If
you had drawn string for as many months as I have years you would
know that a straight-cut feather flies smoother than a swine-
backed, and pity it is that these young bowmen have none to teach
them better!"
This attack upon his professional knowledge touched the old bowyer
on the raw. His fat face became suffused with blood and his eyes
glared with fury as he turned upon the archer. "You seven-foot
barrel of lies!" he cried. "All-hallows be my aid, and I will
teach you to open your slabbing mouth against me! Pluck forth
your sword and stand out on yonder deck, that we may see who is
the man of us twain. May I never twirl a shaft over my thumb nail
if I do not put Bartholomew's mark upon your thick head!"
A score of rough voices joined at once in the quarrel, some
upholding the bowyer and others taking the part of the North
Countryman. A red-headed Dalesman snatched up a sword, but was
felled by a blow from the fist of his neighbor. Instantly, with a
buzz like a swarm of angry hornets, the bowmen were out on the
deck; but ere a blow was struck Knolles was amongst them with
granite face and eyes of fire.
"Stand apart, I say! I will warrant you enough fighting to cool
your blood ere you see England once more. Loring, Hawthorn, cut
any man down who raises his hand. Have you aught to say, you
fox-haired rascal?" He thrust his face within two inches of that
of the red man who had first seized his sword.
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