“We will draw lots who is to go up and attempt it,” said the mason.
“And who is to have fair field and no interference for courtin’,” said the mariner.
“Done! It shall be so!” said Newbold.
“I agrees,” said Westcott.
“Now there is one thing I bargain for,” observed the builder. “If he who first attempts it fails and falls, and gets squelched, don’t let the other take advantage, and shirk doing of it in his turn. Let him also venture like a man.”
“Like a man!” echoed the tar. “‘England expects every man to do his dooty.’”
“Come, shall we draw matches?”
“Matches! It’s a match for one alone.”
“Then toss up.”
“Toss up you are. And the winner has fair field and no just cause or impediment why these two should not be joined together in holy matrimony.”