 impatience at the
intrusion of so unworthy a subject on their more interesting theme, »when Mr.
Chester come this morning, did he order the large room?«
    »He signified, sir,« said John, »that he wanted a large apartment. Yes.
Certainly.«
    »Why then, I'll tell you what,« said Solomon, speaking softly and with an
earnest look. »He and Mr. Haredale are going to fight a duel in it.«
    Everybody looked at Mr. Willet, after this alarming suggestion. Mr. Willet
looked at the fire, weighing in his own mind the effect which such an occurrence
would be likely to have on the establishment.
    »Well,« said John, »I don't know - I am sure - I remember that when I went
up last, he had put the lights upon the mantel-shelf.«
    »It's as plain,« returned Solomon, »as the nose on Parkes's face« - Mr.
Parkes, who had a large nose, rubbed it, and looked as if he considered this a
personal allusion - »they'll fight in that room. You know by the newspapers what
a common thing it is for gentlemen to fight in coffee-houses without seconds.
One of 'em will be wounded or perhaps killed in this house.«
    »That was a challenge that Barnaby took then, eh?« said John.
    »- Inclosing a slip of paper with the measure of his sword upon it, I'll bet
a guinea,« answered the little man. »We know what sort of gentleman Mr. Haredale
is. You have told us what Barnaby said about his looks, when he came back.
Depend upon it, I'm right. Now, mind.«
    The flip had had no flavour till now. The tobacco had been of mere English
growth, compared with its present taste. A duel in that great old rambling room
up-stairs, and the best bed ordered already for the wounded man!
    »Would it be swords or pistols, now?« said John.
    »Heaven knows. Perhaps both,« returned Solomon. »The gentlemen wear swords,
and may easily have pistols in their pockets - most likely have, indeed. If they
fire at each other without effect, then they'll draw, and go to work in
earnest.«
    A shade passed over Mr. Willet's face as he thought of broken windows and
disabled furniture, but bethinking himself that one of the parties would
probably be left
