This chapter's epigraph comes from a conversation between Dr. Barlow and Dr. Bledsoe, who are discussing the possibility of a duel between the two sides. Dr. Bardolph says that he would like to see the duel, but that he doesn't think it's a good idea because it would be too dangerous. He also says that if the duel were to take place, he'd rather die than see it happen. The two agree that the duel should take place anyway, since they're both in the same boat now. They decide that they'll have to wait until after the duel to have the duel.