At this the dark woman started up for another struggle with Ravenshaw, but he stayed her with the words:
"Nay, the small gentleman is too light to thrust hard. Think of Master Burney's weight; when he does touch, 'twill go home, no doubt of that."
All this time the captain was on tenter-hooks lest the fight had really begun; a moment's loss of time would be fatal to his purpose; he must bring matters to a point.
"In very truth," he said, "as a man acquainted with these things, if I were to wager which of the two is like to be killed—"
"Which?" cried the women together, as he paused.
"Both!"
Even Greensleeves sprang up this time, and Ravenshaw found himself confronted by two desperate, sobbing creatures.
"Back, ladies!" he shouted, quickly. "I will stop their fighting!"
They stood still, regarding him with wondering inquiry.