p, and
told me that what I said was a lie, and that I was a scoundrel for
having said so.

Now, as my observation was to my first lieutenant, and was in reference
to the hold of the frigate, there could be no cause for this insult, and
it could only be ascribed to his being in a state of intoxication. My
reply was very cool and quiet: "Major, you do not know what you are
saying; but we will talk about it to-morrow morning." I then rose and
went to my bed-room, and the whole party broke up immediately.

Shortly afterwards, Colonel Delmar came into my room, and blaming the
major very much for his conduct, ascribed it to intoxication and said
that he would make him send a proper apology, which he had no doubt the
next morning, when the major was informed of what he had done, he would
be most anxious to offer himself.

I replied, that I presumed so; and he quitted my room. Indeed, so fully
was I convinced of this in my own mind, that I gave it no further
thought, and was soon fast asleep, and did not wake until Colonel Delmar
entered my room at a late hour.

"Well, colonel," said I.

"My dear Keene," said he, "I have been to the major, and, to my
surprise, when I stated to him what had passed at the table last night,
his reply was, that he perfectly remembered all about it and that he
would not retract what he had said. I remonstrated with him, but in
vain. He says, that it is cowardly to retract, and that he will never
make an apology."

"Then," replied I, "there is but one step for me to take."

"As our friend, I told him so, and pressed him very hard to acknowledge
his error, but he continued steadfast in his refusal. I then took upon
myself to say that I was there as your friend, and begged he would name
an officer to whom I might address myself. Did I not right, my dear
Keene?"

"Certainly; and I am very much obliged to you," replied I, putting on my
dressing-gown.

"He must be mad, utterly and positively mad!" exclaimed Colonel Delmar;
"I regret very much that he has ever come here. I know that some years
ago, when he was younger, he fought two or three duels rather than make
an apology; but in this instance it was so unprovoked, and I had hoped
that he had got over all that nonsense and obstinacy. Are you a good
shot, Keene? because he is a notorious one."

"I can hit my man, colonel; it is true that I have only fought one duel
in my life, and would make a great sacrifice rather than fight anoth