Two unarmed men and a woman were all I had to deal with, for Braithwaite had long since vanished.

Could I but knock the worthless life out of the men, I should have but the squire and his servants to deal with; and in that quarter I still had my hopes of a bloodless battle and a treaty of war.
A log fire was smouldering in the open grate.

I darted to it, and had a heavy, half-burned brand whirling round my head next instant.

Harris was the first within my reach.

He came gamely at me with his fists.