and the difference
between a gentleman and a squatter. Indeed, it isn't reasonable that
they should, seeing that such a difference puts them out of any chance
of dressing a proud fellow who carries his head too high. If you don't
fight, 'squire, I must, if it's only for the honor of old Carolina. So
here goes."

The woodman threw off his coat, and taking up his rifle, substituted a
new for the old flint, and furnishing the pan with fresh priming, before
our hero could well understand the proposed and novel arrangement so as
to interpose in its arrest, he advanced to the spot where Rivers stood,
apparently awaiting the youth's decision, and, slapping him upon the
shoulder, thus addressed him:--

"I say, Guy Rivers, the 'squire thinks you too great a black guard for
him to handle, and leaves all the matter to me. Now, you see, as I've
done _that_ to-day which makes me just as great a blackguard as
yourself, I stand up in his place. So here's for you. You needn't make
any excuse, and say you have no quarrel with me, for, as I am to handle
you in his place, you will consider me to say everything that he has
said--every word of it; and, in addition to that, if more be necessary,
you must know I think you a mere skunk, and I've been wanting to have a
fair lick at you for a monstrous long season."

"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.