The two friends relished the proposal;
and after some deliberation, it was resolved that Hatchway should
tell Trunnion his invitation was accepted by Gamaliel, who would
meet him at the place appointed, with his second, to-morrow in the
twilight, because, if either should fall, the other would have the
chance of escaping in the dark; that Godfrey should personate old
Pickle's friend, and Peregrine represent his own father; while the
lieutenant should take care in loading the pistols to keep out the
shot, so that no damage might be done in the rencounter.
These circumstances being adjusted, the lieutenant returned to his
principal with a most thundering reply from his antagonist, whose
courageous behaviour, though it could not intimidate, did not fail
to astonish the commodore, who ascribed it to the spirit of his
wife, which had inspired him. Trunnion that instant desired his
counsellor to prepare his cartridge-box, and order the quietest
horse in the stable to be kept ready saddled for the occasion; his
eye seemed to lighten with alacrity and pleasure at the prospect
of smelling gunpowder once more before his death; and when Jack
advised him to make his will, in case of accident, he rejected his
counsel with disdain, saying, "What! dost thou think that Hawser
Trunnion, who has stood the fire of so many floating batteries,
runs any risk from the lousy pops of a landman? Thou shalt see,
thou shalt see, how I'll make him lower his topsails.
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