"Yes, he swings his cutlass as a housewife the broom."
"Throw him overboard and elect a man, not some awkward cow!"
Young Mendoza stood with rapier poised, aimed at his opponent's heart.
"Curse the tricks of feinting and legerdemain your namby-pamby schools teach you in Madrid. Drop your steel fork there and I'll tear you to pieces with my hands."
Instantly the rapier was side by side with the cutlass.
The leader darted forward, his fists striking flaillike blows at the lithe form of the lieutenant.
Mendoza stepped lightly to one side. The opponent stumbled past him.
As the mutineer turned, the open palms of the clever boxer landed right and left with resounding smack on his nose and mouth. Raging and cursing, the ruffian again sprang at the officer. Once, twice, thrice, did the youth's palms beat tattoo on his adversary's bleeding features. Dazed by the blows the man at last fell to the deck.
Hoarse, derisive cries from the band of mutineers again greeted the prostrate man.
"He went forth to chastise a babe, but, behold! it is a wondrous infant," groaned some fellow. "Rise up, brave one, a chance this time may help thee land that useless fist of thine."