mean as principal, not as second. But, my dear fellow, I must give you a
little advice, relative to your behaviour as a second; for I'm very
particular on these occasions, and like that things should be done very
correctly. It will never do, my dear Newland, that you appear on the
ground with that melancholy face. I do not mean that you should laugh,
or even smile, that would be equally out of character, but you should
show yourself perfectly calm and indifferent. In your behaviour towards
the other second, you must be most scrupulously polite, but, at the same
time, never give up a point of dispute, in which my interest may be
concerned. Even in your walk be slow, and move, as much as the ground
will allow you, as if you were in a drawing-room. Never remain silent;
offer even trivial remarks, rather than appear distract. There is one
point of great importance--I refer to choosing the ground, in which,
perhaps, you will require my unperceived assistance. Any decided line
behind me would be very advantageous to my adversary, such as the trunk
of a tree, post, &c.; even an elevated light or dark ground behind me is
unadvisable. Choose, if you can, a broken light, as it affects the
correctness of the aim; but as you will not probably be able to manage
this satisfactorily, I will assist you. When on the ground, after having
divided the sun fairly between us, I will walk about unconcernedly, and
when I perceive a judicious spot, I will take a pinch of snuff and use
my handkerchief, turning at the same time in the direction in which I
wish my adversary to be placed. Take your cue from that, and with all
suavity of manner, insist as much as you can upon our being so placed.
That must be left to your own persuasive powers. I believe I have now
stated all that is necessary, and I must prepare my instruments."

The major then went into his own room, and I never felt more nervous or
more unhinged than after this conversation. I had a melancholy
foreboding--but that I believe every one has, when he, for the first
time, has to assist at a mortal rencontre. I was in a deep musing when
he returned with his pistols and all the necessary apparatus; and when
the Major pointed out to me, and made me once or twice practice the
setting of the hair triggers, which is the duty of the second, an
involuntary shudder came over me.

"Why, Newland, what is the matter with you? I thought that you had more
nerve."

"I probably should show more,