Back came the steel.

The colonel did not care whom or what he struck at now.

When Carmichael returned the compliment he swung his hop-pole as the old crusaders did their broadswords.

And this made short work of the duel.
The saber dropped uninjured, but the colonel's arm dangled at his side.
He leaned back against the arbor, his teeth set in his lip, for he was in agony.

Carmichael flung aside his primitive weapon, his anger abated none.
"You're a fine example of a soldier! Are you mad to attack a man this way?
They will break you for this, or my name's not Carmichael.