ther; and we
have three combatants; so that placing one at each point, it is all
fair play for the three: Mr. Easy, for instance, stands here, the
boatswain here, and the purser's steward at the third corner. Now, if
the distance is fairly measured, it will be alright."

"But then," replied Gascoigne, delighted at the idea, "how are they to
fire?"

"It certainly is not of much consequence," replied the gunner; "but
still, as sailors, it appears to me that they should fire with the sun;
that is, Mr. Easy fires at Mr. Biggs, Mr. Biggs at Mr. Easthupp, and
Mr. Easthupp fires at Mr. Easy, so that you perceive that each party
has his shot at one, and at the same time receives the fire of another."

Gascoigne was in ecstasies at the novelty of the proceeding, the more
so as he perceived that Easy obtained every advantage of the
arrangement.

"Upon my word, Mr. Tallboys, I give you great credit; you have a
profound mathematical head, and I am delighted with your arrangement.
Of course in these affairs the principals are bound to comply with the
arrangements of the seconds, and I shall insist upon Mr. Easy
consenting to your excellent and scientific proposal."

Gascoigne went out, and, pulling Jack away from the monkey, told him
what the gunner had proposed, at which Jack laughed heartily.

The gunner also explained it to the boatswain, who did not very well
comprehend, but replied:

"I dare say it's all right, shot for shot, and damn all favours."

The parties then repaired to the spot with two pairs of ship's pistols,
which Mr. Tallboys had smuggled on shore; and as soon as they were on
the ground the gunner called Mr. Easthupp out of the cooperage. In the
meantime Gascoigne had been measuring an equilateral triangle of twelve
paces, and marked it out. Mr. Tallboys, on his return with the
purser's steward, went over the ground, and, finding that it was "equal
angles subtended by equal sides," declared that all was right. Easy
took his station, the boatswain was put into his, and Mr. Easthupp, who
was quite in a mystery, was led by the gunner to the third position.

"But, Mr. Tallboys," said the purser's steward, "I don't understand
this. Mr. Easy will first fight Mr. Biggs, will he not?"

"No," replied the gunner, "this is a duel of three. You will fire at
Mr. Easy, Mr. Easy will fire at Mr. Biggs, and Mr. Biggs will fire at
you. It is all arranged, Mr. Easthupp."

"But," said Mr. Easthupp, "I do not under