But go on--come to a finish--mount upon the stump, where you can be better seen and heard." The cheek of the youth glowed with indignation at the speech of the ruffian, but he replied with a concentrated calmness that was full of significance:-- "You mistake me greatly, sir, if you imagine I am to be provoked into contest with you by any taunt which you can utter.

I pride myself somewhat in the tact with which I discover a ruffian, and having, at an early period of your acquaintance, seen what you were, I can not regard you in any other than a single point of view.

Were you not what I know you to be, whatever might have been the difference of force between us, I should ere this have driven my dirk into your throat." "Why, that's something like, now--that's what I call manly.

You do seem to have some pluck in you, young sir, though you might make more use of it.

I like a fellow that can feel when he's touched; and don't think a bit the worse of you that you think ill of me, and tell me so.