CHAPTER VIII.
THE DUEL.
As the boatmen pulled in towards the shore we perceived, a few hundred yards off, a group of persons standing, whom we soon recognized as our opponents.

"Charley," said the count, grasping my arm tightly, as I stood up to spring on the land,--"Charley, although you are only a boy, as I may say, I have no fear for your courage; but still more than that is needful here.

This Bodkin is a noted duellist, and will try to shake your nerve.
Now, mind that you take everything that happens quite with an air of indifference; don't let him think that he has any advantage over you, and you'll see how the tables will be turned in your favor." "Trust to me, Count" said I; "I'll not disgrace you." He pressed my hand tightly, and I thought that I discerned something like a slight twitch about the corners of his grim mouth, as if some sudden and painful thought had shot across his mind; but in a moment he was calm, and stern-looking as ever.
"Twenty minutes late, Mr.Considine," said a short, red-faced little man, with a military frock and foraging cap, as he held out his watch in evidence.
"I can only say, Captain Malowney, that we lost no time since we parted.

We had some difficulty in finding a boat; but in any case, we are here _now_, and that, I opine, is the important part of the matter." "Quite right,--very just indeed.

Will you present me to your young friend.
Very proud to make your acquaintance, sir; your uncle and I met more than once in this kind of way.