"
"I don't see the drift of a word of it," said Winston. "Hadn't you
better come back to-morrow, when you've worked the vapors off?"
"Come out!" said the other man grimly. "There's scarcely room in here.
Well then, have it your own way, and the devil take care of you!"
"I think there's enough," said Winston, and as the other sprang
forward, closed with him.
He felt sick and dizzy for a moment, for he had laid himself open and
the first blow got home, but he had decided that if the grapple was
inevitable, it was best to commence it and end it speedily. A few
seconds later there was a crash against the table, and the stranger
gasped as he felt the edge of it pressed into his backbone. Then he
felt himself borne backwards until he groaned under the strain, and
heard a hoarse voice say: "If you attempt to use that foot again, I'll
make the leg useless all your life to you. Come right in here, Tom."
A man carrying a lantern came in, and stared at the pair as he set it
down. "Do you want me to see a fair finish-up?" he asked.
"No," said Winston. "I want you to see this gentleman out with me.
Nip his arms behind his back, he can't hurt you."
It was done with a little difficulty, and there was a further scuffle
in the hall, for the stranger resisted strenuously, but a minute later
the trio reeled out of the door just as a buggy pulled up. Then, as
the evicted man plunged forward alone, Winston, straightening himself
suddenly, saw that Colonel Barrington was looking down on him, and that
his niece was seated at his side.
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