"That's pretty strong, colonel, and sounds almost personal."
"It is personal, too, for there is just such a fellow in Madrid at the
present moment. A sneaking, lying, treacherous cur, ready to yap at you
from a safe distance, but, when faced, all in a quiver, sticks his tail
between his legs and runs yelping behind a woman's skirts, or some such
safe shelter. Like the rest of the cowards, he has kept out of my way
for fear of getting his ears boxed; but all Madrid shall know of his
currishness. His name is----"
I pushed my chair back and stood up, and at the same instant the three
men sprang to their feet, while the conversation at the tables near us
died away and all faces were turned in our direction.
Livenza was still livid with his passion, save that a hectic spot
flushed each cheek, the surrounding pallor throwing up the crimson into
strong relief. His eyes burned like coals as he faced me, his nostrils
dilated, and the corners of his mouth were drawn down in an ugly sneer.
Less than an arm's length separated us.
"Oh, are you there?" he cried, insolently.
"I think you knew that," I answered, coolly. It was generally my good
fortune to be able to keep my head in a crisis. My coolness exasperated
him.
"You heard what I said, gentlemen," he cried, furiously. "This is the
Englishman himself. I will show you how to deal with a cur of an
Englishman."
He was beside himself with fury, and he raised his hand to box my ears.
But the blow never reached me. As he raised his hand--and the whole room
could see his intention--I clenched my fist and struck him in the face.
His head was turned slightly on one side, and the blow caught him just
under the jaw on the left side, and so hard did I hit him that he was
knocked off his feet and fell a-sprawl over the table, scattering the
glasses in all directions with a noisy clatter.
In an instant the place was in a buzzing uproar, and men from all parts
of the room came crowding round, while Mayhew, white and anxious, rushed
to my side.
"It's all right, Silas," I said, still perfectly calm. "The brute
insulted me grossly, and was going to strike me when I saved him the
trouble. Some of these gentlemen must have heard him."