'An' have my brains knocked out with a bottle? I'll see you flaming first!'
Done pressed Aurora's fingers apart, and threw the bottle behind the counter.
'Now release her!' he said in a tone conveying a threat.
'Mind your own infernal business!' answered Pete. 'I'll deal with you in half a minute.'
'Release her!' Done was at Quigley's throat with a grip that started
Pete's eyes from their sockets, and the elder digger abandoned his hold
on Aurora to fight for his own breath. There was a brief struggle, and
Jim sent Pete sprawling over a stool.
Quigley picked himself up. He did not rush at Done: he was apparently composed. He undid the wrist and collar buttons of his jumper, drew the garment over his head, and threw it on the floor at Jim's feet.
'I suppose you'll take it fighting!' he said. 'If you won't I'll thump the soul out of you, anyhow.'
Aurora rushed between them, and endeavoured to grapple with Pete again.
'You shall not fight!' she cried. 'You coward! You brute!'
At this juncture Kyley, who had been away replenishing the rum-barrel, entered the tent. He took in the situation at a glance.