“‘Neither,’ said I. ‘We do not meet men like you.’
“His face flushed. ‘Coward!’ he said.
“‘If I am that,’ said I, pretty cool, and shaking a little after my silly way, ‘you know best, and will remember, I fancy, for many a day. Good-morning, sir.’
“On this he cried out, ‘By——! this shall not pass! I—I will post you in every inn in town, and my cousin too. No man shall dare—”
“‘Stop a little,’ said Hugh. ‘If it comes to that I shall know what to do, and well enough. I have no desire to put my own blood to open shame, but if this matter goes further, I shall publish Mr. Delaney’s statement, and that, sir, will close to you every gentleman’s house here and in London too.’
“‘And shall you like it better to have it known that you were General Arnold’s agent?’
“I saw Hugh’s face lose its quiet look, and again he smiled. ‘In that case,’ he said, ‘I should tell my own story and Mr. Andre’s to his Excellency, and then, my good cousin, I should kill you like a mad dog, and with no ceremony of a duel. You warned me once when I was a mere boy. It is my turn now. As there is a God in heaven, I will do as I have said.’
“‘Two can play at that game,’ said Arthur. Hugh made no reply.
“And on this we left the man standing, and went forth without another word.
“‘I think his fangs are drawn,’ said Hugh. And indeed that was my opinion. I made up my mind, however, that at the least unpleasant rumour of any kind, I would take such a hand in the matter as would save Hugh from having to go to extremities.”