There are only two men among us, for I am but half a man, the rapier thrust has robbed me of so large an amount of blood; nor do we possess fit weapons to wage battle against so well-armed a company as blocks our passage.

De Noyan sports his straight sword, which would be well wielded at close quarters; I possess my rifle, with small store of powder and ball, all of which are likely to be needed to save us from starving in this wilderness; while Cairnes here might indeed prove a strong arm with the tuck I brought back with me, yet probably knows nothing of the secrets of thrust and parry.

Pish! 'tis not worth thinking about.

Pit such an outfit as this against eighteen well-armed men,--for the Marquis can shoot for all his cracked rib, nor do I doubt the fighting qualities of the priest,--and the venture becomes too difficult for parley.

Nay," warming up as I noted the hot-headed gallant preparing for speech, "nor is this all we should have to contend with.