Warthy summoned him to surrender, saying that resistance was useless, but he replied by striking down the foremost of his opponents, and the man fell overboard. Bourbon, being then hard pressed by Warthy and two others, who turned their swords against him, sprang backwards upon the rock, which rose about a couple of feet above the water, presenting a rugged summit, on which not more than two or three persons could find standing room. “Hold back!” cried Warthy to his men. “If we advance we shall drive him into the river, and I shall lose my prize, and you your reward. Listen to me, Charles de Bourbon,” he added to the Constable. “For the last time, I summon you to surrender.” “Not while I can defend myself,” rejoined Bourbon. “Come and take me. You dare not come alone.” “You are mistaken, traitor,” cried Warthy, courageously. “I can capture you without assistance.” “Make good your vaunt, then,” said Bourbon. “Drag me from this rock, and I will yield.” “I accept the challenge,” rejoined Warthy, resolutely. “I have no fear of the issue of a conflict with a traitor. Guilt will unnerve your arm--justice will strengthen mine. Move not, I charge you,” he added to his men. “Leave me to fight it out alone.” So saying, he leaped upon the rock. Bourbon did not oppose him, but drew back slightly to give him room. They now stood face to Face, eyeing each other fiercely--the one thirsting for vengeance, the other animated with the hope of achieving a feat which would ensure him a great reward and endless renown. “Swords are useless here,” said Warthy. “Use your poniard, then,” replied Bourbon, sheathing his sword. His example was followed by Warthy, and in another moment each held a poniard in his right hand, while with his left he grasped the corresponding hand of his adversary. “You are a brave man, Warthy,” said Bourbon, “and I am loth to kill you, but you have sought your own destruction. You will never leave this rock alive.” “I will leave it alive, and take you with me, traitor,” rejoined the other. No more was said. Each released the hand he had till that moment tightly clutched, and a terrible struggle commenced, either combatant striving, with all his force, to prevent his antagonist from using his weapon. Notwithstanding their leader's injunctions, his men would have come to his assistance, if they could have done so, but Warthy himself was in the way, his back being towards the boat, and Bourbon could not be reached save through him.