"Sirs, sirs!" cried the young ensign; "remember you are in his Majesty's park."
But before his sentence was out the two swords were crossed, and the old gentlemen attacking each other with the unregulated ardour of a pair of schoolboys.
"Jerry, Jerry," murmured Captain Barker, "you never had much science, but this is fool-work."
Captain Runacles heard, straightened his arm and controlled himself. He had little science, but an extremely tough wrist. As for Captain van Adrienssen, the veins of his neck were so swollen with passion that his wig curled up at the edge and stood out straight behind him in the absurdest fashion.
"The boot—the boot!" he kept exclaiming, stamping with each lunge. "Take that for the boot, sir!" He aimed a furious thrust in tierce at Captain Runacles' breast.
"And that for the glove, sir!" retorted his adversary, parrying and running his blade on and through the exposed arm by the elbow.
The arm dropped. Captain van Adrienssen scowled, looked round, and was caught in his companion's arms as he fell.
"And now, sir, let me express my regret," began Captain Jerry, advancing and stooping over him.
"I'll have you yet!" retorted this implacable old gentleman; and with that fainted away. He awoke to find his arm bandaged and the little group still standing around him.
"Peter," he said, sitting up with an effort; "get my coat."