“I can’t allow anyone to say that to me, sir,” I said, keeping quite cool. “I must ask you to take that word back right here.”
“Not for any cowardly Yankee that was ever born.”
“Perhaps you will do it when you are sober then,” said I.
“I’m cursed if I’ll let a Yankee pig say I’m drunk;” and he rushed forward to strike me. I pushed him back; but this only infuriated him and he sprang at me again.
I had taken more than enough from him, however, and as he reached me the second time, his hand raised for a blow, I got mine in first and knocked him down.
The place was instantly in an uproar.
“Stay and do what’s necessary, Nikolitch. I’m in your hands. I’m going to smoke over there,” I said, pointing to a table at a distance. And taking out my cigar-case I walked away as the Prince’s friends were picking him up.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE DUEL.
I must have hit the Prince hard, judging by the effects. His friends picked him up and after a minute or so led him away into the hotel. Then Nikolitch came across to me, his look very troubled.
“This is an ugly business, Bergwyn. He’s badly marked and half dazed with your blow.”