In his fury he foamed at the mouth; and, had he been possessed of a weapon, doubtless something serious would have happened. Gatliffe was a tall, athletic young man, who, in fair fight, would be able to overcome Peace with the greatest ease. He had stood his taunts and insults with commendable good temper, but there is a limit to the forbearance of the most patient man. He caught Peace round the waist, lifted him up, and threw him from him with the greatest ease. Peace picked himself up and rushed forward again at his antagonist, who by this time had become a little angry. He delivered a well-directed blow on his opponent’s chest, which knocked him backwards. Finding that he was overmatched, Peace picked up a large flint stone, which he hurled at Gatliffe, who was seriously bruised in the thigh from the blow. He rushed rapidly forward, and, clutching Peace by both arms, he pinioned him, and rendered him powerless to do further harm for the present. “Let go, coward――let go!” exclaimed Peace. “It’s you who are the coward, you spiteful, vindictive little brute. You ought to be ashamed of yourself――that is if you have any shame in you. Think yourself lucky you’ve escaped a good thrashing, for it’s what you deserve,” said Gatliffe. Peace made frantic efforts to release himself, but he was unsuccessful. Gatliffe, in addition to having great personal strength, had on more than one occasion carried off the prize as a wrestler. He was a quiet, well-disposed young man enough, and was at all times the very last to quarrel, but when once aroused he was well able to take his own part. “Are you going to leave go?” cried Peace, after a series of ineffectual struggles. “Not unless you promise to behave better.” “I wont promise――I’ll die first.” “Very well, then; I shall keep you prisoner till a constable comes――that’s all.” “A constable?” “Yes, a policeman. Will you promise?” “What?” “To conduct yourself like a sane person.” “I wont promise anything. I hate and despise you for a sneak as you are.” “You were always an abusive, audacious fellow, even as a boy,” returned Gatliffe. “And a man who knows you as well as I do must be a fool to take any notice of your blustering.” Two farm labourers who had witnessed the conflict from a neighbouring meadow, now came forward and proffered their services to Gatliffe. “You’ve got a bit of a madman, aint ye, master?” said one of the men. “May be he’s escaped from his keeper.” “You impudent wretch!” ejaculated Peace. “What be going to do wi’ him?” said the other rustic. “He deserves ducking in the horse pond――that be the best way to serve him.” “He’s flung a big stone at ’ee,” said the other; “better take him to the police station.” “Oh, there’s no occasion for that,” answered Gatliffe. “I think he may go about his business now. If he’s got any sense he will do so at once.” And with these words he left go of Peace, who deemed it advisable not to attempt any renewal of hostilities.