re
stripling could stand before him and his cutlass. But he took off his
own coat which he had believed hitherto was a useless precaution.

There was a level space about thirty feet across, and Robert, sword in
hand, advanced toward the center of it. He had already chosen his
course, which would be psychological as well as physical. He intended
that the battle should play upon the slaver's mind as well as upon his
body.

"I'm ready, captain," he said. "Don't keep us waiting. It's winter as
you well know, and we'll both grow cold standing here. In weather like
this we need work quick and warm."

The angry blood surged into the captain's face, although it did not
show through his tan. But he made an impatient movement, and stepped
forward hastily.

"It can't be told of me that I kept a lad waiting," he said. "I'll
warrant you you'll soon be warm enough."

"Then we're both well suited, captain, and it should be a fine passage
at arms."

The two sailors, sitting on the log, looked at each other and
chuckled. It was evident to Robert that they had supreme confidence in
the captain and expected to see Peter Smith receive a lesson that
would put him permanently in his place. The mutual look and the mutual
chuckle aroused some anger in Robert, but did not impair his certainty
of victory. Nevertheless he neglected no precaution.

The captain advanced, holding the heavy cutlass with ease and
lightness. He was a tall and very strong man, and Robert noted the
look of cruelty in the close-set eyes. He knew what he must expect in
case of defeat, and again telling himself to be careful he recalled
all the cunning that Willet had taught him.

"Are you ready?" he asked quietly.

"Aye, Peter, and your bad quarter of an hour is upon you."

Again the two sailors on the log looked at each other and chuckled.

"I don't think so, captain," said Robert. "Perhaps the bad quarter of
an hour is yours."

He stared straight into the close-set cruel eyes so fixedly and so
long that the captain lowered his gaze, proving that the superior
strength of will lay with his younger opponent. Then he shook himself
angrily, his temper stirred, because his eyes had given way.

"Begin!" said Robert.

The captain slashed with the heavy cutlass, and Robert easily turned
aside the blow with his lighter weapon. He saw then that the captain
was no swordsman in the true sense, and he believed he had nothing to
fear. He waited until the man attacked