His father was a soldier of fortune as I am a sailor--he himself, I suppose, is little better, unless just as his uncle pleases; and whether one pursues fortune by land, or sea, makes no great difference, I should fancy." "None in the universe, certainly," answered Lovel.
"Well," said his new ally, "we will dine together and arrange matters for this rencounter.

I hope you understand the use of the weapon ?" "Not particularly," Lovel replied.
"I am sorry for that--M'Intyre is said to be a marksman." "I am sorry for it also," said Lovel, "both for his sake and my own: I must then, in self-defence, take my aim as well as I can." "Well," added Taffril, "I will have our surgeon's mate on the field--a good clever young fellow at caulking a shot-hole.

I will let Lesley, who is an honest fellow for a landsman, know that he attends for the benefit of either party.

Is there anything I can do for you in case of an accident ?" "I have but little occasion to trouble you," said Lovel.

"This small billet contains the key of my escritoir, and my very brief secret.