"Because I happened to be coming here to join this party. You were talking loudly and in public. There was no reason why I should not have heard, and I did so in anything but a sneaking manner. Your insinuation that I eavesdropped is an insult."
"What are you going to do about it, sah?"
"Demand satisfaction!" shouted back Frank, who was aroused to such a pitch that he was ready to quarrel with his rival on the slightest provocation.
Marline grinned sarcastically.
"Very well, sah," he said, something like exultation in his voice. "I am ready to give you all the satisfaction you want, sah, as soon as my ankle will permit."
"You will fight me?"
"With pleasure, sah."
"All right; it's settled. I'll agree to give you a pair of nice black eyes."
"No, you won't, sah."
"Eh? You won't be able to stop me."