who he be,--I have told you somewhat more of my
opinion of you than it is necessary I should say now.

The insulting expression of Crofts' features changed suddenly as I
spoke, the color left his cheek, and he became as pale as death; his
eye wandered round the room with an uncertain look, and then was fixed
steadfastly on the door, against which I stood firmly planted. At
length his face recovered its wonted character, and he said, in a cool,
distinct manner,--

"Your difficulties have made you bold, sir."

"Not more bold than you 'll find me whenever you think fit to call
on me. But perhaps I am wrong for suggesting a test, which report, at
least, says Captain Crofts has little predilection for."

"Insolent cub!" said he, half drawing his sword from the scabbard, and
as hastily replacing it when he perceived that I never moved a muscle
in my defence, but stood as if inviting his attack. "Let me pass, sir,"
cried he, impetuously; "stand by this instant."

I made no reply, but crossing my arms on my breast, stared at him firmly
as before. He had now advanced within a foot of me, his face purple with
passion, and his hands trembling with rage.

"Let me pass, I say!" shouted he, in an accent that boded his passion
had completely got the ascendant. At the same instant he seized me by
the collar, and fixing his grip firmly in my clothes, prepared to hurl
me from the spot.

The moment had now come that for some minutes past I had been expecting,
and with my open hand I struck him on the cheek, but so powerfully that
he reeled back with the stroke. A yell of rage burst from him, and in
an instant his sword leaped from the scabbard, and he darted fiercely at
me. I sprang to one side, and the weapon pierced the door and broke off
short; still, more than half the blade remained, and with this he flew
towards me. One quick glance I gave to look for something which might
serve to arm me; and the same moment the sharp steel pierced my side,
and I fell backwards with the shock, carrying my antagonist along with
me. The struggle was now a dreadful one; for while he endeavored to
withdraw the weapon from the wound, my hands were on his throat, and in
his strained eyeballs and livid color might be seen that a few seconds
more must decide the contest. A sharp pang shot through me. Just then a
hot gush of warm blood ran down my side, and I saw above me the shining
steel, which he was gradually shortening in his hand before he vent