ce--the very night before
his honourable father sent his steward to pay the 'debt of honour' in
full--though aware that his son had been cheated out of it.

But the most extraordinary 'pass' of Dick England's career is still to
be related--not without points in it which make it difficult to believe,
in spite of the evidence, that it is the same 'party' who was concerned
in it. Here it is.

In the _Gentleman's Magazine_, in Gilchrist's Collection of British
Duels, in Dr Millingen's reproduction of the latter, the following
account occurs:--

'Mr Richard England was put to the bar at the Old Bailey, charged with
the "wilful murder" of Mr Rowlls, brewer, of Kingston, in a duel at
Cranford-bridge, June 18, 1784.

'Lord Derby, the first witness, gave evidence that he was present at
Ascot races. When in the stand upon the race-course, he heard Mr England
cautioning the gentlemen present not to bet with the deceased, as he
neither paid what he lost nor what he borrowed. On which Mr Rowlls went
up to him, called him rascal or scoundrel, and offered to strike him;
when Mr England bid him stand off, or he would be obliged to knock
him down; saying, at the same time--"We have interrupted the company
sufficiently here, and if you have anything further to say to me, you
know where I am to be found." A further altercation ensued; but his
Lordship being at the other end of the stand, did not distinctly hear
it, and then the parties retired.

'Lord Dartrey, afterwards Lord Cremorne, and his lady, with a gentleman,
were at the inn at the time the duel was fought. They went into the
garden and endeavoured to prevent the duel; several other persons were
collected in the garden. Mr Rowlls desired his Lordship and others not
to interfere; and on a second attempt of his Lordship to make peace, Mr
Rowlls said, if they did not retire, he must, though reluctantly, call
them impertinent. Mr England at the same time stepped forward, and took
off his hat; he said--"Gentlemen, I have been cruelly treated; I have
been injured in my honour and character; let reparation be made, and I
am ready to have done this moment." Lady Dartrey retired. His Lordship
stood in the bower of the garden until he saw Mr Rowlls fall. One or two
witnesses were called, who proved nothing material. A paper, containing
the prisoner's defence, being read, _the Earl of Derby, the Marquis of
Hertford, Sir Whitbread, jun., Colonel Bishopp, and other gentlemen_,
were calle