“This ends here, gentlemen,” said the Governor firmly. “You are both bleeding. It is enough.”
“Out of my way, sir!” cried my lord, foaming at the mouth. He made a mad thrust over the Governor’s extended arm at me, who was ready enough to meet him, “Have at thee, thou bridegroom!” he said between his teeth.
The Governor caught him by the wrist. “Put up your sword, my lord, or, as I stand here, you shall give it into the commander’s hands!”
“Hell and furies!” ejaculated my lord. “Do you know who I am, sir?”
“Ay,” replied the Governor sturdily, “I do know. It is because of that knowledge, my Lord Carnal, that I interfere in this affair. Were you other than you are, you and this gentleman might fight until doomsday, and meet with no hindrance from me. Being what you are, I will prevent any renewal of this duel, by fair means if I may, by foul if I must.”
He left my lord, and came over to me. “Since when have you been upon my Lord Warwick’s side, Ralph Percy?” he demanded, lowering his voice.
“I am not so,” I said.
“Then appearances are mightily deceitful,” he retorted.
“I know what you mean, Sir George,” I answered. “I know that if the King’s darling should meet death or maiming in this fashion, upon Virginian soil, the Company, already so out of favour, might find some difficulty in explaining things to his Majesty’s satisfaction. But I think my Lord Southampton and Sir Edwyn Sandys and Sir George Yeardley equal to the task, especially if they are able to deliver to his Majesty the man whom his Majesty will doubtless consider the true and only rebel and murderer. Let us fight it out, sir. You can all retire to a distance and remain in profound ignorance of any such affair. If I fall, you have nothing to fear. If he falls,—why, I shall not run away, and the Due Return sails to-morrow.”
He eyed me closely from under frowning brows.