It was not struck.

Amid the commotion that arose, Rand suddenly, and with an effort so violent and so directed that it had scarcely been in the scope of any other there, checked himself upon the precipice's verge, stood rigid, and strove with white lips for self-command.

His inmost, his highest man had no desire to feel or to exhibit ungoverned rage, but there was a legion against him--and the black and furious dog.

The coffee house was in a ferment.
"Gentlemen--gentlemen!--What's the quarrel, Rand ?--Ludwell Cary, I'm at your service!--Bills and bows! bills and bows!--or is it coffee and pistols ?" Fairfax Cary had sprung to his brother's side.

Adam Gaudylock, annihilating in some mysterious fashion the distance between the corner table and the group in the light of the fire, was visible over Rand's shoulder.