There was no
demonstration behind them. To David himself the whole thing had
been an amazing surprise, and he was not at all reluctant to leave
as quickly as his dignity would permit, before some other of St.
Pierre's people offered to put a further test upon his prowess. He
wanted to laugh. He wanted to thank God at the top of his voice
for the absurd run of luck that had made his triumph not only easy
but utterly complete. He had expected to win, but he had also
expected a terrific fight before the last blow was struck. And
there had been no fight! He was returning to the bateau without a
scratch, his hair scarcely ruffled, and he had defeated not only
St, Pierre, but the giant half-breed as well! It was
inconceivable--and yet it had happened; a veritable burlesque, an
opera-bouffe affair that might turn quickly into a tragedy if
either St. Pierre or Concombre Bateese guessed the truth of it.
For in that event he might have to face them again, with the god
of luck playing fairly, and he was honest enough with himself to
confess that the idea no longer held either thrill or desire for
him. Now that he had seen both St. Pierre and Bateese stripped for
battle, he had no further appetite for fistic discussion with
them.
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