The colonel, in the meantime, had returned to the house where he was residing, when he was immediately accosted by Captain Carrington and the other gentlemen who had been let into the secret of the plot.  During his walk home the colonel had been ruminating on his dismissal, and had not quite made up his mind whether he ought or ought not to resent the conduct of Mr Sullivan.  Naturally more inclined for peace than war, by the time that he had arrived home he had resolved to pocket the affront, when Captain Carrington called him on one side, and obtained from him a recapitulation of what had passed; which probably never would have been given if the colonel had not considered the communication as confidential.  This, however, did not suit the intentions of Captain Carrington, who felt inclined for more mischief; and, when the colonel had concluded his narrative, he replied, “Upon my word, colonel, as you observe, this conduct on the part of Mr Sullivan is not exactly what can be permitted by us military men.  I hardly know how to advise; indeed, I would not take the responsibility; however, I will consult with Mr S——­ and Mr G——­, and if you will leave your honour in our hands, depend upon it we will do you strict justice:”  and Captain Carrington quitted the colonel, who would have expostulated, and, walking up to the other gentlemen, entered into a recapitulation of the circumstances.  A wink of his eye, as his back was turned to the colonel, fully expressed to the others the tenor of the advice which they were to offer.

“Well, gentlemen, what is your opinion?” said the captain, as he concluded his narrative.

“I think,” replied Mr S——­, with a serious face, “there can be but one—­our gallant friend has been most grossly insulted.  I think,” continued he, addressing the colonel, who had quitted the sofa, in his anxiety to know the issue of their debate, “that I should most decidedly ask him what he meant.”

“Or rather demand an apology,” observed Mr G——.

“Which Mr Sullivan, as a man of honour, is bound to offer, and the colonel, as a gentleman and an officer, has a right to insist upon.  Do you not think so, Captain Carrington?” said Mr S——.

“Why, I always have been more inclined to be a peacemaker than otherwise, if I can,” replied Captain Carrington.  “If our gallant friend the colonel is not sure that Mr Sullivan did use the words, ’I won’t trouble you to call again,’—­are you positive as to the exact words, colonel?”

“Why, to the best of my recollection,” replied the colonel, “I rather think those were the words.  I may be mistaken:—­it was certainly—­most certainly, something to that effect.”

“Were they ‘requesting you to call again?’” said Captain Carrington.

“No, no, that they were certainly not.”

“Well, they could be but one or the other.  Then, gentlemen, the case is clear—­the words were uttered,” said Mr S——.  “Now Captain Carrington, what would you advise?”