in Carrington
quitted the colonel, who would have expostulated, and, walking up to the
other gentlemen, entered into a recapitulation of the circumstances. A
wink of his eye, as his back was turned to the colonel, fully expressed
to the others the tenor of the advice which they were to offer.

"Well, gentlemen, what is your opinion?" said the captain, as he
concluded his narrative.

"I think," replied Mr S---, with a serious face, "there can be but
one--our gallant friend has been most grossly insulted. I think,"
continued he, addressing the colonel, who had quitted the sofa, in his
anxiety to know the issue of their debate, "that I should most decidedly
ask him what he meant."

"Or rather demand an apology," observed Mr G---.

"Which Mr Sullivan as a man of honour is bound to offer, and the
colonel as a gentleman and an officer has a right to insist upon. Do
you not think so, Captain Carrington?" said Mr S---.

"Why, I always have been more inclined to be a peacemaker than
otherwise, if I can," replied Captain Carrington. "If our gallant
friend the colonel is not sure that Mr Sullivan did use the words, `I
won't trouble you to call again,'--are you positive as to the exact
words, colonel?"

"Why, to the best of my recollection," replied the colonel, "I rather
think those were the words.--I may be mistaken:--it was certainly--most
certainly--something to that effect."

"Were they, `requesting you to call again?'" said Captain Carrington.

"No, no,--that they certainly were not."

"Well, they could be but one or the other.--Then, gentlemen, the case is
clear--the words were uttered," said Mr S---, "Now, Captain Carrington,
what would you advise?"

"I really am vexed to say, that I do not see how our friend, Colonel
Ellice, can do otherwise than demand an apology, or a meeting."

"Could not I treat him with contempt, Captain Carrington?" demanded the
colonel.

"Why, not exactly," replied Mr S---. "Sullivan is of good family; the
Sullivans of Bally cum Poop. He was some time in the 48th regiment, and
was obliged to retire from it for challenging his colonel."

"Well, gentlemen," replied the colonel, "I suppose I must leave my
honour in your hands, although it does appear to me that our time is
very short for such arrangements. We sail early to-morrow morning;
Captain Carrington; at daylight, I think you said, and it will be too
late to-night."

"My dear colonel, I will risk a rebuke from the Admira