The young American was angry, but he managed to say with good composure: "I am an American, sir, and I demand a retraction of those words or a chance to match my courage against yours." A murmur of surprise greeted his challenge.
The Britisher turned quickly with color mounting to his brow and surveyed the sturdy form of the young man.
"I take back nothing that I say," he declared.
"Then, in behalf of my slandered countrymen, I demand the right to fight you or any Britisher who has the courage to take up your quarrel." Jack Irons had spoken calmly like one who had weighed his words.
The young Lieutenant who had entered the room with the fiery, middle-aged Britisher, rose and faced the American and said: "I will take up his quarrel, sir.

Here is my card." "And here is mine," said Jack.

"When will you be at home ?" "At noon to-morrow." "Some friend of mine will call upon you," Jack assured the other.
A look of surprise came to the face of the Lieutenant as he surveyed the card in his hand.

Jack was prepared for the name he read which was that of Lionel Clarke.
Franklin wrote some weeks later in a letter to John Irons of Albany: "When I came out of the physician's office I saw nothing in Jack's face and manner to suggest the serious proceeding he had entered upon.

If I had, or if some one had dropped a hint to me, I should have done what I could to prevent this unfortunate affair.