While I was getting my wind I could hear through the moonlight and still air
the sound of Mary's voice singing up at the house. I thought hard
into the future, even as I fought. The fight only seemed
something that was passing.

I was on my feet again and at it, and presently I lunged out
and felt such a jar in my arm that I thought it was telescoped.
I thought I'd put out my wrist and elbow. And Romany was lying
on the broad of his back.

I heard Jack draw three breaths of relief in one. He said nothing
as he straightened me up, but I could feel his heart beating.
He said afterwards that he didn't speak because he thought a word
might spoil it.

I went down again, but Jack told me afterwards that he FELT I was all right
when he lifted me.

Then Romany went down, then we fell together, and the chaps separated us.
I got another knock-down blow in, and was beginning to enjoy
the novelty of it, when Romany staggered and limped.

`I've done,' he said. `I've twisted my ankle.' He'd caught his heel
against a tuft of grass.

`Shake hands,' yelled Jimmy Nowlett.

I stepped forward, but Romany took his coat and limped to his horse.

`If yer don't shake hands with Wilson, I'll lamb yer!' howled Jimmy;