A small knife or stiletto hung at his left side, but he never attempted to use it, and he never once tried to throw his adversary.

In fact, it now became evident, even to the widow's perceptions, that the captain was actually playing with her son.
All along, his countenance, though flushed and eager, exhibited no sign of passion.

He seemed to act like a good-humored man who had been foolishly assaulted by a headstrong boy, and who meant to keep him in play until he should tire him out.
Just then the tinkling of a bell and other sounds of the people of the establishment beginning to move were heard outside.

Henry noticed this.
"Ha!" he exclaimed, in a gasping voice, "I can at least hold you until help comes." Gascoyne heard the sounds also.

He said nothing, but he brought the strife to a swift termination.