The thought stiffened my muscles, and strengthened my determination to win.
I know not whether Cochose lunged forward of his own volition, or was pressed on from behind, yet suddenly he was within reach of me, and the battle was on.

It was short and fierce, his object evidently being to crush me in his giant grip, mine to oppose science to strength, and avoid his bear-hug.

We swayed back and forth to the sharp pitching of the ship, barely able to keep our feet, sparring for some advantage.
Once he would have had me, but for a lunge of the vessel which sent him sprawling on hands and knees; yet, before I could recover, the man was up again, furious with anger.

This time, he sprang straight at me, uttering a growl of rage, determined to smash me to the deck by the very power of his onslaught.

But I side-stepped him, getting in two swift blows, which rocked his head, and tore open one cheek, from which blood trickled.