George Chard was somewhat taken back when a small boy, acting as emissary for the pirates, handed him an unclean scrawl next morning. It was written with blue pencil, on a sheet of brown paper. Deciphered, it read as follows:—

ULTERMATERM!

To Mister G. Chard. Whereas It is came to the nollege of us, Captain Thomas Pagdin an’ Captain David Gibson, pirates, that Miss Nora Creyton, which is the prettiest Girl along the River, an’ the best, is ded in luv with u, and you are not treating her fare an’ Onerable as a gentleman. In knott telling Her so without farther delay that u are ded in luv with her an’ Will marri her, Captain T. Pagdin an’ D. Gibson do herebye chalenge you to fight a duel with me, Captain T. Pagdin an’ D. Gibson, pirates, this day behind the post office, at one o’clok. P.s. I Captain Tom Pagdin will ave first shott, and Captain d Gibson will ave seckond shott.

[201]

N.B.—this is a vendetter, so be wair!

Sined captain thomas pagdin an’ Captain d gibson.

P.S.—if it is becawse u ain’t got any munney to Mary Miss Nora Creyton with me and Dave as got sum wich u can ave, wich she give us erself for savin ure life from the German cove.

George read and re-read this epistle several times, and then he despatched the emissary in search of the chief pirates.

Tom was closeted with George in his room at the bank for a good half hour, and then he came out with a satisfied and important air.

“What did he say? Is he going to fight us?” asked Dave, anxiously.

“No,” replied Tom, “worse luck. ’E caved in.”

“Is he going to marry er then?”

“I’m on a oath not to say anything about it,” replied Tom mysteriously. “But it’s goin’ to be all-right.”

And it was.

Jean Petit got his deserts in due time. The story of how Tom gave his evidence at the trial and had h............