“S’death, sir!” he exclaimed. “Do you think that you are in England, that you can take up the whole of the road?”
“I’m as much entitled to the road as yourself,” Harry said hotly; “you purposely jostled me.”
“Well, sir, and what if I did?” Colonel Campbell replied. “If you don’t like it you have your remedy,” and he touched his sword significantly.
“I will meet you, sir,” Harry said, “in an hour’s time at the foot of the Castlehill.”
The colonel nodded, and accompanied by his kinsmen strode on.
“Jacob, you and Leslie will act with me?” Harry asked.
“Willingly enough,” Leslie replied. “But it is a bad business. Campbell has the name of being one of the best swordsmen in the Scottish army. Of course he has been set on to attack you.”
“I have been fighting,” Harry said, “for the last ten years, and was not a bad swordsman when I began. Unless I mistake, I am as powerful a man as Colonel Campbell, and I fear not him or any man.”
At the time appointed Harry, accompanied by his seconds, was upon the ground, where five minutes later they were joined by Colonel Campbell, with two of his kinsmen. While the principals divested themselves of their cloaks and doublets, the seconds compared their swords. They were of entirely different fashion, Harry’s being long and straight with sharp edges, while Colonel Campbell’s was a basket-hilted sword, also straight and double edged, and even larger and much heavier than Harry’s; each had brought one of similar make and size to his own. Some conversation took place as to the weapons which should be used.
“I cannot fight with a plaything like that,” Colonel Campbell said roughly.
“And I object equally,” Harry puts in calmly, “to wield a heavier weapon than that to which I am accustomed. But I am quite content to fight with my own against that of Colonel Campbell.”
The seconds at first on both sides objected to this, arguing that the weight and length of Campbell’s weapon would give him an unfair advantage. Harry, however, was firm.
“A man fights better,” he said, “with the sword to which he is used. Mine is of tried temper, and I have no fear of its breaking.” Harry had good reason for faith in his weapon. It was a long, straight blade of Toledo steel, which he had purchased for a considerable sum from a Spanish Jew in Hamburg. Colonel Campbell put an end to the argument by roughly saying that he wanted no more talk, and that if Colonel Furness meant fighting he had better take up his ground. This had already been marked out, and Harry immediately stood on the defensive.