`` There are things said that can not be passed over . '' `` I never asked you to , '' said I. `` I am as ready as yourself . '' `` Ready ? '' said he . `` Ready , '' I repeated . `` I am no blower and boaster like some that I could name . Come on ! '' And drawing my sword , I fell on guard as Alan himself had taught me . `` David ! '' he cried . `` Are ye daft ? I cannae draw upon ye , David . It 's fair murder . '' `` That was your look-out when you insulted me , '' said I. `` It 's the truth ! '' cried Alan , and he stood for a moment , wringing his mouth in his hand like a man in sore perplexity . `` It 's the bare truth , '' he said , and drew his sword . But before I could touch his blade with mine , he had thrown it from him and fallen to the ground . `` Na , na , '' he kept saying , `` na , na -- I cannae , I cannae . '' At this the last of my anger oozed all out of me ; and I found myself only sick , and sorry , and blank , and wondering at myself . I would have given the world to take back what I had said ; but a word once spoken , who can recapture it ?
I minded me of all XXXXX 's kindness and courage in the past , how he had helped and cheered and borne with me in our evil days ; and then recalled my own insults , and saw that I had lost for ever that doughty friend .
Alan David Na boaster draw look-out mouth murder perplexity things