knife or
stiletto hung at his left side, but he never attempted to use it, and he
never once tried to throw his adversary. In fact it now became evident,
even to the widow's perceptions, that the captain was actually playing
with her son.

All along, his countenance, though flushed and eager, exhibited no sign
of passion. He seemed to act like a good-humoured man who had been
foolishly assaulted by a headstrong boy, and who meant to keep him in
play until he should tire him out.

Just then the tinkling of a bell and other sounds of the people of the
establishment beginning to move about were heard outside. Henry noticed
this.

"Hah!" he exclaimed, in a gasping voice, "I can at least hold you until
help comes."

Gascoyne heard the sounds also. He said nothing, but he brought the
strife to a swift termination. For the first time he bent his back like
a man who exerts himself in earnest and lifted Henry completely off the
ground. Throwing him on his back, he pressed him down with both arms so
as to break from his grasp. No human muscles could resist the force
applied. Slowly but surely the iron sinews of Henry's arms straightened
out, and the two were soon at arm's length.

But even Gascoyne's strength could not unclasp the grip of the youth's
hands, until he placed his knee upon his chest; then, indeed, they were
torn away.

Of course, all this was not done without some violence, but it was still
plain to the widow that Gascoyne was careful not to hurt his antagonist
more than he could help.

"Now, Henry, my lad," said he, holding the youth down by the two arms,
"I have given you a good deal of trouble this morning, and I mean to
give you a little more. It does not just suit me at present to be tried
for a pirate, so I mean to give you a race. You are reputed one of the
best runners in the settlement. Well, I'll give you a chance after me.
If you overtake me, boy, I'll give myself up to you without a struggle.
But I suspect you'll find me rather hard to catch!"

As he uttered the last words he permitted Henry to rise. Ere the youth
had quite gained his footing, he gave him a violent push and sent him
staggering back against the wall. When Henry recovered his balance,
Gascoyne was standing in the open doorway.

"Now, lad, are you ready?" said he, a sort of wild smile lighting up his
face.

Henry was so taken aback by this conduct, as well as by the rough
handling which he had just received, that