‘Now,’ I meditated, ’I have the clue to the mystery.  Relying properly on my wife’s pride, and (alas!) her probable want of regard for me, this man was convinced that she would not relate his attempt upon her, and that I should never therefore be able to trace his connection with the conspiracy.  My opportune knowledge has counteracted his designs.  Evidently he has determined to possess Evelyn in marriage, since he can in no other way.  Therefore he suggested the divorce; and now, being an excellent shot (while unaware of my own skill), he counts on removing me by death—­thus destroying all proof of his villany, and at the same time all obstacles in his path to her.  Well, I am not called on to meet him, but I will take this hazard, as well as every other, for her.’

I signified my assent to his proposals, and there, on the scene of his detected iniquity, we calmly discussed the necessary arrangements.

The next day, in pursuance of them, we met as by accident in the most frequented hotel, and, after the usual salutations, engaged in conversation, handling various papers, as if transacting a negotiation of some kind.  Gradually we warmed and our tones became louder, until finally he exclaimed, ’It is false, Mr. Bell!  Entirely false!  I never made any such representation.’

‘Perhaps,’ I answered mildly, ’you mean to intimate that I am mistaken, and would not charge me, as your words imply, with wilful falsehood.’

‘You must make your own application, sir,’ he rejoined.  ’I say your statement is false—­so false that a mere mistake can scarcely be considered responsible for it.’

‘Such a reiteration of your insult,’ I said, ’leaves me no redress except by force.  As you gave the first offense, I return it to your keeping.’  So saying, I struck him.

By-standers, who had been attracted around, now seized us, and there was, of course, much excitement and confusion.

‘This is a simple matter of private business, gentlemen,’ said Mr. Sefton, ‘and its settlement will take place elsewhere.’

‘Yes, gentlemen,’ I added, ’your interference now is not required, and hereafter will be of no avail.’  So we separated.

I proceeded to my place of business and retired to my secret chamber, giving orders to admit no one to me (lest I should be disturbed by the officiousness of friends seeking to ‘arrange’ matters), but to send up any letters.  Soon a formal challenge arrived, to which I despatched a formal answer.  At the hour of closing business I sought my chief clerk, whom I knew to be a sporting man, and briefly informed him of the anticipated duel, which was appointed for an early hour the next morning, the weapons pistols, and the place a short distance from the city, and engaged him to act as my second.