After both pistols misfired, Masters, the lieutenant, asked to have them and states, “….because the loaded one might be hanging fire, and we don’t want it to go off….” One of the seconds inquired of Masters as to which pistol was loaded and Masters refused to disclose this. In fact Masters quickly “shuffled” the pistols so as to further keep the secret. Masters as the monitor of the whole affair also denied those present the opportunity of a second shot declaring that “honor is completely satisfied”. Ira Riklis knows though that Hornblower had made quite a name for himself as a result of this incident.

Hornblower a short time later requests to speak to the captain. Upon entering the captain’s cabin, Hornblower expressed his anger at what he believed had been a deception in the handling of the duel. Hornblower knew at that point that the pistols were not loaded at all and asked for confirmation that this was indeed by order of the captain. The captain confirmed this and stated that he, the captain, had “saved a life for the King’s service” allowing though both duelists to prove their courage. Hornblower still upset with the captain had to be reminded that Navy rules forbade a junior officer from challenging a superior to a duel. Ira Riklis knows that Hornblower could be courtmartialed for just the mere issuing of the challenge.