For my own part, my thoughts ran upon the ignominy of the old soldier's designs upon the gold chest, and the additional shame which rose from the knowledge that our host had in some way divined his intention.

No good could come of an alliance with a man so devoid of all feelings of honour or of gratitude.

So strongly did I feel upon it that I at last broke the silence by pointing to a cross path, which turned away from the one which we were pursuing, and recommending him to follow it, since he had proved that he was no fit company for honest men.
'By the living rood!' he cried, laying his hand upon the hilt of his rapier,' have you taken leave of your senses?
These are words such as no honourable cavaliero can abide.' 'They are none the less words of truth,' I answered.
His blade flashed out in an instant, while his mare bounded twice her length under the sharp dig of his spurs.
'We have here,' he cried, reining her round, with his fierce lean face all of a quiver with passion, 'an excellent level stretch on which to discuss the matter.

Out with your bilbo and maintain your words.' 'I shall not stir a hair's-breadth to attack you,' I answered.

'Why should I, when I bear you no ill-will?
If you come against me, however, I will assuredly beat you out of your saddle, for all your tricky sword play.' I drew my broadsword as I spoke, and stood upon my guard, for I guessed that with so old a soldier the onset would be sharp and sudden.
'By all the saints in heaven!' cried Reuben, 'which ever of ye strikes first at the other I'll snap this pistol at his head.