"'In a degree,' said the stranger, emphasizing the last word.

"'What mean you?' asked Petard.

"'That perhaps he who offers you his services is a better man than
you take him for,' said the other.

"'In what respects?' asked Petard.

"'In all things that constitute manhood,' was the reply. 'Yesterday
I was weak and worn; to-day I am myself again. And no man of this
band can bear the palm from me in the use of those powers which
Heaven has given us.'

"'Without weapons, you mean to say,' added Petard.

"'Without weapons I defy your best man,' said the stranger,
evidently desiring to display some prowess which should gain him
admission to the band.

"There was a consultation between Petard and a few of his officers
and men, and finally there stepped forth a large, powerful member of
the troop-the bully of the band-who offered without weapons to
contend with the new comer. The terms were properly stated by the
captain, the ground chosen, and the contest begun. The skill,
strategy and strength of the stranger were confounding to the
robber, and he was cast upon the ground totally disabled in a very
few moments. The robbers being angry at this, another stepped
forward, was vanquished as quickly, and another, and still another,