Page:Lady Barbarity; a romance (IA ladybarbarityrom00snai).pdf/277

 the windows at the far end of the apartment, pulled aside the curtains, and looked into the night. Immediately the white moonlight fell upon the deeper pallor of his face.

"See," says he, turning to his enemy, "there's light enough outside to settle our little controversy. Swords or pistols, sir?"

"Boots," says the Captain, amiably; "I don't fight with boys; I usually kick them."

"Well, sir," says the lad, "my situation is peculiar. I am your prisoner, and at liberty on parole, but I ask you as a gentleman whether it is likely that I shall swallow the insults of a private person! What is your opinion, madam?"

This was intended for diplomacy. It was plain that he wished me to induce the Captain to fight, but the risks of that course appeared too terrible by far for me to seize the opportunity.

"Save your neck first," was my answer, "then settle your private quarrels."

"And you, madam, are you prepared to purchase my liberty with your own?" says he.

"I believe so," says I, with an air of high indifference. "You foolish boy, do you think it matters one farthing to a woman whom she marries, so long as she is but able to marry someone? Now be a good lad, doff those petticoats, wipe the blood from your neck where the Captain's ring hath scratched you, and start for the south without another word."

"No," says he, "for that is the very last course