money, claiming they prospected gold together in Nevada City, Montana— wherever that might be— and boldly stated he never forgot a face. Though, I think he proved himself quite wrong on that account. Percy tried to diffuse the situation, but when the rowdy figure saw that our group was carrying guns, that was it; He challenged Percy to a duel!
We arrived in town at 11 and Percy already had a duel at noon. Having little to no experience with a gun, but having many trigger happy traveling companions, the poor man was urged to appear at the fight! The entire entourage of Monster Hunters including Sir Hammerhorn, The Mayor, Missus Mister and Brunhilde Bamfield at once offered their support, guidance and choice of weapons! I have to wonder if they do not secretly think so little of him that they wish him killed?
Percy was not a good study in marksmanship. No one wants to be in a shoot-out, even more so in the case of Percy Longville, but if you must be in a shootout, like Percy Longville, you mustn ' t show any signs of fear! Men cower before the bold! Imagine how the gazelle is paralyzed by fear at the powerful approach of the lion!
I believe the entire populace showed up on the street, then, and I was quite surprised to see the majority were young ladies hardly older than myself!
The ruffian said, " Do you really think you have what it takes to shoot me, boy?"
And Percy replied with more dry sarcasm than I have ever heard him since utter, " You really ought to be asking that of the last man who charged me to a duel."
I am unsure if it was the bravery or simply the English accent that shattered the nerves of the ruffian, but after some intense staring, the villain lost all his courage and fled! All the women lining the streets began laughing, and some even jeered at the passing coward who jumped on his horse and disappeared into the horizon.
The women of the town were quite impressed,