cated the whole
affair to the young gentlemen, entreating them, for the love of God,
to concert some means of bringing old Hannibal into the field. The
two friends relished the proposal; and after some deliberation, it was
resolved that Hatchway should tell Trunnion his invitation was accepted
by Gamaliel, who would meet him at the place appointed, with his second,
to-morrow in the twilight, because, if either should fall, the other
would have the chance of escaping in the dark; that Godfrey should
personate old Pickle's friend, and Peregrine represent his own father;
while the lieutenant should take care in loading the pistols to keep out
the shot, so that no damage might be done in the rencounter.

These circumstances being adjusted, the lieutenant returned to his
principal with a most thundering reply from his antagonist, whose
courageous behaviour, though it could not intimidate, did not fail to
astonish the commodore, who ascribed it to the spirit of his wife,
which had inspired him. Trunnion that instant desired his counsellor to
prepare his cartridge-box, and order the quietest horse in the stable to
be kept ready saddled for the occasion; his eye seemed to lighten with
alacrity and pleasure at the prospect of smelling gunpowder once more
before his death; and when Jack advised him to make his will, in case of
accident, he rejected his counsel with disdain, saying, "What! dost thou
think that Hawser Trunnion, who has stood the fire of so many floating
batteries, runs any risk from the lousy pops of a landman? Thou shalt
see, thou shalt see, how I'll make him lower his topsails."

Next day Peregrine and the soldier provided themselves with horses at
the public-house, from whence, at the destined hour, they rode to the
field of battle, each of them being muffed in a great coat, which, with
the dimness of the light, effectually shielded them from the knowledge
of the one-eyed commander, who, having taken horse, on pretence of
enjoying the fresh air, soon appeared with Hatchway in his rear. When
they came within sight of each other, the seconds advanced, in order to
divide the ground, and regulate the measures of the combat; when it was
determined by mutual consent, that two pistols should be discharged on
each side, and that if neither should prove decisive, recourse must
be had to the broad-swords, in order to ascertain the victory. These
articles being settled, the opponents rode forward to their respective
stati