It ran as follows--
_SIR,_
_Your insulting letter to hand._
_I stand by every word of my previous letter._
_The sooner, therefore, that you realize that I am not to be trifled
with, the better for all concerned._
_You are evidently one of those people who believe that impudent bluff
will carry them anywhere, and that, with your birth and upbringing
behind you, you can do as you please. But you are wrong. Among men who
are men, as distinct from pedantic popinjays, you go for nothing.
Pshaw._
_HERBERT BASON.
B. PLEYDELL, Esq._
_P.S.--Be good enough to note that my dog's name is "Blue Bandala," not
"Blue Banana."_
_H. B._
Our reply was dispatched within twenty-four hours.
_SIR,_
_Many thanks for your masterly appreciation of my character._
_We all think "pedantic popinjays" simply splendid. Is it your own?_
_Don't tell old Banana Skin, but I've had the nerve to enter my Sealyham
for the "All Comers" event at Brooch._
_So glad you're not to be trifled with. Selah._
_Yours faithfully,_
_BERRY PLEYDELL.
H. BASON, Esq._
In two days' time we should meet at Philippi.
It must be confessed that there were moments when we remembered our
precipitancy in some uneasiness.
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