without any provocation offered him the greatest insult a gentleman could receive.”
These honeyed words made the Captain impatient, he bit his moustache, and could refrain speaking no longer.
“Come to the point,” said he sharply to Doctor T——, whose speech he had interrupted, “we don’t want so many words; the affair is simple enough; Captain Mac Elwin raised his hand against Mr. Drake, your friend accepted the blow, he assumes the part of the offended, and demands satisfaction. He has the choice of arms. What next?”
“Does Captain Mac Elwin accept the challenge?” asked the Doctor, baffled by Corsican’s tone.
“Decidedly.”
“Our friend, Harry Drake, has chosen swords.”
“Very well, and where is the engagement to take place? In New York?”
“No, here on board.”
“On board, be it so; at what time? To-morrow morning?”
“This evening at six o’clock, at the end of the upper deck[upper deck], which will be deserted at that time.”