Churchill standard. (Fallon, Nev) 1903-1908, 1906-08-11

might catch his foeman's blade, and by a
quick turn OF his wrist snap it across.
Alleyne, on the other hand, must trust
for his defence to has quick eye and act
i've foot-for his sword, though keen,
was OF a light and graceful build, with a
narrow sloplng pommel and a tapering
steel.
Tranter well knew his advantage and
lost little time in putting it to use. As
his opponent walked toward him he sud-
denly bounded forward and sent in a
whlstling cut which would have severed
the other in twain had he not sprung
lightly back from it. Quick as n panther.
Alleyne sprang in with n thrust, but
Tranter. who was as active as he was
strong, had already recovered himself
and turned 1t aside with a movement OF
his heavy blade. Again he whizzed in a
blow which made the spectators hold
their breath, and aoain Alleyne very
quickly and swiftly slid from under it,
and sent back two lightning thrusts
which the other could scarce parry. So
close We're they to each other that AL
leyne had no time to spring back from
the next cut, which beat down his
sword and grazed his forehead, sending
the blood streaming into his eyes and
down his cheeks. lie sprang out beyond
swo~rd-sWeep, and the pair stood breath
ing heavily, while the crowd of young
squires buzzed their applause.
"Bravely struck on both sides :" cried
Roger IIarcomb. You have both won
honor from this meeting, and it would
be sin and shame to let it go further"
You have done enough Edricson
said Norbury.
You have carried yourself WE'LL" cried
several of the older s%quires.
For my part, l have no wish to slay
this. young man," said Tranter, wiping
his brow.
docs this gentleman crave my pardon
for having used Inc despitefully!" asked
Alleyne.
NAY, not T."
"Then stand IN your guard, sir" With
n clatter and clash the two blades met
once more, Alleyne pressing in so as to
keep within full sweep of the heavy blade,
while Tranter as continually sprang back
A three-parts parried blow drew blood
from Alleyne's left shoulder. but at the
same moment he wounded Tranter slight
ly upon the thigh. Next instant, how
ever, his blade had slipped into the fatal
notch, there was a sharp cracking sound
with a tinkling upon the ground, and he
found a splintered piece of steel fifteen
inches long was all that remained to him
of his weapon.
"Your life is in my hands !" cried
Tranter, with a bitter smile.
"Another sword" cried Ford.
way, sly saru ii"leonio' 'naI 10 hot
Throw down your hilt, Edricson "
cried Norbury.
"Neyeri7 said Alleyne. do you
crave my pardon, siTI"
You are mad to ask it."
"Then on your guard again !" cried the
young squire, and sprang in with a fire
and a fury which more than made up for
the shortness of his weapon. 1t had not
escaped him that his opponent was
breathing in short, hoarse gasps, like a
the time for the purer living and the
more agile limb to show their value.
Back and back gave Tranter, ever seek
ing time for a last cut. On and on came
Alleyne. his jagged point now at his foe
mans face. now at his throat, now at his
chest, still stabbing and thrusting
to pass the line of steel which
covered him. Yet his experienced
foeman knew well that such efforts
him relax for one instant and his death
blow had come. Relax he must! Flesh
and blood could not stand the strain.
Already the TRUSTS were less fierce, the
foot less ready, although there was no
abatement of the spirit in the steady gray
eyes. Tranter. cunning and wary from
years of fighting, knew that his chance
had come. lie brushed aside the frau
weapon which was opposed to him.
whirled up his great blade, sprang back
to get the fairer sweep-and vanished
into the waters of the Garonne.
SO intent had the squires. both COM
batants and spectators, been on the mat
ter in hand, that all thought of the steep
bank and swift, still stream had gone
from their minds. Tranter's last spring,
carried him clear of the edge, and he