The sight of his uncle, and the unflinching aspect of the person he had ventured to insult, had the effect to cool off his excitement many degrees.
"What is the meaning of this, young men ?" sternly repeated Judge Bigelow, looking from one to the other.
"I have answered your question as far as I am concerned," replied Henry.
"Ralph! Speak! Did you offer him an insult ?" To this demand, the nephew replied, with no abatement of his originally offensive manner-- "If he chooses to consider my words as an insult, let him do so.

I shall in no case take them back." "What did you say ?" There was an imperative force in the Judge's manner.
Dewey was silent.
"What did he say,"-- Judge Bigelow turned to Wallingford, "that you should answer it with a blow ?" "If he is satisfied with the answer," replied the latter, "the case can rest where it is.

If not, I am ready to meet him on any appeal.

I He will find me no trifler." The Judge turned again to his nephew.
"Ralph! I insist upon having this matter explained.

I know Henry too well to believe that he would strike you, unless there had been strong provocation." "Perhaps he regarded it as such; I did not," said Dewey.
"If he is satisfied with his chastisement, there is no occasion to press him farther, Judge." Wallingford was provoked to this by the young man's cool impertinence.
Dewey made a movement as if about to rush upon Wallingford, but the Judge interposed his body to keep them apart.