“Knock the brat down,” said one and another.
“Keep your places,” said Ned, with a look of scorn; “the first man of you that dare interfere in this quarrel shall in less than a minute lie at my feet a bleeding corpse!”
Throwing off his cloak, he stood before Phillip Redgill, sword in hand.
“Come on!” said he, “I told you we should meet again; draw, I tell you, draw villain, or I will slay you where you stand, Phillip Redgill!”
“He shall not fight!” said Captain Jack; “but, if you will kick up a shindy, and insist upon blood-letting, why, then, I will accommodate you.”
“Yes, and I!”
“And I!”
“Wait, then,” said Ned. “Trust me, you shall all have your turn, but I will commence with this one first. Phillip Redgill, draw!”
He did so, but with an air of great reluctance.
Ned stood upon his guard.