“‘A lieutenant, sir,’ I corrected. ‘By some oversight I have not yet the honor to be a captain. Perchance the matter will be adjusted after our next victory. I will bid you a very good-night, sir.’
“‘Now by my life!’ he cried, flinging himself upon me. ‘You shall not leave this room until I have some satisfaction.’ With that he began belaboring me with his fists. Of course ’twas not in human nature to withstand such an onslaught without a return in kind, so presently here we were on the floor, rolling over and over, and pummeling each other like two schoolboys.
“At length the officer of the troopers and some of the others pulled me off, for I was at the moment on top, having obtained the mastery.
“‘Have done, lieutenant,’ cried the officer. ’Do you want to kill him? I can’t have my prisoner beat up.’
“I got up, rather reluctantly, I must confess, for the young gentleman had been trying and had brought it upon himself, and turned to the others to make excuses. But they all, even his fellow prisoners, were laughing. They had perceived the trick I had used to make him declare himself, and were well pleased with the bout, as no bones were broken, or blood shed. Have no fear either, mistress; save a few bruises and perchance a black eye your brother is no worse hurt than he should be.
“Your brother was sullen, and took the chaff with anything but a good grace; so, after a little, I bade them all good-night and went to my room to write you a report of the matter, which I fear will not be at all to your liking. A little later I heard him calling for inkhorn and powder,[[4]] so that if he writes in heat to you, this will inform you of the reason.
“Monday morning.—I did not finish the letter last night, but hasten to do so this morning before starting on my journey South. Early the captain of the dragoons came to me laughing:
“‘Here’s a kettle of fish, Drayton,’ he said. ’The Englishman vows he’ll have your blood. Oh, he’s in a pretty temper. He is pleading for a sword, and hath promised us everything but his life for one. He hath writ to his sister too, and I am to send it. How to do it I know not. If you are in favor with her perchance you can attend to it.’
“‘I can,’ I replied. ‘I have one of my own to send. I am leaving immediately, captain, and after I am gone tell our friend that his sister hath no more liking for me than he seems to have, and but used me for messenger, lacking a better.
“‘I shall tell him naught, I dare not,’ he said. ‘Only go not near him before you leave, lieutenant. I know not what will happen if you do.’