What! has't got no conscience?' 'My conscience is
perfectly quiet (replied the other); and now, Sir, we are upon
the spot -- Take your ground as near as you please; prime your
pistol; and the Lord, of his infinite mercy, have compassion upon
your miserable soul!'
This ejaculation he pronounced in a loud solemn tone, with his
hat off, and his eyes lifted up; then drawing a large horse-pistol,
he presented, and put himself in a posture of action.
Prankley took his distance, and endeavoured to prime, but his
hand shook with such violence, that he found this operation
impracticable -- His antagonist, seeing how it was with him,
offered his assistance, and advanced for that purpose; when the
poor squire, exceedingly alarmed at what he had heard and seen,
desired the action might be deferred till next day, as he had not
settled his affairs. 'I ha'n't made my will (said he); my sisters
are not provided for; and I just now recollect an old promise,
which my conscience tells me I ought to perform -- I'll first
convince thee, that I'm not a wretch without principle, and then
thou shalt have an opportunity to take my life, which thou
seem'st to thirst after so eagerly.
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