Lord Althorp immediately rose, and amid loud cheers, and with considerable warmth, demanded to know what the honourable and learned gentleman meant by his gesticulation;" and then, after an explanation from O'Connell, his Lordship went on to use phrases which very clearly signified that, though he had no cause for sending a challenge, he had just as little intention of declining one; upon which he likewise was made over to the Sergeant.

Before, however, honourable Members went to their dinners, they had the relief of learning that their refractory colleagues had submitted to the Speaker's authority, and had been discharged from custody.
There was only one way out of the difficulty.

On the 10th of February a Committee of Investigation was appointed, composed of Members who enjoyed a special reputation for discretion.

Mr.Hill called his witnesses.

The first had nothing relevant to tell.