As his rage swelled, and his language became more and more insulting, I grew calmer, until I was possessed by a very devil of deadly coldness. But when he used the expression I have hinted at, I could keep my peace no longer.
“You lie!” said I, and out came my sword. Nor was he less ready; and there we stood for a second facing each other, with the candles flickering this way and that between us. Then he thrust his sword back into its sheath, and saying, “What need of this fool’s blood!” shouted loudly to someone outside the tent. There was the quick tramp of men, and in came some Spaniards, with de Vilela at their head.
“You here!” cried de Vilela, when he saw me.
“Secure him, bind him,” said Fitzmaurice, pointing at me.
De Vilela looked from one to the other of us, his face very grave, but did not stir.
“Bind him! I command you,” said Fitzmaurice.
De Vilela stood still.
“What!” shouted Fitzmaurice.
De Vilela said slowly, “May I ask, señor——”
“You may ask nothing,” yelled Fitzmaurice.