It was quite enough that it was an even match--that there was plenty of straight hitting and smart parrying, and that it lasted over a quarter of an hour.
It was a wonder it lasted so long.

Not that the men could not stay, but because no monitor with power to stop it appeared on the scene.

Indeed, the only monitor present was Gilks himself, and he took no steps to end the conflict.
At length, however, while the result was still undecided, a cry of "_Cave_!" was raised.
"Look out, here's Riddell!" cried some small boy.
A round was just beginning, and neither combatant evinced any desire to desist on account of the captain's approach.
Riddell was not alone, Fairbairn was with him, and, being naturally attracted by the crowd and shouting, they both hurried up in time to see the end of the round.
As soon as it was over they pushed their way in among the crowd and entered the ring.
"Stop the fight!" said Riddell.
The two combatants glared at him angrily, and Gilks replied, "Who says so ?" "I say so," said Riddell, quietly.
The days were long gone by when the captain issued his orders in an apologetic voice and a diffident manner.

He had learned enough during this term to discover the value of a little self-confidence, and had profited by the discovery.

Willoughby was far more docile to an order than to a request, and on the present occasion neither Gilks nor Silk seemed disposed to argue the matter.
They put on their jackets sulkily, and, without further words to one another or to the monitors, betook their battered selves to their several quarters.
Willoughby, perceiving that the matter was at an end, also dispersed and returned to its several quarters.