"I will not have him escape me," Nocobotha muttered, as he bit his lips till the blood came.
"Fie on you, caballeros," Pepe exclaimed ironically. "On guard, defend yourselves like men, or I shall kill you like dogs."
The blades crossed, and the fight began with equal fury on both sides.
[CHAPTER VI.]
NOCOBOTHA.
A struggle to the death was preparing between these irreconcilable enemies, the bomberos and the Indians; and on this occasion it seemed as if the advantage would be on the side of the brothers.
Mercedes, who had recovered from her fainting fit, felt so terrified that she regretted that she had awoken again.
After the first collision, Nocobotha fell back a step, lowered his weapon, made Pincheira a sign to imitate him, and with folded arms walked towards the brothers.
"Stay," he cried, "this fight will not take place; it is not proper for men to risk their lives in disputing for the possession of a woman."