He laid a hand on the
half-breed's shoulder, and Bateese turned about slowly. He saw
what was in the other's eyes.
"Until this moment I have not known what a great pleasure it will
be to fight you, Bateese," said David quietly. "Make it tomorrow--
in the morning, if you wish. Take word to St. Pierre that I will
make him a great wager that I win, a gamble so large that I think
he will be afraid to cover it. For I don't think much of this St.
Pierre of yours, Bateese. I believe him to be a big-winded bluff,
like yourself. And also a coward. Mark my word, he will be so much
afraid that he will not accept my wager!"
Bateese did not answer. He was looking over David's shoulder. He
seemed not to have heard what the other had said, yet there had
come a sudden gleam of exultation in his eyes, and he replied,
still gazing toward the raft,
"Diantre, m'sieu coq de bruyere may keep ze beeg word in hees
mout'! See!--St. Pierre, he ees comin' to answer for himself. Mon
Dieu, I hope he does not wring ze leetle rooster's neck, for zat
would spoil wan great, gran' fight tomorrow!"
David turned toward the big raft. At the distance which separated
them he could make out the giant figure of St.
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