h to the utmost in a hand-to-hand
conflict in that small hut like two tigers in a cage.

Henry, although nearly six feet in height, and proportionally broad and
powerful, was much inferior to his gigantic antagonist; but to the
superior size and physical force of the latter he opposed the lithe
activity and the fervid energy of youth, so that to an unpractised eye
it might have seemed doubtful at first which of the two men had the best
chance.

Straining his powers to the utmost, Henry attempted to lift his opponent
off the ground and throw him. In this he was nearly successful.
Gascoyne staggered, but recovered himself instantly. They did not move
much from the centre of the room, nor was there much noise created
during the conflict. It seemed too close--too full of concentrated
energy--of heavy, prolonged straining--for much violent motion. The
great veins in Gascoyne's forehead stood out like knotted cords; yet
there was no scowl or frown on his face. Henry's brows, on the
contrary, were gathered into a dark frown. His teeth were set, and his
countenance flushed to deep red by exertion and passion.

Strange to say, the widow made no effort to separate the combatants;
neither did she attempt to move from her seat or give any alarm. She
sat with her hands on the table clasped tightly together, gazing
eagerly, anxiously, like a fascinated creature, at the wild struggle
that was going on before her.

Again and again Henry attempted, with all the fire of youth, to throw
his adversary by one tremendous effort, but failed. Then he tried to
fling him off, so as to have the power of using his fists or making an
overwhelming rush. But Gascoyne held him in his strong arms like a
vice. Several times he freed his right arm and attempted to plant a
blow, but Gascoyne caught the blow in his hand, or seized the wrist and
prevented its being delivered. In short, do what he would, Henry Stuart
could neither free himself from the embrace of his enemy nor conquer
him. Still he struggled on, for as this fact became more apparent the
youth's blood became hotter from mingled shame and anger.

Both men soon began to shew symptoms of fatigue. It was not in the
nature of things that two such frames, animated by such spirits, could
prolong so exhausting a struggle. It was not doubtful now which of the
two would come off victorious. During the whole course of the fight
Gascoyne had acted entirely on, the defensive. A small