When Harrison's wandering gaze met him his strength came back suddenly, and it was all Barron and I could do to hold him in check. He insisted that he should continue the engagement and Byrd's outspoken objections only inflamed him the more.
The Major suddenly glanced back and saw what had happened, so he halted while Phripps ran toward him.
"The affair is not quite over, if you please, sir," said Phripps as he approached.
"Isn't, eh!" grunted Bullbeggor, drawing his sword and throwing the scabbard aside. "Then if you can prove that your gentility consists in something more than a love for horses and dogs—and women, you can get your hand to some weapon." And with that he came quickly forward.
"After Mr. Harrison has finished with you, we can go further into the matter with some advantage," said the second, motioning with his hand towards his principal.
But Harrison's strength was unequal to the occasion. He no sooner stood alone than he wavered, staggered, and then pitched forward on his face in a dead faint. Phripps quickly ran to him and raised his head while I poured some brandy between his lips.
The Major stood silent and motionless before the group, his sword point resting upon the toe of his boot and his hands crossed over the hilt. A strangely grave and thoughtful expression shone on his rugged face, now perfectly calm from the heat and excitement of the fray; and as I watched him he appeared to me a poor duellist, and a man to whom self was not the all important realization in life.
I went toward him and held out my hand. He took it in an absent minded way and turned at the sound of approaching footsteps behind him. I looked over his shoulder just as Snake broke through the fringe of willows, leading the Major's mare by the bridle.
"I suppose he isn't hurt badly, Mr. Judkins," said Bullbeggor, looking at his limp adversary. "But even if he is, I don't believe I can do much for him. I thank you, sir, for your hospitality and fairness. I must go along now, for I'm due at Williamsburg before night."