Page 95 (1/1)

"Señor," I said, in studied courtesy, stopping suddenly and confronting him, "I have hunted across this wildernessestopped now by Spanish decree Nor do I coht in this e to the Ohio?"

He stared at rim smile on his hard, set face

"Ay! I have, fellow," he finally retorted angrily, tapping his hilt "'Tis in this scabbard atforward ly "And may God stand with the better man"

I have a conception that at thefronted by a crazedhim otherwise, and, with a swift twist, he flashed his sword forth into the sunlight, standing on guard

"Por Baco!" he growled savagely, "you must be little better than a fool to hoist that club It will give randee of Spain"

"Grandee, or not," I retorted, angered at his implied contempt, "I may teach you a trick, Señor, with that sa-schools"

It ift, intense fighting fro past-master of his weapon, yet hter blade, with a reach preventing his point touching ht to bear down the thin, murderous steel whenever the two ca picked up the pretty trick fro the iron as if it were a single-stick; and, in truth, I know of no better fence against the stroke of a straight sword, although fencing-ht of it Nevertheless it was new experience to this Spaniard, and it did ered the fellow to be held back by such a weapon He an to pant like aa hard race Nor did I venture to strike a blow in return, for, in simple truth, this soldier kept me busier with parry and feint than any swordsman before, while he tried every trick of his trade, not a few of thee tofor fit return if he kept up such furious attack, and thus, with retreat and advance, hack and guard, thrust and parry, we traround, while there was no sound of the struggle, except our hard breathing, with now and then a fierce curse froun-barrel, or flew off into thin air just as he thought to send its deadly point home