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tire.[1] We started to our feet: Each grasped his sword. We dosed in conflict again. After parrying strokes of mine enemy which indicated a hellish ferocity, I told him my object was to take him prisoner; that sooner than kill him, I should order my men to seize him. 'Sooner let my soul be brandered on my ribs in hell,' said he, 'then be captured by a Whigamore. 'No quarters' is the word of my Colonel, and my word. Have at thee Whig—I dare the whole of you to the combat.' 'Leave the madman to me—leave the field instantly,' said I to my party, whom I could hardly restrain. My sword fell on his right shoulder. His sword dropped from his hand. I lowered my sword, and offered him his life. 'No quarters,' said he, with a shriek of despair. He snatch'd his sword, which I held in my hand, and made a lounge at my breast. I parried his blows till he was nearly exhausted; but gathering up his huge limbs, he put forth all his energy in a thrust at my heart. My Andro Ferara received it, so as to weaken its deadly force; but it made a deep cut. Though I was faint, with lose of blood, I left him no time for another blow. My sword glanced on his shoulder, cut through
- ↑ It was on this occasion that the Laird used these words—"Bauldy Allison! let your officer settle this trifle—I never took odds to combat a foe, be he even a life guard.
