"Then," said the Captain, after a puzzled look out to sea, "supposing that my friends disclaim all intention to offend you in that case--"
"In that case I should be glad, Capt. Beebee, that they had changed their line of tactics--there is nothing to change in my own."
"Then what are we to understand by this strange refusal of a meeting, Mr. Carleton? what does it mean?"
"It means one thing in my own mind, sir, and probably another in yours; but the outward expression I choose to give it is that I will not reward uncalled-for rudeness with an opportunity of self-vindication."
"You are," said Thorn sneeringly, "probably careless as to the figure your own name will cut in connection with this story?"
"Entirely so," said Mr. Carleton, eying him steadily.
"You are aware that your character is at our mercy?"
A slight bow seemed to leave at their disposal the very small portion of his character he conceived to lie in that predicament.
"You will expect to hear yourself spoken of in terms that befit a man who has cowed out of an engagement he dared not fulfil?"
"Of course," said Carleton haughtily, "by my present refusal I give you leave to say all that, and as much more as your ingenuity can furnish in the same style; but not in my hearing, sir."