The challenge was translated to him, and its reason. "Oh," said Dick,
"tell him I am much obliged and that I will fight him with the bow or
with the axe and dagger, or with all three. Then we will see whether he
beats me to a jelly, or whether I cut him into collops, who, as I think,
needs shortening."
Now the Captain Ambrosio consulted with his friends, who with much
earnestness prayed him have nothing to do with arrows. They pointed
out that there his bulk would put him at a disadvantage, especially in
dealing with an English archer who had an eye like a snake and a face
like that of death itself.
In short, one and all they recommended the battle-axe and the dagger as
his most appropriate weapons--since his adversary refused swords. The
battle-axe with which to knock him down, as he could easily do, being so
strong, and the dagger with which to finish him.
When this was explained to Grey Dick he assented to the proposal with
a kind of unholy joy that was almost alarming to those who saw it.
Moreover, as neither of them had gauntlets to throw down or pick up, he
stretched out his hand to seal the bargain, which, incautiously enough,
the huge, half-breed Swiss accepted.
Dick's grasp, indeed, was so firm and long that presently the giant was
observed first to move uneasily, secondly to begin to dance and thirdly
to shout out with pain.
"What is the matter?" asked his friends.
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