And then, for
a second time, he saw a mighty struggle in the soul of St. Pierre.
The giant held himself back. The fury died out of his face, but
his great hands remained clenched as he said, for David alone,
"That was a playful blow, m'sieu? It was--a joke?"
"It was for you, St. Pierre," replied Carrigan, "You are a coward
--and a skunk. I swam to the raft last night, looked through your
window, and saw what happened there. You are not fit for a decent
man to fight, yet I will fight you, if you are not too great a
coward--and dare to let our wagers stand as they were made."
St. Pierre's eyes widened, and for a breath or two he stared at
Carrigan, as if looking into him and not at him. His big hands
relaxed, and slowly the panther-like readiness went out of his
body. Those who looked beheld the transformation in amazement, for
of all who waited only St. Pierre and the half-breed had heard
Carrigan's words, though they had seen and heard the blow of
insult.
"You swam to the raft," repeated St. Pierre in a low voice, as if
doubting what he had heard. "You looked through the window--and
saw--"
David nodded. He could not cover the sneering poison in his voice,
his contempt for the man who stood before him.
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