Blount was not particularly worried about missing Hall, feeling sure his man had gone to Dover, and knowing what the latter had probably forgotten—that there was no boat until late next day.
At the first hotel in Dover he found Hall registered, and after making sure he had really retired, sat up with the clerk all night—there would be no such slip this time as was made at Liverpool.
It was quite late when Hall made his appearance next morning, but Blount never stirred until he saw him enter the dining-room. Then he, too, entered and made a meal, timed to finish exactly with Hall's.
Hall went to his room and did not leave it until late in the afternoon. He then proceeded to the dock, bought a ticket for Calais, and was about to board the steamer when Blount tapped him on the shoulder:
"You can't leave, Mr. Hall!" he said.
Hall turned quickly and asked "Why not?"
"Because I have a warrant for your arrest."
"For what?" demanded Hall, turning color.
"Duelling! Your opponent is badly hurt and you must come back to London. If you wish to see the warrant here you can do so, but it will be better to come back to the hotel. I can show it there to yourself—here it would create excitement."