There were ballet dancers who were standing on one toe, famous trotters, painted pictures of celebrated fighting cocks, hunters in red coats leaping five-barred fences, and so forth.
As he looked over the pictures he became aware that Diamond was saying something that was intended for his ears.
"Southerners never fight with their fists," the Virginian declared.
"They consider it brutal and beastly, and so they do not learn the so-called 'art.' They are able to fight with some other weapons, though.
There is a man in this college who is trying to be a high cock of the walk, but he will never succeed till he shows his right by meeting me face to face with weapons of which I have knowledge.

I have met him with his weapons, and if he is not a coward he will give me a show.

But I think he is a coward and a sneak, and I--" That was more than Frank could stand.

He did not pause to think that Diamond had been drinking and was utterly reckless, but he whirled and advanced till he stood squarely in front of the Virginian.
"I presume, Mr.Diamond, that you are referring to me," he said, coldly and steadily, although he could feel the hot blood leaping in his veins.
Diamond looked up insolently, inhaled a whiff of his cigarette, and then deliberately blew the smoke toward Frank.
"Yes, sir," he said, "I presume I did refer to you.

What are you going to do about it ?" "You called me a coward and a sneak." "Exactly, sir." "If I had not already left the marks of my knuckles on you I would slap your face.