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218 just about to take their stations, when they were interrupted by Mr. Lloyd, who, in returning from his morning walk, passed through this wood, which was within a short distance of his house. On emerging from the thick wood, into the open space selected by the young men, they were directly before him, so that it was impossible for him to mistake the design of their meeting.

"Confusion!" exclaimed Edward; mortified that Mr. Lloyd, of all men living, should have witnessed this scene; and then turning to him, for Mr. Lloyd was approaching him, "To what, Sir," said he haughtily, "do we owe the favour of your company?"

"Purely to accident, Mr. Erskine, or, I should say, to Providence, if I may be so happy as to prevent a rash violation of the laws of God and man."

"Stand off, Sir!" said Edward, determined now to brave Mr. Lloyd's opposition, "and witness, if you will, for you shall not prevent a brave encounter."

Mr. Lloyd had interposed himself between Edward and his adversary, and he did not move from his station. "Brave encounter!" he replied, pointing with a smile of contempt to Rivington, who was shaking as if he had an ague; "that young man's pale cheeks and trembling limbs do not look like 'impostors to true fear;' they do not promise the merit of bravery to your encounter, Mr. Erskine."