Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1888-04-29

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men they had surrounded. The tide had
DO we'd, in the meanwhile; the beach was
narrowed to 8 strip; aud on this wet
field, between the surf and the garden
wall, there began, in the darkness, q
doubtful, furious, and deadly contest.
The strangers we're we'll armed; they |
fell in silence upon their assailants; and |
the ARRAY became series OF single COM
bats. Dick, who had come ntst in the |
mellsy, was engaged by three; the first |
ne cut down a. the arst blow, but the |
other two coming upon him, hotly,
he was fain to give ground before
their onset. One of these two
was q huge fellow, almost giant for
stature, and armed with q two-handed
sword, which he brsnished like switch.
Against this opponent, with his reach of
srm and the length and weight of his
weapon, Dick and his bill were quite de-
feneeless; and had the other continued to
i,in vigorously iu the attack, the lad must
Gave Individually fallen. This second
man, however, less in stature ard slower
in mis- movements, paused for q moment
to peer about him In the darkness, and to
give ear to the sounds of the battle.
The giant still pursued his advantage,
and still Dick ID before him, spying for
his chance. Then the huge blade d ,shed
and descended, and the lad, leaping on
one side and running in, slashed side
ways and upwards with his bill. roar
Of agony responded, and, before the
wounded man could raise his formidable
weapon, Dick, twice repeating his blow,
had brought him to the ground.
The mex. moment he was engaged, upon
more equal terms, with his second pur-
suer. Here there was no great differ
ence in sizs, and though the man, fight
ing with sword and dagger against bill,
and being wary and quick OF fence, had
certain superiority of arms, Dick more
thsn made 10 up by his greater agility on
foot. Neither at hrst gained any obvious
advantage; but the older man was still
insensibly prof ing oy the ardour Of the
younger to lead him where he would; and
presently Dick found that they had
crossed the whole width OF the beach, and
were now fighting above the knees in the
spume and bubble Of the breakers. Here
his own superior activity was rendered
useless; he found himself more or less at
the discretion of his foei yet little, and
he had his back turned upon his own
men, and saw that this adroit snd skill
full adversary WAS bent upon drawing him
farther and farther away.
Dick ground his teeth. He determined
to decide the combat instantly; and when
the wash OF the next wave had ebbed and
left them dry, he rushed In, caught
blow upon his bill, and leaped right at
,he throat OF his opponent. The man
went down backwards, with Dick still
upon the top of him; and the next wave,
speedily succeeding to the last. buried
him below rush Of water.
While he was still submerged, Dick
forced his dagger from his grasp, and
rose to his feet, victorious.
yield vel" he said. II give you
life"
"I yield me-" said the other, getting to
his knees. eye fight, like young man,
ignorantly aud foolhardily; but, by the
array of the saints, ye fight bravely!"
Dick turned to the beach. The combat
was still raging doubtfully in the night;
over the hosrse roar of the breakers
steel changed upon steel, and cries OF pain
and shout OF battle resounded.
"Lesd me to your captain, YOUTH" said
the conquered knight. sit is d. this
butcherv should cease"
"Sir," replied Dick, $50 far as these
brave fellows have captain, the poor
gentleman who here addresses you is
he."
"Csll OF your dogs, then, and 1 will
bid my villains hold" returned the other.
There was something noble both In the
voice and manner Ct his late opponent,
and Dick instantly dismissed all fears Of
treachery.
clay down your arms, men!" cried
the stranger knight. "Ihave yielded me,
upon promise Of life"
The tone of the stranger WAS one Of ab-
solute command, and almost instantly the
din and confusion of the mellay ceased.
"LawlesF," cried Dick, care ye safer"
"Aye," cried Lawless, "safe and
hearty"
"Light me the lantern" said Dick.
"Is not Sir Daniel here?" inquired the
knight.
"Sir Daniel7" echoed Dick. "Now, By
the rood, pray not. 1t would go Ill with
NE If he were here"
"Ill with you, fair slr?" inquired the
other. "Nsy, then, II ye be not of Sir
Daniels party, profess comprehend no
longer. Wherefore, then, fell ye upon
mine ambush In whist quarrel, my young
and very fiery friend? To what earthly
purposei And, to make clear end OF
questioning, to what good gentleman have
l surrendered"
But before Dick could answer voice
spoke in the darkness from close by.
Dick could see the speakers black and
white badge, and the respectful salute
which he addressed to his superior.
"My lord" said he, 'if these gentle
men be unfriends to Sir Daniel, 1t is pity,
indeed, we should have been at blows
with them; but it were terfold greater
that either they or we should linger here.
The watchers In the house-unless they
be sill dead or deaf-have heard our ham,
meripg this quarter hour agone; instantly
they will have signalled to the town; and
unless we be the livelier In our departure
we are like to be taken. both Of US, DY 8
fresh foe."
"Rawksley is in the right" added the
lord. CHOW please ye, sir? Whittier
shall we marchi"
"Nsy, my lord," said Dick, ego where
ye will for me. I do begin to suspect we
have some ground of friendship. and IL,
indeed, began our acquaintance some
Whist ruggedly. would not churlishly
continue. LIST us, then, separate, my
lord, you laying your right hand in mine;
and at the hour and place that ye shall
nsme, let US encounter and agree"
"Y' are too trustful, boy" ssid the
other; shut this time your trust is not
misplaced. will meet you at the point
of dsy at st, Brides Cross. Come, lads,