His fellow went down on his knees, and drove his sword under the table and through the frame of the chair, seeking to prick Garnache in the legs.

Simultaneously the captain laid hold of an arm of the chair above and sought to engage Garnache across it.

The ruse succeeded to the extent of compelling the Parisian to retreat.

The table seemed likely to be his undoing instead of helping him.

He dropped like lightning to one knee, seeking to force the fellow out from underneath.
But the obstacles which should have hindered his assailants hindered Garnache even more at this juncture.