The magistrate did not seem to be impressed by the title or the elegant costume of the Pacha, perhaps because the latter was dabbled with mud, and his handsome face was liberally spattered with the same unsightly element. The commander was lofty in his manner on such an occasion, and full of dignity; and he did make a decided impression on the court and the spectators. He said but little. He had been attacked without any provocation whatever, and he had defended himself.
The Pacha had been educated at the military school of St. Cyr, and he imbibed his duelling propensity in Paris. He pleaded that he had been insulted the night before by the captain of the Guardian-Mother, who had refused to give him satisfaction, and he had treated him as any gentleman should a poltroon.
"But it does not appear that he was a poltroon when you attacked him, for he overturned you and your four servants all in a heap," interposed the Court with a smile.
The Pacha winced at this remark. The magistrate desired to know in what manner the commander had insulted him, and the whole truth came out. Captain Ringgold calmly stated his objections to the character of the Moor, and there was an attempt at applause, in which some British officers took part; but it was promptly checked. He stated on oath that the reputation of the Pacha was so bad in Funchal—
"And in Gib," some persons interpolated.
"—that I could not permit the ladies in my charge to associate with him," added the witness, who repeated all his remarks that had been offensive to the Pacha.
The Moorish consul promptly paid the fine of his fellow-subject, and they left the court-room together.
"The fellow is a dirty blackguard!" said a military officer to the captain. "He has insulted ladies here; and I am very grateful to you, for one, for chastising him as he deserved."
"I thank you, sir," replied the commander. "I did no more than my duty to those under my charge."
He took the arm of Uncle Moses, and they walked down the street. They had gone but a few steps before they discovered that they were followed by half a dozen officers; but they reached the barge without any further molestation, where they found the ladies already seated in the stern-sheets.