And they fought for love of Rachel Carre, which the one had not been able to win and the other had not been able to keep.
Martel was the bigger man, but Hamon's legs and arms had springs of hate in them which more than counterbalanced.

He was a temperate man too, and in fine condition.

He played his man with discretion, let him exhaust himself to his heart's content, took with equanimity such blows as he could not ward or avoid, and kept the temper of his hatred free from extravagance till his time came.
Martel lost patience and wind.

Unless he could end the matter quickly his chance would be gone.

He did his best to close and finish it, but his opponent knew better, and avoided him warily.