But Gregory fearing that he might determine otherwise, resolved there and then to remove the chance of it.

Whipping out his sword, he made a vicious pass at the lad's breast.

Kenneth avoided it by leaping backwards, but in an instant Gregory had sprung after him, and seeing himself thus beset, Kenneth was forced to draw that he might protect himself.
They stood in the space between the table and that part of the hall that abutted on to the terrace; opposite to them, by the door which he had closed, stood Crispin.

At the table-head Joseph still sat cool, self-contained, even amused.
He realized the rashness of Gregory's attack upon one that might yet have been won over to their side; but he never doubted that a few passes would dispose of the lad's opposition, and he sought not to interfere.
Then he saw Crispin advancing towards him slowly, his rapier naked in his hand, and he was forced to look to himself.

He caught at the sword that stood behind him, and leaping to his feet he sprang forward to meet his grim antagonist.