A roar of agony responded , and , before the wounded man could raise his formidable weapon , Dick , twice repeating his blow , had brought him to the ground . The next moment he was engaged , upon more equal terms , with his second pursuer . Here there was no great difference in size , and though the man , fighting with sword and dagger against a bill , and being wary and quick of fence , had a certain superiority of arms , Dick more than made it up by his greater agility on foot . Neither at first gained any obvious advantage ; but the older man was still insensibly profiting by the ardour of the younger to lead him where he would ; and presently Dick found that they had crossed the whole width of the beach , and were now fighting above the knees in the spume and bubble of the breakers . Here his own superior activity was rendered useless ; he found himself more or less at the discretion of his foe ; yet a little , and he had his back turned upon his own men , and saw that this adroit and skilful adversary was bent upon drawing him farther and farther away . Dick ground his teeth . He determined to decide the combat instantly ; and when the wash of the next wave had ebbed and left them dry , he rushed in , caught a blow upon his bill , and leaped right at the throat of his opponent . The man went down backwards , with Dick still upon the top of him ; and the next wave , speedily succeeding to the last , buried him below a rush of water . While he was still submerged , Dick forced his dagger from his grasp , and rose to his feet , victorious . `` Yield ye ! '' he said . `` I give you life . '' `` I yield me , '' said the other , getting to his knees . `` Ye fight , like a young man , ignorantly and foolhardily ; but , by the array of the saints , ye fight bravely ! '' Dick turned to the beach . The combat was still raging doubtfully in the night ; over the hoarse roar of the breakers steel clanged upon steel , and cries of pain and the shout of battle resounded . `` Lead me to your captain , youth , '' said the conquered knight . `` It is fit this butchery should cease . '' `` Sir , '' replied Dick , `` so far as these brave fellows have a captain , the poor gentleman who here addresses you is he . '' `` Call off your dogs , then , and I will bid my villains hold , '' returned the other .
There was something noble both in the voice and manner of his late opponent , and XXXXX instantly dismissed all fears of treachery .
Dick ardour dagger first knight left night right second villains