Who is it with,--not old Blake himself; how was it?
Tell me all." I immediately detailed the whole events of the preceding chapter, as well as his frequent interruptions would permit, and concluded by asking what farther step was now to be taken, as I was resolved the matter should be concluded before it came to my uncle's ears.
"There you are all right; quite correct, my boy.

But there are many points I should have wished otherwise in the conduct of the affair hitherto." Conceiving that he was displeased at my petulance and boldness, I was about to commence a kind of defence, when he added,-- "Because, you see," said he, assuming an oracular tone of voice, "throwing a wine-glass, with or without wine, in a man's face is merely, as you may observe, a mark of denial and displeasure at some observation he may have made,--not in any wise intended to injure him, further than in the wound to his honor at being so insulted, for which, of course, he must subsequently call you out.

Whereas, Charley, in the present case, the view I take is different; the expression of Mr.Bodkin, as regards your uncle, was insulting to a degree,--gratuitously offensive,--and warranting a blow.
Therefore, my boy, you should, under such circumstances, have preferred aiming at him with a decanter: a cut-glass decanter, well aimed and low, I have seen do effective service.

However, as you remark it was your first thing of the kind, I am pleased with you--very much pleased with you.

Now, then, for the next step." So saying, he arose from his bed, and striking a light with a tinder-box, proceeded to dress himself as leisurely as if for a dinner party, talking all the while.
"I will just take Godfrey's tax-cart and the roan mare on to Meelish, put them up at the little inn,--it is not above a mile from Bodkin's; and I'll go over and settle the thing for you.