"Hold on!" I cried. "Where is Mary? What do you mean by that?" and I pointed to his drawn weapon.
"Miss Judkins is upstairs," he said coldly, and he drew himself up to his full height, while that scornful smile I knew so well curled his lips. "If you wish to see her," he continued, "you will probably find her at home."
"But, Berk," I cried, "tell me, are you married, and is she going with you? It's but a step to the frigate's boat and our men will not come much closer. Tell me all about it, and how you intend to care for my sister?"
"You will have to excuse me, Mr. Judkins," said he. "I am not afraid of your men, but every loyal man has left this town, and I must catch the last boat to the frigate, where I have business of importance to attend to."
Then I realized the horrible truth that had begun to gain upon me since I noticed Will's suspicious lack of knowledge of Harrison's affairs. I was satisfied that Will had heard the true rumor of the affair, while he was confined in prison, and now my wrath swelled beyond my control and burst forth.
"You damned villain," I said, almost in a whisper, and I had my sword before me.
We went at it; I with my blood afire, he with the coolness of a born villain, who neither feared nor cared for anything.
The rasping ring of sliding steel and the noise of our shuffling feet were heard in the room above us, for in a moment a shutter clanged open against the wall, and I heard my sister's voice shriek in dismay.
I turned my head partially to try and see her face and slipped on the wet pavement. Then I felt something like a bar of hot iron passing through me and Harrison's cold, villainous face was close to mine. There was a sickening catching of the breath, but I sat my teeth hard as the scoundrel withdrew his weapon. Then I reeled and fell to the pavement.