The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
“First break your fast," said Simon; "'twill clear your head and steady your nerve. When
you have finished your meal I will tell you what I want."
Gifford laughed, shrugged his shoulders, and fell to. By-and-bye he set down the jug
and pushed away the plate.
“Now then?" he inquired.
“Well now," said Simon, "I am going to fight you."
Edward threw back his head and laughed.
“What!" he cried, "I offended you, I suppose, by some incautious speech when I was
merry last night? I cannot in the least remember it, but if fight we must, I’ve no
objection, providing the choice of weapons be left with me. Pray, are you a good shot,
Cousin Fleetwood?"
“I am a very good shot. Cousin Gifford, but I’ve no mind to shoot you —no, nor to spit
you either, though I have practised fencing in my college days. The same blood runs in
our veins: I would not spill yours; but one of us must prove this day that he is the better
man, and so we will fight with the tools which Nature gave us."
He stretched out his sinewy arm, and clenched his mighty hand.
Edward stared at him blankly, and finally imitated the gesture.
[151]
"If it comes to that I can play with my fists, too," he said, "but first, Cousin, pray tell me
what we are to fight for?”
"I will tell you," said Simon. He came closer to Gifford who had now risen, and spoke
earnestly, almost solemnly. “Edward Gifford, I will not have you lay claim to the hand
of Rachel Charnock."
Edward stared for a moment or two, and then swore in very forcible language that he
would stick to his bargain in spite of a thousand country boobies.
"You will not," said Simon with quiet determination. "Listen: take your choice. If you
refuse to give up this plan of yours, I carry news of it straightway to Madam Charnock,
making known to her, besides, the terms in which you speak of her daughter; the
manner in which you disgraced yourself at Mr. Renshaw's last night — you will find, I
think, that she is no party to this bargain. Or else come out like a man and fight me. We