all obstacles in his path to her. Well, I am not called on to meet him,
but I will take this hazard, as well as every other, for her.'

I signified my assent to his proposals, and there, on the scene of his
detected iniquity, we calmly discussed the necessary arrangements.

The next day, in pursuance of them, we met as by accident in the most
frequented hotel, and, after the usual salutations, engaged in
conversation, handling various papers, as if transacting a negotiation
of some kind. Gradually we warmed and our tones became louder, until
finally he exclaimed, 'It is false, Mr. Bell! Entirely false! I never
made any such representation.'

'Perhaps,' I answered mildly, 'you mean to intimate that I am mistaken,
and would not charge me, as your words imply, with wilful falsehood.'

'You must make your own application, sir,' he rejoined. 'I say your
statement is false--so false that a mere mistake can scarcely be
considered responsible for it.'

'Such a reiteration of your insult,' I said, 'leaves me no redress
except by force. As you gave the first offense, I return it to your
keeping.' So saying, I struck him.

By-standers, who had been attracted around, now seized us, and there
was, of course, much excitement and confusion.

'This is a simple matter of private business, gentlemen,' said Mr.
Sefton, 'and its settlement will take place elsewhere.'