Pagina 219 de 416

By this time, of course, a huge crowd had gathered and was

following Pete's retreat, yelling to both men to fight it out.

Many of the mob knew a few English words, and their taunts

reached Ellinwood's ears.

He and Code had not retreated a block before the mate suddenly

swung around on his tormentors.

"I won't stand for that, Code. Did you hear what that big devil

called me?" he demanded.

"What do you care what he called you? Get along to the ship. What

chance have we got with these men?" Code grabbed Pete's arm and

kept him moving away. Beneath his hand he could feel the muscles

as hard as iron.

But every foot the Canadians retreated brought the big Frenchman

nearer, bawling with triumph. At an opportune moment, so close

was the press, he slipped his foot between Ellinwood's legs and

gave him a push. Pete stumbled, almost fell, and recovered

himself, raging.