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 in a matter of play, and without any provocation offered him the greatest insult a gentleman could receive."

These honeyed words made the Captain impatient, he bit his moustache, and could refrain from speaking no longer.

"Come to the point," said he sharply to Doctor T, whose speech he had interrupted, "we don't want so many words; the affair is simple enough; Captain MacElwin raised his hand against Mr. Drake, your friend accepted the blow, he assumes the part of the offended, and demands satisfaction. He has the choice of arms. What next?"

"Does Captain MacElwin accept the challenge?" asked the Doctor, baffled by Corsican's tone.

"Decidedly."

"Our friend, Harry Drake, has chosen swords."

"Very well, and where is the engagement to take place? In New York?"

"No, here on board."

"On board, be it so; at what time? To-morrow morning?"

"This evening at six o'clock, at the end of the upper-deck, which will be deserted at that time."

"Very well."

Thus saying, the Captain took my arm, and turned his back on Dr. T.