I mean now to make you feel the result of that practice." The captain gazed at him doubtfully, but in a moment or two the confident smile returned to his eyes.

It was not possible that a mere stripling could stand before him and his cutlass.

But he took off his own coat which he had believed hitherto was a useless precaution.
There was a level space about thirty feet across, and Robert, sword in hand, advanced toward the center of it.

He had already chosen his course, which would be psychological as well as physical.

He intended that the battle should play upon the slaver's mind as well as upon his body.
"I'm ready, captain," he said.