A quarrel of course; Louis Grayle sent a challenge.

The fine gentleman, known to be no coward (fine gentlemen never are), was at first disposed to refuse with contempt.

But Grayle had made himself the idol of the mob; and at a word from Grayle, the fine gentleman might have been ducked at a pump, or tossed in a blanket,--that would have made him ridiculous; to be shot at is a trifle, to be laughed at is serious.

He therefore condescended to accept the challenge, and my father was his second.
"It was settled, of course, according to English custom, that both combatants should fire at the same time, and by signal.

The antagonist fired at the right moment; his ball grazed Louis Grayle's temple.