ave them just a little more
than their due, as I afterward perceived when I came to understand the
English character somewhat. The great reason was that Paddy and I were
foreigners. It is not to be thought that gentlemen of their position
would have walked out for a duel with an Englishman in the party of so
fantastic an appearance. They would have placed him at once as a
person impossible and altogether out of their class. They would have
told a lackey to kick this preposterous creation into the horse-pond.
But since Paddy was a foreigner he was possessed of some curious
license, and his grotesque ways could be explained fully in the simple
phrase, "'Tis a foreigner."

So, then, we preceded my Lord Strepp and Colonel Royale through a
number of narrow streets and out into some clear country. I chose a
fine open bit of green turf as a goodly place for us to meet, and I
warped Paddy through the gate and moved to the middle of the field. I
drew my sword and saluted, and then turned away. I had told Paddy
everything which a heaven-sent sense of instruction could suggest, and
if he failed I could do no more than kill him.

After I had kicked him sharply he went aside with Lord Strepp, and
they indulged in what sounded like a very animated discussion.
Finally I was surprised to see Lord Strepp approaching me. He said:

"It is very irregular, but I seem unable to understand your friend. He
has proposed to me that the man whose head is broken first--I do not
perfectly understand what he could mean by that; it does not enter our
anticipations that a man could possibly have his head broken--he has
proposed that the man whose head may be broken first should provide
'lashings'--I feel sure that is the word--lashings of meat and drink
at some good inn for the others. Lashings is a word which I do not
know. We do not know how to understand you gentlemen when you speak of
lashings. I am instructed to meet any terms which you may suggest, but
I find that I cannot make myself clear to your friend who speaks of
nothing but lashings."

"Sir," said I, as I threw coat and waistcoat on the grass, "my friend
refers to a custom of his own country. You will, I feel sure, pardon
his misconception of the circumstances. Pray accept my regrets, and,
if you please, I am ready."

He immediately signified that his mind was now clear, and that the
incident of Paddy's lashings he regarded as closed. As for that
flame-headed imp of crime, if I coul