"No; he knows nothing about it. He has written you a challenge, of which I am the bearer, but I voluntarily, and of my own accord, wish to meet you instead."
"This is a strange mode of proceeding."
"If you will not accede to it, and fight him first, and any harm comes to him, you shall fight me afterwards."
"Indeed."
"Yes, indeed you shall, however surprised you may look."
"As this appears to be quite a family affair, then," said Sir Francis Varney, "it certainly does appear immaterial which of you I fight with first."
"Quite so; now you take a sensible view of the question. Will you meet me?"
"I have no particular objection. Have you settled all your affairs, and made your will?"
"What's that to you?"
"Oh, I only asked, because there is generally so much food for litigation if a man dies intestate, and is worth any money."