CHAPTER XII.
Previous to the matters chronicled in the preceding chapter, Mr. Garnet had received a note, of which the following is a copy:—
“Sir,—My friend, Major Blazeater, late of the Hon. East India Companyʼs 59th Regiment of Native Infantry, has kindly consented to see you, on my behalf, to request a reference to any gentleman whom you may be pleased to name, for the purpose of concerting measures for affording me that satisfaction which, as a man and a gentleman, I am entitled to expect for your cowardly and most ruffianly violence on the 28th ultimo.
“I beg you to accept my sincere apologies for the delay which has occurred, and my assurance that it has been the result of circumstances entirely beyond my own control.
“I have the honour to be, Sir,
“Your most obedient Servant,
“Rufus Hutton.
“Geopharmacy Lodge, Nov. 1st, 1859.”
The circumstances beyond the fiery little doctorʼs control were that he could not find any one who would undertake to carry his message.