For this, the growing shadows of coming dusk, together with the fury that made his eyes dance in their sockets might be held accountable, rather than any infirmities of coming age.
When the old fire-eater comprehended what the other's action really meant he gave utterance to a snort of satisfaction.
Nothing could please him better than a chance to air his masterly ability with the trenchant blade he had so proudly carried at his side—opportunities for so doing had of late been too few and far between to fully satisfy the vainglorious ambition of the soldier.
He had actually seen much stirring work in the military service of Spain, and was seasoned by a long and hazardous career.
"Carramba!" he cried, "have we then at last one fellow who shirks not the fray? Here's to your lung and an easier way of taking breath."
But somewhat to his surprise the unknown parried his quivering stroke with the utmost ease, and still stood there on guard.
Then the old soldier waxed wroth.
He had been stunned at first, when his blade was so contemptuously turned aside, for this action was not according to the usual way Dame Fortune served such a son of Mars.
Of course he gave utterance to a Spanish execration, such as falls so readily from the lips of these excitable people.