"Very well; it shall come off to-morrow, say."
"To-morrow it is, then."
"But how shall it be conducted?" asked Shuffles.
"That will not be an easy matter. I think, however we can hit upon some plan for having it fairly done."
"Of course the matter lies between you and me," added Shuffles.
"To be sure."
"I suppose both of us are ready to abide the issue, whatever it may be," said Shuffles, who was not a little fearful that his powerful rival would refuse to acknowledge him when he was chosen, as he confidently expected to be.
"I pledge you my word and honor, that I will obey you in all things if you are fairly elected captain," replied Pelham, who was equally sure of being chosen himself.
"Fairly? Who is to decide whether it is fairly done or not?" demanded Shuffles, unwilling to leave a loop-hole through which his companion could crawl out of the bargain.
"When we have agreed upon the means of electing the captain, the choice shall be final."