Hornblower: The Even Chance Page #4

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Your men are all properly placed,

Mr. Simpson?

Indeed they are, sir.

This is Mr. Caldwell,

also of the Goliath.

Mr. Simpson and Mr. Hornblower

of the Justinian.

We have a long wait

before us, I fear.

Will you gentlemen join me in a glass?

- Yes, sir.

- And a game of cards to pass the time.

- Gladly, sir, gladly.

Excellent. Potman! Cards and a light!

And the rest are mine.

What do you mean the rest are yours?

- Five tricks. Game and rubber.

- I might take another.

I trump a lead of hearts

with diamonds

and make three more clubs.

- You're very sure.

- It's a mathematical certainty.

You know too much about this game.

He seems to know the backs of

the cards as well as the fronts.

That is an insulting remark,

Mr. Simpson.

For that I shall have

to ask satisfaction.

Come,Mr. Hornblower. Mr.Simpson had

a momentary loss of temper.

I am sure he will explain.

I have been accused of cheating

at cards, sir.

That is a hard thing to explain away.

The wine was in and the wit was out.

Mr. Simpson was speaking in jest,

I am sure.

Let's call for another bottle and

drink it in friendship.

- With pleasure

- Excellent.

if Mr.Simpson begs my pardon at once

before you two gentlemen,

and admits that he spoke without

justification and in a manner

no gentleman would employ.

Apologize to you?

Never this side of hell.

You hear that, gentlemen?

I have been insulted.

Mr. Simpson refuses to apologize,

while insulting me further.

There is only one way now in which

satisfaction can be given.

A duel? Are you mad?

Tomorrow sees an end to it, Archie.

One way or another, I shall

be rid of him.

I have an even chance.

An even chance?

Simpson is reckoned one of the best

shots in the navy.

He'll kill you certain sure.

I'll act as your second, of course.

But, have you ever fought

a duel before?

You ready?

I can't prevail upon you to

change your mind?

Very well. Hand me my cloak.

Where is he?

I regret my principal has met

with an accident,

which prevents his attendance

this morning.

The coward has wet himself.

As his second, I am willing

to stand proxy.

- Proxy?

- I shall fight the duel in his stead

unless Mr. Simpson is willing to

withdraw his accusation,

of course.

- Never.

- Wait a moment Mr. Clayton,

I'm not sure if that's legal.

Legal or not, Dr.Hepplewhite,

it would settle the matter,

I am here.

And you're not afraid of me,

are you, Jack?

I will say, "One, two, three, fire."

At the last word gentlemen, you

can fire as you will.

- Are you ready?

- Yes.

Yes.

One, two, three,

Fire!

Got you, bastard.

Upstairs.

Clayton?

I'm sorry. I didn't kill him.

What is it?

What are they shouting about?

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