"
"You shall not interfere, Forrester, and in this manner, on any
pretence, for the shelter of the coward, who, having insulted me, now
refuses to give me satisfaction. If you have anything to ask at my
hands, when I have done with him, I shall be ready for you," was the
reply of Rivers.
"You hear that 'squire? I told you so. He has called you a coward, and
you will have to fight him at last."
"I do not see the necessity for that, Forrester, and beg that you will
undertake no fighting on my account. When my honor is in danger, I am
man enough to take care of it myself; and, when I am not, my friend can
do me no service by taking my place. As for this felon, the hangman for
him--nobody else."
Maddened, not less by the cool determination of Colleton than by the
contemptuous conclusion of his speech, Rivers, without a word, sprang
fiercely upon him with a dirk, drawn from his bosom with concerted
motion as he made the leap--striking, as he approached, a blow at the
unguarded breast of the youth, which, from the fell and fiendish aim and
effort, must have resulted fatally had he not been properly prepared for
some such attempt.
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