We plighted our troth, and resolved to wait upon
events.
Briggs called to see me a few days afterward. He said that the
purser had insulted the whole cockpit, and all the midshipmen had
called him out. But he added thoughtfully: "I don't see how we can
arrange the duel. You see there are six of us to fight him."
"Very easily," I replied. "Let your fellows all stand in a row,
and take his fire; that, you see, gives him six chances to one, and
he must be a bad shot if he can't hit one of you; while, on the
other hand, you see, he gets a volley from you six, and one of
you'll be certain to fetch him."
"Exactly"; and away Briggs went, but soon returned to say that the
purser had declined,--"like a d--d coward," he added.
But the news of the sudden and serious illness of Captain Boltrope
put off the duel. I hastened to his bedside, but too late,--an
hour previous he had given up the ghost.
I resolved to return to England. I made known the secret of my
birth, and exhibited my adopted father's letter to Lady Maitland,
who at once suggested my marriage with her daughter, before I
returned to claim the property. We were married, and took our
departure next day.
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