Activate Javascript or update your browser for the full Digital Library experience.
Previous Page
–
Next Page
OCR
O72 WILD MARGARET.
death-warrant. He returned ‘the look calmly, almost ee /
cheerfully, and the next instant the shining blades crossed -
with a sharp, hissing sound.
For a few moments each kept his guard, each man try:
ing his adversary’s strength. .
It had occurred to Blair that he might succeed in wrest- :
ing the sword from the prince’s hand, and in doing it:
sprain his wrist, and so render him incapable: of resuming.
the duel; but he was speedily convinced of the futility of:
such an ‘attempt. Though so much slighter than Blair, :
the prince’s wrist was like steel, and let Blair bear ever |.
so heavily, his giant’s force was met by its equivalent in
‘steel. Of a certainty there was no chance of disarming
the prince.
‘* His lordship is a better swordsman than I expected, 7
" murmured the general. “I always thought that English-
men did not know how to fence!’ |
“ This man is one of a thousand, ” said the doctor. “Tf
the prince should only lose his temper he “may stand a
chance.” -
The general shook his head.
‘* He never loses either his temper or his head when he »
means business, and he means it.this morning; look at his
face,’’ he added, significantly.-
The doctor nodded.
“* What can the earl have done to offend him so deeply?”
he muttered. ‘‘Some woman, I suppose?”
The general nodded succinctly.
‘* Per Bacco! they are splendidly matched!” he ex-
claimed, in a low tone of admiration.
At present, indeed, it seemed as if the chances were |
equal, for, though the prince had made several passes that
ought to have carried his sword through Blair’s body,
Blair had parried them skullfully and gracefully, and still
stood untouched.
The prince’s face darkened and he paused, for he thought oe
he read Blair’s intention. He would wait until the prince
’ had scratched him or inflicted a slight flesh .wound, and.
then declare himself satisfied, the seconds would inter “fere,
and he, the prince, would be ‘balked. .
With compressed lips, he commenced the attack again,
and, seizing a favorable opportunity, permitted his Op-
ponent? s sword to cut his arm.
Blair lowered his weapon instantly, and the seconds
sprung forward.
‘“A touch, your highness,’’ said the doctor, inatone of .
relief. ‘* My lord, you are satisfied, I presume?”
Blair inclined his head, and wiped the tip of his sword,
but the prince smiled gr imly..