Something in the cool arrogance of the man, who appeared to be a leader of the rest, stirred his blood and made his hands tingle to be at his throat.
But it would not do to act rashly in an encounter with four stalwart men, all armed to the teeth, and plainly well used to the practice of arms.

The youth saw that he must husband his strength and use his opportunity with every care.

His best chance lay in taking the party by surprise.
He examined his weapons with a keen eye.

He too possessed one of the handguns of the period, and was a good marksman to boot.

He had, too--and glad enough was he of it at that moment--the deadly guisarme, that old-fashioned weapon that combined a spear and scythe, and was used with horrible effect in the charges of the day.