scowl
or frown on his face. Henry's brows, on the contrary, were gathered into
a dark frown. His teeth were set, and his countenance flushed to deep
red by exertion and passion.

Strange to say, the widow made no effort to separate the combatants;
neither did she attempt to move from her seat to give any alarm. She sat
with her hands on the table clasped tightly together, gazing eagerly,
anxiously, like a fascinated creature, at the wild struggle that was
going on before her.

Again and again Henry attempted, with all the fire of youth, to throw
his adversary by one tremendous effort, but failed. Then he tried to
fling him off, so as to have the power of using his fists or making an
overwhelming rush. But Gascoyne held him in his strong arms like a vice.
Several times he freed his right arm and attempted to plant a blow; but
Gascoyne caught the blow in his hand, or seized the wrist and prevented
its being delivered. In short, do what he would, Henry Stuart could
neither free himself from the embrace of his enemy nor conquer him.
Still he struggled on; for, as this fact became more apparent, the
youth's blood became hotter from mingled shame and anger.

Both men soon began to show symptoms of fatigue. It was not in the
nature of things that two such frames, animated by such spirits, could
prolong so exhausting a struggle. It was not doubtful now which of the
two would come off victorious. During the whole course of the fight
Gascoyne had acted entirely on the defensive. A small knife or stiletto
hung at his left side, but he never attempted to use it, and he never
once tried to throw his adversary. In fact, it now became evident, even
to the widow's perceptions, that the captain was actually playing with
her son.

All along, his countenance, though flushed and eager, exhibited no sign
of passion. He seemed to act like a good-humored man who had been
foolishly assaulted by a headstrong boy, and who meant to keep him in
play until he should tire him out.

Just then the tinkling of a bell and other sounds of the people of the
establishment beginning to move were heard outside. Henry noticed this.

"Ha!" he exclaimed, in a gasping voice, "I can at least hold you until
help comes."

Gascoyne heard the sounds also. He said nothing, but he brought the
strife to a swift termination. For the first time he bent his back like
a man who exerts himself in earnest, and lifted Henry completely off the
ground.

Throwing him