CHAPTER IX.
I fight a Duel—Paul appeals to me to let him go in the Ship—The Secret of the Gold—A Tour of Investigation.
Our stroll up the valley occupied more than an hour, for I had much to say and the commander much to ask of me. Zolca accompanied us, he having whispered to me before leaving that Paul had been found and confined to his house, which was watched by sentries.
As we approached the palace on our return I was astonished by hearing a startled scream. Running forward, what were my feelings to see Arendsoon with his arms round the struggling form of Azolta, attempting to kiss her. In an instant I had torn the fellow away, and dashed him violently on the ground. He sprang up again and drew his sword, but Captain Hoogstraaten stepped between and sternly ordered him to stand. He did not look a pretty picture, for he had gone down in the dust very hard, and one side of his face was white with it. I drew my sword and begged that the matter might be settled there and then.
“You have a right to demand it,” said the commander.
“I will not fight with a mutineer and a savage,” said Arendsoon, offering to return his weapon to its sheath.
“Nay, sir, but you will!” returned Hoogstraaten in a voice of thunder. “You have grossly outraged this gentleman’s” (and he put a stress on the word) “hospitality, and you shall give him satisfaction or go back to Batavia in irons!”
“Come on, then,” he said sullenly; but Zolca, calling to me to wait, ran into the house and brought out the French sword, which was more of a match for the hanger worn by my adversary, than the rude weapon I carried.
We had scarcely crossed blades before I knew that I was his master, and I saw by the coward look in his eyes that he knew it as well. I played with him for a bit, and when I had driven him round until his breath came in short gasps and he was evidently at my mercy, I gave him a slight wound in the shoulder, enough to afford him an excuse for leaving off. A great shout of triumph went up from the assembled natives when they saw the blood trickling down his breast.