Suddenly, without any warning, he thrust at me; had he been less blind with rage, the long score which each was to run up against the other might have ended where it began.

I swerved, and the next instant with my own point sent his rapier whirling.

It fell at the Governor's feet.
"Your lordship may pick it up," I remarked.

"Your grasp is as firm as your honor, my lord." He glared at me, foam upon his lips.

Men were between us now,--the Governor, Francis West, Master Pory, Hamor, Wynne,--and a babel of excited voices arose.