on my heels
again, well, let that go. But you doubted my word, you named me rogue,
and for this you shall fight me!" So saying he stepped into the cave
and brought thence that same be-jewelled Spanish rapier.

"I've no mind to fight with you," says I, turning away.

"An excellent blade!" says he, making a pass in the air, then he
tendered it to me hilt foremost and with the little bow.

"'Tis right you should know I am wearing the chain-shirt."

"No matter," quoth he, drawing, "there is your throat or your
eye--come!"

So point to point we fell to it. I had been somewhat esteemed at the
art once and now I matched his vicious thrusts with cunning parades,
with volts and passes, pushing at him when I might, so that twice I was
very near. But suddenly as he retreated before my attack, his blade
darted and flashed and he called out: "One!" And now he pressed me in
turn with quick thrusts and bewildering feints, and presently called
out again: "Two! Three! Four!" Then I saw he was cutting the buttons
from my sleeve, how and when he would; therefore I cast away my sword
in petulant anger and folded my arms.

"Lord love me! Are ye done, Martin?"

"O make an end one way or t'other, I'll not be played with!"

"Verily, you were more dangers with the club!" says he, and sheathed
his rapier. As for me, espying the three-legged stool, I sat me down
mighty dejected and full of bitter thoughts until, feeling a touch on
my bowed shoulder, I looked up and found him beside me.

"Martin," says he, "'tis true you are a fool but your folly harmeth
none but yourself! And thou'rt such honest fool that I must needs love
thee, which is strange, yet so it is. Look'ee, we have quarrelled and
fought, very well--what's to let us from being friends again?"

"But if I doubt you, Adam?"

"Why, as to that," says he with his whimsical look, "I verily do think
myself a something doubtful being at times."

Now at this, up I rose and gripped his hand right heartily; which done
he brought me into the cave whiles Godby posted himself on the
threshold, leaning on his musket.

"What now, Adam?" I questioned.

"Now let us divide our treasure, Martin--"

"But I bartered my share for the lives of--"

"Tush!" says he, and reaching a valise from shadowy corner he opened it
and I beheld such a glory of flashing gems as nigh dazzled me with
their splendour. "Look at 'em, Martin, look at 'em!" he whispered.
"Here's love and hate, life