the bigger but clumsier man, dragging him steadily inch by inch
further away from the house as they fought. More desperate, more
determined became the struggle, till by two or three adroit
manoeuvres Clifford got his opponent under him and bore him
gradually to the ground, where, kneeling on his chest, he pinned
him down.

"Let me go!" muttered Landon--"You're killing me!"

"Serve you right!" answered Clifford--"You scoundrel! My uncle
shall know of this!"

"Tell him what you like!" retorted Landon, faintly--"I don't care!
Get off my chest!--you're suffocating me!"

Clifford slightly relaxed the pressure of his hands and knees.

"Will you apologise?" he demanded.

"Apologise?--for what?"

"For your insolence to me and my cousin."

"Cousin be hanged!" snarled Landon--"She's no more your cousin
than I am--she's only a nameless bastard! I heard her tell you so!
And fine airs she gives herself on nothing!"

"You miserable spy!" and Clifford again held him down as in a
vise--"Whatever you heard is none of your business! Will you
apologise?"