I ran out at the
gate, and, seeing him turn the corner of the street, I dispatched
my servant to observe his motions, but the fellow was too late to
bring me that satisfaction. He told me, however, that there was
an inn, called the Red Lion, at that end of the town, where he
supposed the horseman had alighted, but that he would not enquire
without further orders. I sent him back immediately to know what
strangers were in the house, and he returned with a report that
there was one Mr Wilson lately arrived. In consequence of this
information I charged him with a note directed to that gentleman,
desiring him to meet me in half an hour in a certain field at the
town's end, with a case of pistols, in order to decide the
difference which could not be determined at our last rencounter:
but I did not think proper to subscribe the billet. My man
assured me he had delivered it into his own hand; and, that
having read it, he declared he would wait upon the gentleman at
the place and time appointed.
M'Alpine being an old soldier, and luckily sober at the time, I
entrusted him with my secret. I ordered him to be within call,
and, having given him a letter to be delivered to my uncle in
case of accident, I repaired to the rendezvous, which was an
inclosed field at a little distance from the highway.
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