The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-12-20


dispute. Mind you, it is all in kind
ness. Ruric Newell, take your weap-
on"
The youth stepped forward and
extended his left hand for the
sword, and the right hand he ex-
tended for the other to grasp. 1t
was taken warmly, for the Greek
saw in an instant that he had a no
bic man to deal with. And those
two men were not much unlike in
form. Demetrius was an atom the
taller, but Ruric showed the more
! muscle.
The night had come on, but the
great lamps were all lighted, and the
room was as bright as day.
"Sir," said Ruric, addressing the
Greek, "this is none of my seeking,
though | confess that for a long
while have longed to cross a play
full sword with you. play WE'LL
81 like YOU" the Greek returned
bluntly and kindly, "and if you beat
me will not like you less. | can af-
ford to be beat once, seeing that
thus far | have never been since first
| offered to fence"
"Come, come," cried Peter, who
was impatient for the entertain
ment, ''let's see the opening. Now,
stand aside, gentlemen"
Like twins stood those swords
men as their weapons crossed with a
clear, sharp clang. The Greek led
off carefully, and Ruric as carefully
warded every stroke. Then the for
mer assumed guard, and Ruric led
off in turn. Ere long the swords
FLASHED with sharper ring, and soon
sparks of fire flew out from the
Changing steel. Louder and louder
grew the clang, and quicker and
quicker grew the strokes. The
thrusts were made with skill and
force, but as yet neither had been
touched.
The emperor was in ecstasy. He
clapped his hands and shouted bravo
with all his might.
By and by Ruric's eye grew more
intense in its sparkling fire. His OPP
ponent saw it, but he could not tell
what it meant. The youth was about
to risk the most daring feat CT all he
knew. Steadily burned his eye, and
his lips were set like steel. At length
he saw that the GreeF was playing
for a thrust, and he lowered his
point. Demetrius saw the chance,
and, drawing his arm quickly back,
he made the thrust with all his pow
er. He was sure now he had won,
for there was no earthly way in
which his point could be struck Ell
ther down or up. But see! With a
gliding motion, motion almost i'm
perceptible, Ruric raises his sword,
and the other slides along upon its
side, and the other point, instead of
touching his breast, is caught in the
cross guard Of his haft. Then, quick
as lightning and with all his might,
Ruric bends his elbow downward
with the whole weight of his mass
i've shoulder and throws his wrist
upward. On that instant the Greek
sees and feels what meant that
strange fire of the eye. He feels his
point caught, but before he can close
his grasp more firmly the haft is
wrenched from his hand. 1t strikes
the vaulted ceiling with a dull clang
and, descending, is caught fairly on
the hilt by Ruric Newell.
For a moment all is still as death
in that chamber. Ruric is the first
to break the silence He advances
to the Greek, and as he hands back
both the swords he says:
"Demetrius, remember your
promise. know you are a brave
man, for | can see it in your forgiv-
ing glance. You will not like me the
less for this"
''By heaven, no." the noble Greek
cries, dropping both the swords and
extending both hands, which the
gunmaker grasped. 81 honor you, l
love you"
Peter Alexiowitz, the impetuous
emperor, then in the zeal and fire of
youth, leaped from his standing
! place and caught Ruric by the hand.
''By st. Michael" he cried ear
! nestly and loudly, you stand clear
of all blame, for full well do | know
that had YOU so desired you could
have slain Conrad Damonoff at your
first thrust"
Sire returned the youth, now
! speaking tremulously, ''twice did
| disarm the count and yet spare him
And when in my rage broke his
weapon in twain to bring him to his
senses he seized a second sword"
"Sir duke, spoke the emperor