He did not fear the result.

Time was life to him, and he swung the girl half behind him with his hook-hand as Iberville came on, and, whipping out his hanger, caught the Frenchman's thrust.

Instantly he saw that his opposite was a swordsman, so he let the girl slip to the ground, and suddenly closing with Iberville, lunged desperately and expertly at him, straight for a mortal part.

But the Frenchman was too agile and adroit for him: he took the thrust in the flesh of his ribs and riposted like lightning.

The pirate staggered back, but pulled himself together instantly, lunged, and took his man in the flesh of his upper sword arm.