While in this state, he had involved himself in a coffee-house quarrel with the man above mentioned; and who, no doubt, well understood the helpless condition of his adversary: for it was Red Ned himself who provoked the quarrel. When unmolested by others, I never knew a man of a more harmless, inoffensive disposition than was the old sailor. Even when under the influence of liquor, he never, to my knowledge, commenced a dispute; but when in that state, he was inclined to "teach manners" to any one who might interfere with him. Red Ned had met Stormy in one of the gambling taverns, where the latter was carrying on his carouse; and perceiving that the old sailor was helplessly intoxicated, and moreover, that he was only a sailor--whom he could affront, without offending any of the company present--his bullying propensity would not permit him to let pass such a fine opportunity of gaining the distinction he coveted. In Stormy's state of inebriety there was but little danger to be dreaded from any personal conflict with him, for although he was still able to keep his feet, his legs had reached a degree of drunkenness, that caused him occasionally to reel and stagger over the floor of the bar-room. The ruffian, perfectly conscious of all this, made some slurring remark--intended to reflect upon Stormy's condition, and loud enough for the latter to hear it. As might have been expected, the old sailor did not take the slur in good part; but in return poured forth his displeasure in his usual frank and energetic manner. Stormy, when excited by drink, was somewhat extravagant in the use of vituperative language; and there can be no doubt that the bully was compelled to listen to some plain-speaking that he did not much relish. He submitted to the storm for a while; and then rushing upon Stormy, he struck the old sailor a slap with his open hand. Stormy, of course, returned the blow with closed fists, and then proceeded to defend himself, by throwing his body, as well as its intoxicated legs would allow him, into a boxing attitude. But the bully had no intention to continue the fight in that cowardly fashion--as he would have called it; and drawing his bowie-knife out of his boot, he closed suddenly upon Stormy, and buried its blade in the old sailors side. Of course this terminated the strife; and the wounded man was conveyed to his lodgings. Volume Two, Chapter VI. RED NED. At the time that Stormy was teaching, or rather receiving, that terrible lesson of manners, I was not in the village. I had gone some two or three miles up the river, to look after my miners at their work. A messenger brought me the news; and, in breathless haste, I hurried homewards. On arriving at the house where Stormy lived, I found him stretched upon his bed--with a doctor bending over him. "Rowley, my boy, it's all over with me," said he. "The doctor says so; and for the first time in my life I believe one."