There was a momentary struggle, and then the whip was twisted out of Rockley's hand, his wrist half dislocated, and for a couple of minutes the thin scourge hissed and whistled through the air as, half mad with rage, Fred lashed the Major across shoulders, back, and legs, and finally dashed him down with a parting cut across the face. "That for you, you horsewhipped cur and scoundrel! You disgrace the uniform you wear!" There was a little crowd gathering, but only one man dared to seize upon the fierce-looking dragoon, and that one was Lord Carboro'. "Loose my arm," roared Fred, turning upon him with uplifted whip; but, as he saw who held him, and that Bray and Payne were holding aloof, and helping Rockley to rise, he lowered his whip. "Loose my arm, my lord; you're an old man, I can't strive with you." "You rascal! You have struck your superior officers." "Superior!" raged out Fred. "I have horsewhipped a vile _roue_ for the blow he struck me, and ten times as much for--Keep off!" he roared, as Colonel Mellersh and Linnell joined the group. "I shall hold you till a picket comes from the barracks, sir, to take you in arrest," cried Lord Carboro' sternly. Fred Denville did not attempt to wrest his arm away, but smiled half contemptuously at the padded, made-up old nobleman, and gave the whip a lash through the air as he stared hard at Rockley, who was white with rage, but talked to him who held his arm. "Look here, my lord," he said, "is it amongst your set a social sin for a man to horsewhip the blackguard who insults his sister?" "No," said Lord Carboro' stoutly; "but you have struck your superior officer." "I have thrashed the scoundrel who would have dragged my sister in the mire could he have had his way. It was my last act as a free man, and thank God I have had the chance." "James Bell," cried Sir Matthew Bray, "I arrest you. Give up that whip." "Touch me if you dare," roared Fred. "Stand back, or I'll kill you." "Private Bell--" "Damn Private Bell!" cried the young man fiercely. "My name is Frederick Denville, and I am a gentleman." Lord Carboro's hand dropped to his side, and as the young man faced him for a moment, it was anything but anger that flashed from the old nobleman's eyes as he muttered to himself: "Damme, so he is; and he has Claire's very look." Fred Denville strode right away along the Parade, followed at a distance by Linnell and Mellersh, till, to their surprise, they saw him enter their door, no attempt being made to arrest him then. Volume Three, Chapter XVII. "SURRENDER!" "No, Mr Denville, I am a soldier, and yours is a terrible crime against discipline, but I can't say a word in condemnation of your act." "Thank you, Colonel. Will you give me a few words here with Mr Linnell?"