This idea was also a failure. Mr Snodgrass was affected, but he promised to deliver the note as readily as if he had been a twopenny postman.

'If I die,' said Mr Winkle, 'or if the doctor dies, you, my dear friend, will be tried in court because you knew something illegal was going to happen. Shall I involve my friend in transportation - possibly for life!' Mr Snodgrass winced a little at this thought, but his heroism was invincible. 'For friendship,' he exclaimed fervently, 'I would face any dangers.'

In his thoughts Mr Winkle cursed his companion's friendship. For several minutes, they walked silently along, each thinking his own deep thoughts. The morning was getting late; Mr Winkle grew desperate.

He suddenly stopped walking, and said 'Snodgrass, do not let me be stopped - do not give information to the local authorities - do not get help from several policemen. Do not tell them to stop this duel by arresting me or by arresting Doctor Slammer, of the 97th Regiment, who is now staying in Chatham Barracks. I say, do not.'

Mr Snodgrass seized his friend's hand warmly, as he enthusiastically replied, 'Of course not!'

Vocabulary:

Affected: i.e. His emotions were touched
Readily: Prepared to do something
Tried: Be accused of breaking the law
Transportation: Sent to Australia as a criminal
Wince: A quick expression of pain
Fervent: With strong feeling
Curse: Wish very bad things to happen to something
Desperate: Wanting something urgently
Warmly: With emotion