One of these consequences the principals in the engagement were not long in learning. A message arrived for each, before the evening was over, that they were reported to the doctor, and were to go to his room at nine next morning.
Silk did not get the message till late, as he had been absent most of the evening in Tucker’s study, who was an expert at repairing the damage incurred in a pugilistic encounter.
When about bedtime he returned to his own study and found the captain’s note lying on the table, he broke out into a state of fury which, to say the least of it, it was well there was no one at hand to witness.
Late as the hour was, he went at once to Riddell’s study.
Riddell was half-undressed as his visitor entered. “What do you want?” he inquired.
“I want you! Do you mean to say you’ve reported me to the doctor?”
“Of course. It was a fight. I’m bound to report it.”
“Bound to report it. You snivelling humbug! Have you sent the name up yet?”
“Why do you want to know?” said Riddell, who had ceased to be in bodily fear of Silk for some time past.
“Because I want to know. Have you sent it up?”