about noon
He reminded him how many quarrels had been nightly undertaken and departed from on the ensuing morning , without any suitable consequences -- said , `` that people began to talk of the place oddly ; and that , for his own part , he found his own honour so nearly touched , that he had begun to think he himself would be obliged to bring somebody or other to account , for the general credit of the Well ; and now , just when the most beautiful occasion had arisen to put every thing on a handsome footing , it was hard -- it was cruel -- it was most unjustifiable -- in Mr. Winterblossom , to decline so simple a matter as was requested of him . '' Dry and taciturn as the Captain was on all ordinary occasions , he proved , on the present , eloquent and almost pathetic ; for the tears came into his eyes when he recounted the various quarrels which had become addled , notwithstanding his best endeavours to hatch them into an honourable meeting ; and here was one , at length , just chipping the shell , like to be smothered , for want of the most ordinary concession on the part of Winterblossom . In short , that gentleman could not hold out any longer . `` It was , '' he said , `` a very foolish business , he thought ; but to oblige Sir Bingo and Captain MacTurk , he had no objection to walk with them about noon as far as the Buck-stane , although he must observe the day was hazy , and he had felt a prophetic twinge or two , which looked like a visit of his old acquaintance podagra . '' `` Never mind that , my excellent friend , '' said the Captain , `` a sup out of Sir Bingo 's flask is like enough to put that to rights ; and by my soul , it is not the thing he is like to leave behind him on this sort of occasion , unless I be far mistaken in my man . '' `` But , '' said Winterblossom , `` although I comply with your wishes thus far , Captain MacTurk , I by no means undertake for certain to back this same Master Tyrrel , of whom I know nothing at all , but only agree to go to the place in hopes of preventing mischief . '' `` Never fash your beard about that , Mr. Winterblossom , '' replied the Captain ; `` for a little mischief , as you call it , is become a thing absolutely necessary to the credit of the place ; and I am sure , whatever be the consequences , they can not in the present instance be very fatal to any body ; for here is a young fellow that , if he should have a misfortune , nobody will miss , for nobody knows him ; then there is Sir Bingo , whom every body knows so well , that they will miss him all the less . ''