 not intimidate, did not fail to astonish the commodore, who
ascribed it to the spirit of his wife, which had inspired him. Trunnion that
instant desired his counsellor to prepare his cartridge-box, and order the
quietest horse in the stable to be kept ready saddled for the occasion; his eye
seemed to lighten with alacrity and pleasure at the prospect of smelling
gun-powder once more before his death; and when Jack advised him to make his
will, in case of accident, he rejected his counsel with disdain, saying, »What!
dost think that Hawser Trunnion, who has stood the fire of so many floating
batteries, runs any risk from the lousy pops of a landman? Thou shalt see, thou
shalt see how I will make him lower his top-sails.« Next day Peregrine and the
soldier provided themselves with horses at the public house, from whence, at the
destined hour, they rode to the field of battle, each of them being muffled in a
great coat, which, with the dimness of the light, effectually shielded them from
the knowledge of the one-eyed commander, who having taken horse, on pretence of
enjoying the fresh air, soon appeared with Hatchway in his rear. When they came
within sight of each other, the seconds advanced, in order to divide the ground,
and regulate the measures of the combat; when it was determined by mutual
consent, that two pistols should be discharged on each side, and that if neither
should prove decisive, recourse must be had to the broad-swords, in order to
ascertain the victory. These articles being settled, the opponents rode forward
to their respective stations, when Peregrine cocking his pistol, and presenting,
counterfeited his father's voice, and bad Trunnion take care of his remaining
eye. The commodore took his advice, being unwilling to hazard his day-light, and
very deliberately opposed the patched side of his face to the muzzle of his
antagonist's piece, desiring him to do his duty without further jaw. The young
man accordingly fired, and the distance being small, the wad of his pistol took
place with a smart stroke on the forehead of Trunnion, who mistaking it for the
ball, which he thought was lodged in his brain, spurred up his steed in a state
of desperation towards his antagonist, and holding his piece within two yards of
his body, let it off, without any regard to the laws of battle. Surprised and
enraged to see it had made no impression, he hollowed in a terrible tone, »O!
damn ye, you
