As we approached them they turned about, and Phripps advanced, holding a pair of small swords in one hand and a case containing pistols in the other.
Will and the Major stood aside and Phripps, Barron and myself proceeded to arrange the details of the meeting.
It was decided to fight the affair with swords, until one or the other of the combatants was completely disabled, and I must say that Phripps was fair enough in the matter. He measured the weapons and gave Barron the choice, after which he took the one left and started toward Harrison, who had strolled down on the river shore to where the sand was hard and firm.
I might say here, that I was not at all unfriendly toward Harrison, and that I only took part in the affair after I had done everything in my power to settle matters peaceably. It required nice discernment, in those days, for a man to make up his mind whether he was a tory or not, and it was more because I sympathized with the Major's political ideas, than anything else, that I took any part in the matter at all. As it was, I acted as I had acted several times before in such cases; that is, as referee or judge, while Barron and Phripps were seconds to their respective men. Will Byrd simply acted as a spectator. It was a perfect spot for a meeting. The tall sweeping willows for a background on the low bluff-like bank, and the water sparkling in the sunshine beyond the shadow. The sand of the shore was firm and flat, and there was plenty of room, as it was now nearly low water. I marked a spot and gave the signal for the men to take their places.
I introduced the Major to Phripps and bade Barron hand him his weapon quickly to avoid unnecessary delay, for I knew his habits of inquiry.
"Mr. Phripps, your mother was a Robinson, I believe, if I remember correctly," said he, as Barron passed him the hilt and cast off his sword belt.
"I never met her as a girl," snapped Phripps, impatiently.
"The more honor to her," replied the Major, quietly, as he flashed out his heavy broadsword. "No fear," he continued, as Phripps reached hastily for the pistol case, "I'll attend to you some other time. I have to do with Dunmore's heel dog first."
I took up a pistol and cocked back the flint. "You know the penalty, Major. Take your place and weapon," I said.