ou a little advice, relative to your behaviour as a second; for I'm
very particular on these occasions, and like that things should be done
very correctly. It will never do, my dear Newland, that you appear on
the ground with that melancholy face. I do not mean that you should
laugh, or even smile, that would be equally out of character, but you
should show yourself perfectly calm and indifferent. In your behaviour
towards the other second, you must be most scrupulously polite, but, at
the same time, never give up a point of dispute, in which my interest
may be concerned. Even in your walk be slow, and move, as much as the
ground will allow you, as if you were in a drawing-room. Never remain
silent; offer even trivial remarks, rather than appear _distrait_.
There is one point of great importance--I refer to choosing the ground,
in which, perhaps, you will require my unperceived assistance. Any
decided line behind me would be very advantageous to my adversary, such
as the trunk of a tree, post, etcetera, even an elevated light or dark
ground behind me is inadvisable. Choose, if you can, a broken light, as
it affects the correctness of the aim; but as you will not probably be
able to manage this satisfactorily, I will assist you. When on the
ground, after having divided the sun fairly between us, I will walk
about unconcernedly, and when I perceive a judicious spot, I will take a
pinch of snuff and use my handkerchief, turning at the same time in the
direction in which I wish my adversary to be placed. Take your cue from
that, and with all suavity of manner insist as much as you can upon our
being so placed. That must be left to your own persuasive powers. I
believe I have now stated all that is necessary, and I must prepare my
instruments."

The major then went into his own room, and I never felt more nervous or
more unhinged than after this conversation. I had a melancholy
foreboding--but that I believe everyone has, when he, for the first
time, has to assist at a mortal rencontre. I was in a deep musing when
he returned with his pistols and all the necessary apparatus; and when
the major pointed out to me, and made me once or twice practise the
setting of the hair triggers, which is the duty of the second, an
involuntary shudder came over me.

"Why, Newland, what is the matter with you? I thought that you had more
nerve."

"I probably should show more, Carbonnell, were I the principal instead
of the se