The Adventures of Roderick Random

Vanquishing Quiverwit

Determined not to die unrevenged, the protagonist seizes Quiverwit’s shell close to his breast before the latter can disentangle his point. Shortening his own sword with his right hand, he intends to run Quiverwit through the heart, but the thrust penetrates Quiverwit’s left arm up to the shoulder blade. Disappointed yet fearing death might frustrate his revenge, the protagonist grapples with his opponent and, being much stronger, throws him to the ground. Here he wrests Quiverwit’s sword from his hand. In his confusion, instead of turning the point upon his fallen enemy, he strikes out three of Quiverwit’s foreteeth with the hilt. Their servants rush up to separate them, but the protagonist is on his feet before their arrival and discovers that his supposed mortal wound is only a slight scratch. Now relieved of danger, he feels a good deal of his resentment diminish.

The Wounded Rival

The protagonist helps Quiverwit’s footman raise his master and binds up the wound with his handkerchief, assuring that it is not dangerous. He restores Quiverwit’s sword and offers to support him to his house. Quiverwit thanks him with sullen dignity, whispers that the protagonist shall hear from him soon, and departs leaning on his servant’s shoulder. The protagonist interprets this promise as a threat. Upon returning home, the protagonist finds his neck wound stiff and uncomfortable, with clotted blood running down his shirt. Strap, upon seeing the blood, cries out in horror and falls senseless to the floor. The protagonist tends to his own slight wound with dry lint and a plaster, cleans himself, and shifts his clothes while Strap remains unconscious at his feet. When Strap recovers and finds the protagonist perfectly well, he can scarcely believe his eyes. Pleased with the outcome, the protagonist hopes the affair will become known and dignify his character, confident that Narcissa will not think the worse of him for demonstrating his worth.