"I do."
"Here is my hand, Shuffles. I pledge myself over again to abide the result of the vote, whether it is for me or against me," continued Pelham, extending his hand.
"And here is my hand, Pelham, with the same pledge, honor bright," replied Shuffles, as he took the offered hand.
"I am tolerably confident of the result," added Pelham.
"I am quite confident that I shall be chosen," replied Shuffles.
"Don't be too certain, my dear fellow," laughed the fourth lieutenant. "I have taken in a great many recruits."
"I'm glad you have—the more the better. I have also taken in a good many. Pelham, do you know this is very shaky business?"
"Shaky?"
"Yes—between you and me, I mean. If either of us should back down, the whole thing would fall to the ground."
"Back down!" exclaimed Pelham. "Why, after what has passed between us, I consider it impossible that either of us should back down. I am pledged; so are you; and if either of us should back down, I hope he will—fall overboard accidentally."