The nearest village was a mile away, reckoning from the further side of the wood.
The coachman was a stupid old man, quite useless in a difficulty, even if I had had time enough to go back to the road and summon him to help me.

While I was thinking about it, the Captain and Mr.Varleigh had stripped to their shirts and trousers.

When they crossed their swords, I could stand it no longer--I burst in on them.

"For God Almighty's sake, gentlemen," I cried out, "don't fight without seconds!" My master turned on me, like the madman he was, and threatened me with the point of his sword.

Mr.Varleigh pulled me back out of harm's way.