The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-12-16


swords"
Both the duke and Urzen stood
aghaSt at this new turn, but they
dared not interfere, for they saw
that their imperial master was all
excitement now to see trial of skill
at that science which, above all 9TH
crs, he tried to make his officers
lcarn. But then they had one hope
-Demetrius might overcome tie
gunmaker SO easily that Peter
should not see his real power.
De1netrius soon came, and under
his arm he carried the swords. They
we're of the common size, but with
round edges and points on purpose
for play. The master at arms was a
powerfully built man and possessed
a splendid form. He was a Greek
BY birth and was now retained by
the emperor as a teacher of the
sword exercise.
ADemetrius," said Peter, "I have
sent for you to entertain us with a
show of yonr skill. Here is a man
about whose power there is some
dispute. Mind you, it is all in kind
ness. Ruric Nevel, 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. It
was taken warmly, for the Greek
saw in an instant that he had no
Bile 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 I confess that for a long
while I have longed to cross play
full sword with you. I play we'll"
F1 like you" the Greek returned
bluntly and kindly, ''and if you beat
me I will not like you less. [ can af-
ford to be beat once, seeing that
thus far I have never been since first
I offered to fence"
"Come, conle," cried Peter, who
was impatient for the entertain
ment, 1et's see the opening. Now,
stand aside, gentlemen"
Like twins stood those swords
men as their weapons crossed with
clear, sharp clang. The Greek led
off carefully, and Ruric as carefully
warded every stroke. Then the for
mer assumed a guard, and Ruric led
off in turn. Ere long the swords
clashed with sharper ring, and soon
sparks of fire few 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
claimed his hands and shouted bravo
with all his might.
By and by Ruric's eye grew more
intense in its sparkling FIRE. His op-
ponent saw it, but he could not tell
what it meant. The youth was about
to risk the most daring feat Of all he
knew. Steadily burned his eye, and
his lips were set like steel. At length
he saw that the Greek 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 s.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. fIe 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 dull clans
and. descending, is caught fairly on
the hiIt bv Rllric Nevel.
i