“Better mind your eye,” said Redbeard warningly.
The dark man gave him a sharp look, and then bade Abel kneel down and bend his head sideways.
As he did so a whitish line a few inches long was visible where the hair had been taken off, and at the sight of this there was a fresh murmur.
“That’s good proof in both cases, gentlemen,” said the dark man firmly. “Now, sir,” he continued, “what more have you to say in support of your evidence?”
“This here,” cried Redbeard. “I want to know first whether this bully countryman here means what he said nasty, or whether he means it nice?”
“Hear, hear!” shouted a voice behind.
“Just which you please, my fine fellow,” said the Cornishman; “you can take it hot with sugar, or cold with a red-hot cinder in it, if you like.”
“Then maybe I’ll take it hot,” cried Redbeard, fiercely.
He spoke with one hand behind him, and quick as thought he brought it round with a swing, but a man near him struck it up.