I arrived just in time.

They were pressing him hard.

I struck down the point of a rapier which was within an inch of his breast--gave the swashbuckler who carried it a riposta he did not expect, and sent him off bowling--and then addressed myself to the others with such good effect, that in a brief space the stranger and I were alone together.

I had been slightly wounded in the fray; but I thought nothing of it--a mere scratch.

It seemed something more to the gentleman I had preserved.