The blade of the sword-cane snapped like a pipe-stem.

The vintner flung the broken part at the colonel's head.

The latter dodged it and came on, and there was death's intent.
Meantime Carmichael had found a short hop-pole, and with this he took a hand in the contest.

The pole was clumsy, but the tough wood was stronger than steel.

He hit the saber with good-will.