"Is he a friend of yours?"
"He is, sir."
"Then, sir, I do not drink to him, because he lies under grave imputations."
"And pray, sir, what may they be?" he asked.
"Oh, I only have them on hearsay," I said, drawing him on.
"And what do you hear?"
"Only that he is a coward and an informer, and, of course, a scoundrel, whose health any gentleman would refuse to drink," I answered, mighty cool.
"What!" said he; "do you really believe him a coward?"
"That is his general character."
"Then, sir," said he, "if you will send him a challenge I will bear it, and if he will not fight you, I will."