chain of inductive reasoning was of
her own welding and Elizabeth had to hurry after him to correct this
grabbing impression; but the discovery in itself was so great, that
small false notes like these could not spoil the glorious harmony. Even
Mr. Wyse abandoned his usual neutrality with regard to social politics
and left his tall malacca cane in the chemist's, so keen was his gusto,
on seeing Miss Mapp on the pavement outside, to glean any fresh detail
of evidence.

By eleven o'clock that morning, the two duellists were universally known
as "the cowards," the Padre alone demurring, and being swampingly
outvoted. He held (sticking up for his sex) that the Major had been
brave enough to send a challenge (on whatever subject) to his friend,
and had, though he subsequently failed to maintain that high level,
shown courage of a high order, since, for all he knew, Captain Puffin
might have accepted it. Miss Mapp was spokesman for the mind of Tilling
on this too indulgent judgment.

"Dear Padre," she said, "you are too generous altogether. They both ran
away: you can't get over that. Besides you must remember that, when the
Major sent the challenge, he knew Captain Puffin, oh so well, and quite
expected he would run away----"

"Then why did he run away himself?" asked the Padre.

This was rather puzzling for a moment, but Miss Mapp soon thought of the
explanation.

"Oh, just to make sure," she said, and Tilling applauded her ready
irony.

And then came the climax of sensationalism, when at about ten minutes
past eleven the two cowards emerged into the High Street on their way to
catch the 11.20 tram out to the links. The day threatened rain, and
they both carried bags which contained a change of clothes. Just round
the corner of the High Street was the group which had applauded Miss
Mapp's quickness, and the cowards were among the breakers. They glanced
at each other, seeing that Miss Mapp was the most towering of the
breakers, but it was too late to retreat, and they made the usual
salutations.

"Good morning," said Diva, with her voice trembling. "Off to catch the
early train together--I mean the tram."

"Good morning, Captain Puffin," said Miss Mapp with extreme sweetness.
"What a nice little travelling bag! Oh, and the Major's got one too!
H'm!"

A certain dismay looked from Major Flint's eyes, Captain Puffin's mouth
fell open, and he forgot to shut it.

"Yes; change of clothes," said the Major. "It looks a