But he was already too late.

'Away, sir!'

'Will you bandy words with me! '

'No, sir. I'll break your crown!'

'I have something here to split yours asunder!'

'Stand off!'

'Draw!'

Will Fowler was being challenged by a tall, hulking man with a red beard and a sword in his hand. The actor jumped up from the settle and grabbed his own blade. A space immediately cleared in the middle of the room as tables were pushed hurriedly away, then the two men circled each other. Before Nicholas could move, Samuel Ruff interceded.

'Put up your sword, Will,' he implored.

'Stand aside, Sam.'

'There is no occasion for this quarrel.'

'I mean to have blood here.'

Ruff swung round to confront the stranger. Unarmed but quite unafraid, he leapt between the two combatants and held out his arms, shielding his friend with his body.

'Let us settle this over a pint of ale, sir.'

'No!' snarled the other.

'Mend your differences,' advised Ruff.

The stranger was not deterred. He saw the chance to catch his adversary off guard and he took it. With a lightning thrust, his sword passed under Ruffs arm and went deep into Fowler's stomach. The fight was over.

'Will!' shouted Nicholas, darting forward.

'I'll…kill him,' threatened Fowler weakly.

Dropping his sword, he staggered a few steps then collapsed to the floor. Nicholas bent down to enfold him in his arms, shaken by the speed of it all. The hostess screamed, the card players yelled, the old sailor roared and the dog barked madly. In the general confusion, the stranger ran out through the door and vanished down the alley.