I saw that the fellow's face was pale and that he displayed no pleasure in the game.

But he stood his ground; and I, made wary by the recollection of my maimed state, would not rush on him, but came to a stand about a yard from him, reconnoitering how I might best spring on him.

Thus we rested for a moment till remembering that the duke, if he were not already dead, lay at the mercy of the other scoundrel, I gathered myself together and threw myself at Jacques Bontet.

He also had clubbed his weapon, and he struck wildly at me as I came on.

My head he missed, and the blow fell on my right shoulder, settling once for all the question whether my right arm was to be of any use or not.