Читать книгу Mr. Midshipman Hornblower онлайн

32 страница из 42

Hornblower looked across at Simpson, while Danvers answered for him.

"Has Mr. Simpson offered the proper redress?" asked Danvers.

"Mr. Simpson is willing to acknowledge that he wishes the incident had never taken place."

"That is an unsatisfactory form" said Danvers. "It does not include an apology, and you must agree that an apology is necessary, sir."

"What does your principal say?" persisted Masters.

"It is not for any principal to speak in these circumstances" said Danvers, with a glance at Hornblower, who nodded. All this was as inevitable as the ride in the hangman's cart, and as hideous. There could be no going back now; Hornblower had never thought for one moment that Simpson would apologise, and without an apology the affair must be carried to a bloody conclusion. An even chance that he did not have five minutes longer to live.

"You are determined, then, gentlemen" said Masters. "I shall have to state that fact in my report."

"We are determined" said Preston.

"Then there is nothing for it but to allow this deplorable affair to proceed. I left the pistols in the charge of Doctor Hepplewhite."