Colden pretended to laugh, saying:
“Am I a fool to put it in your power to murder me?”
“I’ll tell you what, gentlemen,” put in Elizabeth. “Use the swords above the chimney-place, yonder. They are equal.”
“Yes!” cried Peyton.
But Colden said:
“I will not so degrade myself as to cross swords, except on the battle-field, with one who is a rebel, a deserter, and no gentleman.”
Peyton turned to Elizabeth with a smile.
“Then you see, madam,” said he, “’tis no fault of mine if my affronts go unpunished, since this gentleman must keep his courage for the battle-field! Egad,” he added, sacrificing truth for the sake of the taunt, “you Tories need all the courage there you can save up in a long time! I take my leave of this house!”