trees, with which the island abounded, imparted to the place a
fairy-like aspect such as the hand of man could never design. The
island appeared to be uninhabited and it seemed likely we would have
the arena to ourselves, although our men were armed in order to repel
attack.

When Hartog had taken up a position upon a spot he had selected
as suitable for the contest, he explained the conditions under which the
dispute was to be settled. The fight won to be to the death, or until
either party confessed himself vanquished or was unable to continue,
and in no case was malice to be shown after the event, whatever might
be the result. Having then proclaimed strict silence he ordered us to
make ready and begin. Both my opponent and I were now stripped to the
waist, our singlets being used as bandages for the right arm to protect
it from a chance wound from the dagger knives with which we were armed,
we being allowed no other weapon. My adversary was stouter than I, but
we were both of a height, and what I lacked in strength I made up for
in agility.

And know we began to circle each other, waiting an opportunity to
strike, which presently came to my opponent, who aimed a blow at me
which I caught when his blade was within an inch of my heart. Putting
forth my strength I strove to force his hand so that with his own blade
he might kill or wound himself, but after a desperate struggle he broke
away. Not a word was spoken by the onlookers, and no sound was heard
save only the tread of our feet as we circled and waited for a chance
to strike again.

It now occurred to me that since my adversary had proved himself the
stronger when I had tried to force his hand, my better plan would be to