"You'll have time enough now," said Hamlin.
"Time for what ?" said Van Loo savagely.
"Time to apologize for having cut my horse with your whip," said Jack sweetly.

"We don't want to quarrel before a woman." "I've no time for fooling!" said Van Loo, endeavoring to pass.
But Jack's hand had slipped to Van Loo's wrist, although he still smiled cheerfully.

"Ah! Then you DID mean it, and you propose to give me satisfaction ?" Van Loo paled slightly; he knew Jack's reputation as a duelist.

But he was desperate.

"You see my position," he said hurriedly.