If I only had a whip." For the moment Mark felt disposed to turn in the saddle, and make some insulting gesture at the lad behind--one that would make him, if he had any courage within, come running rapidly in pursuit.

But the act would have seemed too weak and boyish, when he wanted to be manly; and he refrained, contenting himself with dragging hard at the rein, till a hundred yards farther the ground grew stony again, and the pony dropped into a walk, and picked its way in and out more slowly than ever.
This had the result that Mark desired, for a glance back showed him that Ralph was coming on fast, and in a few minutes he had overtaken him, just as he sprang off his pony and faced round.
"Oh, it is you," said Mark haughtily.
"Yes," said Ralph, meeting his eyes boldly.
"I thought it was.

Well, you are not lame now ?" "No." "And I see you have a sword." "Yes, I have my sword." "Then as we are equal now, and if you are not afraid, we may as well have a little conversation with them." "Fight ?" said Ralph quietly.

"Why ?" "Ha-ha!" laughed Mark, with his face flushing.

"Why?
Because we are gentlemen, I suppose; because we have been taught to use our swords; at least I have; and it's the worse for you if you have not." "But I have," said Ralph firmly, his own cheeks beginning to look hot; "but I don't see that this is a reason why we two should fight." "Then I'll give you another," cried Mark; "because you are a Darley, and I am an Eden, and we cannot meet without drawing swords.