If you believe that you have any grievance against me--though I know not of what you rave, or the name by which you call me--I will meet you where and when you will.' And all the while he looked over his shoulder seeking some way of escape.
'You will meet me now,' I answered.

'Draw or I strike!' Then he drew, and we fell to it desperately enough, till the sparks flew, indeed, and the rattle of steel upon steel rang down the quiet street.

At first he had somewhat the better of me, for my hate made me wild in my play, but soon I settled to the work and grew cooler.

I meant to kill him--more, I knew that I should kill him if none came between us.

He was still a better swordsman than I, who, till I fought with him in the lane at Ditchingham, had never even seen one of these Spanish rapiers, but I had the youth and the right on my side, as also I had an eye like a hawk's and a wrist of steel.
Slowly I pressed him back, and ever my play grew closer and better and his became wilder.