Caleb moved slightly, but his arms were still folded on his breast and he still leant against the wall; his cool, unwinking gaze began to dash Eaton’s composure; he could not be the finished and superior gentleman he thought himself, under those relentless eyes. He shifted his own position restlessly, drawing nearer to his adversary.
“Come,� he said, “name your price.�
“My what?� demanded Trench.
“Your price,� Eaton sneered openly, his smooth face crimson. In some way, to his own consciousness, he seemed to be shrinking into insignificance before the other man’s strong personality, his force, his coolness.
“Do you suppose, because I have sold goods and handled merchandise, that I am also on a level with my trade?� Caleb asked coolly, so coolly that Jacob was blinded to his peril.
“You are a trader,� said he bitingly, “a petty tradesman and a petty politician; as such you have your price.�
Caleb turned his face full toward him, and suddenly Eaton realized the terrible light in his eyes. “You lie,� he said slowly, deliberately, each word like a slap in the face; “you are a liar.�
Jacob sprang at him, fury in his own face, and prudence gone. But as he sprang Trench met him with a blow straight from the shoulder. It caught Eaton fairly and sent him sprawling, full length on the floor.
“By the Lord Harry, you got it, Jacob!� cried Judge Hollis from the door, where he had appeared unheard.
As Jacob rose foaming, Caleb saw Aaron Todd’s head behind the judge, and after him Peter Mahan.