I snatched up my palette-knife and held it against him.

This startled him: he stood and gazed at me in astonishment; I daresay I looked as fierce and resolute as he.

I moved to the bell, and put my hand upon the cord.

This tamed him still more.

With a half-authoritative, half-deprecating wave of the hand, he sought to deter me from ringing.
'Stand off, then!' said I; he stepped back.