O my father! Most loved and most venerable of men! To see thee changed into a maniac! Haggard and wild! Deterred from outrage on thyself and those around thee by fetters and stripes! What was it that saved me from a like fate?
To view this hideous ruin, and to think by whom it was occasioned! Yet not to become frantic like thee, my father; or not destroy myself like thee, my brother! My friend!-- "'No.

For this hour was I reserved; to avenge your wrongs and mine in the blood of this ungrateful villain.' "'There,' continued he, producing a second pistol, and tendering it to me,--'there is thy defence.

Take we opposite sides of this table, and fire at the same instant.' "During this address I was motionless.

He tendered the pistol, but I unclasped not my hands to receive it.
"'Why do you hesitate ?' resumed he.

'Let the chance between us be equal, or fire you first.' "'No,' said I, 'I am ready to die by your hand.