 under no possibility of circumstances, could good have been
derived from such an intimacy, however its bad consequences might be qualified
by the thorough knowledge which Bucklaw possessed of his dependant's character,
and the high contempt in which he held it. But as circumstances stood, this evil
communication was particularly liable to corrupt what good principles nature had
implanted in the patron.
    Craigengelt had never forgiven the scorn with which Ravenswood had torn the
mask of courage and honesty from his countenance; and to exasperate Bucklaw's
resentment against him, was the safest mode of revenge that occurred to his
cowardly, yet cunning and malignant disposition.
    He brought up, on all occasions, the story of the challenge which Ravenswood
had declined to accept, and endeavoured, by every possible insinuation, to make
his patron believe that his honour was concerned in bringing that matter to an
issue by a present discussion with Ravenswood. But respecting his subject,
Bucklaw imposed on him, at length, a peremptory command of silence.
    »I think,« he said, »the Master has treated me unlike a gentleman, and I see
no right he had to send me back a cavalier answer when I demanded the
satisfaction of one - But he gave me my life once - and, in looking the matter
over at present, I put myself but on equal terms with him. Should he cross me
again, I shall consider the old accompt as balanced, and his Mastership will do
well to look to himself.«
    »That he should,« re-echoed Craigengelt; »for when you are in practice,
Bucklaw, I would bet a magnum you are through him before the third pass.«
    »Then you know nothing of the matter,« said Bucklaw, »and you never saw him
fence.«
    »And I know nothing of the matter?« said the dependant - »a good jest, I
promise you! - and though I never saw Ravenswood fence, have I not been at
Monsieur Sagoon's school, who was the first maître d'armes at Paris; and have I
not been at Signor Poco's at Florence, and Meinheer Durchstossen's at Vienna,
and have I not seen all their play?«
    »I don't know whether you have or not,« said Bucklaw, »but what about it,
though you had?«
    »Only that I will be d-d if ever I saw French, Italian, or High-Dutchman,
ever make foot, hand, and eye, keep time half so well as you, Bucklaw.«
    »I believe
