The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1906-08-03

might eaten bis foeman's blade, and BY a
| quick turn of his wrist snap il across.
/ Alieyns, on the other hand, must trust
/ for his defence to his quick eye and act
i've foot-for his sword, though keen,
was OF 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
whistling cut which would have severed
| the other in twain had he not sprung
| lightly back from it. Quick as a panther
Alleyne sprang in with a thrust, but
Iranter, who was as active as he was
strong had already recovered himself
| and turned 1t aside with movement of
his heavy blade. Again he whizzed in a
blow which made the spectators hold
their breath, and again Alleyne very
quickly and swiftly slid from under il,
and sent back two lightning thrusts
which the other could scarce parry. So
close were 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. He sprang out beyond
sword-sweep, and the pair stood breath
ing heavily, while the crowd of young
squires buzzed their applause.
"Bravely struck on both sides 7" cried
Roger Elarcomb. 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 wei" cried
several of the older squires.
For my part, | have no wish to slay
this. young man" said Tranter, wiping
his brow.
"Does this gentleman crave my pardon
for having used me despitefully? asked
Alleyne.
'Nay, not T."
"Then stand on your guard, sir :" With
CHATTER 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
to have space for one of his great cuts. |
A three-parts parted 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 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
WIFI Il DilteT SLltle.
another sword" cried Ford.
"Nay, sir" said Harcomb, that is not
the CUSTOM"
''Throw down your hilt, Edricson y
cried Norbury.
'Neyerl' said Alleyne. "Do you
crave my pardon. sing
You are mad to ask it."
"Then on your guard again !" cried the
young squire, and sprang in with a fire
and 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
man who is dizzy with fatigue. Now was
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
10 pass the line of steel which
covered him. Yet his experienced
could not be long sustained. Let
him relax for one instant and his death
blow had come Relax he must Flesh
and blood could not stand the strain.
Already the thrusts 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
had come. He brushed aside the frail
weapon which was opposed to him,
vhirled up his great blade, sprang back
o get the fairer sweep--and vanished
nto the waters of the Garonne.
SO intent had the squires, both COM
,atants and spectators, been on the mat
er in hand, that all thought of the steep
,ank and swift, still stream had gone
rom their minds. Tranter's last spring,
,arried him clear of the edge, and he