leman now, since he got an estate of his own--and that's Cynthy
Keegan. It'd be great fun to see him stepping the ground, and he only
with one foot."

"By heavens, George, you're a born fool; must you have your d----d
joke, when I'm talking so seriously?"

"Upon my soul, then, if it were myself, I'd send for Keegan. He'd
think the compliment so great, he wouldn't refuse, and it'd be such
a joke to see him on the ground with his crutches. But if you don't
like the attorney, send to Fitzpatrick."

"He's so young," said the father; "he'd do very well for either of
you; but I'd want some one steadier."

"Besides," said Fred, "Webb and Fitz are bosom friends. I wouldn't
wonder if Fitz were Webb's friend himself."

"I tell you, father--Major Longsword's exactly the boy," said George;
"send to Boyle for him; he wants to get a name in the country, and
the job'll just suit him."

"You're right for once, George," said Jonas, "Longsword's just the
man that will answer." And accordingly it was at last decided that
Major Longsword was to be the honoured individual. He had dined once
or twice at Brown Hall, and therefore there was some excuse for
calling upon him; and a note was accordingly written to him, with
a great deal of blarney about his station and experience, and the
inexpediency of entrusting affairs of honour to inexperienced country
gentlemen. This had the effect of immediately bringing him over to
Brown Hall, and on the Tuesday morning he was dispatched to Ardrum,
to make what arrangements he pleased with Mr. Webb.

To give Major Longsword his due, Mr. Brown could not have made a much
better choice; for though he was a disciple of that school, which
thoroughly entertained the now antiquated notion that the world--that
is, the world of men in broad cloth--could not go on without duels,
or a pretence of duels; still he was one who, as a second, would do
all in his power to prevent an absolute effusion of lead. He was a
great hand at an apology, and could regulate its proper degree of
indifference or abjectness to the exact state of the case; he could
make it almost satisfactory to the receiver, without being very
disagreeable to the giver; he could twaddle about honour for ever
without causing bloodshed; and would, if possible, protect a man's
reputation and body at the same time.

He started on his mission of peace with the determined intention of
returning with some document in his pocket which would appease Mr