"No—except that you are the most insulting scoundrel I ever met, and that I wish you were worth powder and shot."
"Let that pass, sir," continued the stranger, with a bitter smile. "Did you ever hear of Captain Smith, sir?"
"Of twenty, sir. I know fifteen Captain Smiths most intimately."
"But I happen to be one of the five unhonoured by your acquaintance. You are acquainted with Mrs Smith; sir?"
"I'm acquainted with three-and-twenty, sir. What then?"
"I was in hopes, that the recollection of Oakside would have induced you to treat her name with more respect."
Chatterton's brow grew dark with rage. "So, then," he said, lifting his hat with even more pride and coldness than his adversary—"so, then, you're the Captain Smith I have heard of, and it was no false report? I am delighted, sir, to see you here, and to know that you are a gentleman, that I may, without degradation to her Majesty's commission, put a bullet or two into your body. Your insulting conduct deserves chastisement, sir, and it shall have it."
"With all my heart," replied Captain Smith; the pleasure of calling you to account was the object of my visit. I accept your challenge—only wondering that you have spirit and honour enough left to resent an intentional affront. Can we meet to-night?"
"Certainly. I shall send a friend to you in half an hour. He is gone on a similar message to another person already; and I will let you know at what hour I shall be disengaged."
"Agreed," said Captain Smith; and the enemies, after a deep and formal bow on either side, pursued their way in different directions.