Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 7.djvu/92

72 of a rogue. His companion, another of Drake's associates, was one of those extraordinary merchants who has always for sale anything you may ask him to buy.

Doctor T spoke first, after making a very emphatic bow, which Captain Corsican hardly condescended to acknowledge.

"Gentlemen," said Doctor T, in a grave tone, "our friend Drake, a gentleman whose merit and deportment cannot fail to be appreciated by everyone, has sent us to arrange a somewhat delicate affair with you; that is to say, Captain Fabian MacElwin, to whom we first addressed ourselves, referred us to you as his representative. I hope that we shall be able to come to an understanding between ourselves worthy the position of gentlemen touching the delicate object of our mission."

We made no reply, but allowed the gentleman to become embarrassed with his delicacy.

"Gentlemen," continued he, "there is not the remotest doubt but that Captain MacElwin is in the wrong. That gentleman has unreasonably, and without the slightest pretext, questioned the honor of Harry Drake's proceedings 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 mustache, and could refrain 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."