Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1906-08-10

might catch his f0eman's blade, aud BY a
quick turn Of his wrist snap 1t across.
Alleyne, on the other hand, must trust
for his defence TO bis quick eye and act
i've i0ot-i0r his sword, though keen,
was of n light aud graceful build. with a
narrow sloping pommel and a tapering
steel.
Tranter well knew his advantage and
lost little time IN putting Il 10 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 IL. Quick as a panther.
Alleyne sprang In with thrust, but
Tranter, who was as active as he was
strong had already recovered himself
and turned II aside with a movement of
his heavy blade. Again he whizzed in
blow which made the spectators hold
their breath, and again Alleyne very
quickly and swiftly slid from under It,
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 10 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
sword-sweep, and the pair stood breath
ing heavily, while the crowd Of young
squires buzzed their applause.
"Brayely struck on both sides ~ cried
Roger llarcomb. you have both won
honor from this meeting, and II would
be sin and shame 10 let II go further"
You have done enough" EdricsOn
said Norbury.
You have carried yourself We'll" cried
several Of the older squires
For my part, l have no wish to slay
this young man" said Tranter, wiping
his brow.
Does this gentleman crave my pardon
tor having used me despitefullyl" asked
Alleyne.
''Nay, not T."
Then stand on your guard, sir ~ With
clatter and clash the two blades met
once more, Alleyne pressing in 80 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 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 be
/ ARdAA ~ HniAnAEANA DANAC VI BtEEA AAtNNu
inches long was all that remained to him
Of his weapon.
"Your life is in my handsw cried
| Tranter, with bitter smile.
Another sword" cried Ford.
Nay, sir" said Harcomb, that Is moi
the CUSTOM"
"Throw down your hilt, EdricsOn r
cried Norbury.
'Neverp said Alleyne. ~DO you
crave my pardon, siT"
you are mad to ask II"
"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 moi
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 last cut. On and on came
Alleyne, his jagged point now at his foe
mans face. now at his throat, now at bis
chest, still stabbing and thrustinf
to pass the line of steel which
covered him. Yet his experienced
fOeman knew we'll that such efforts
could not be long sustained. Lee
him relax for one instant and his death
blow had come. Relax he must! Flesl
and blood could not stand the strain
Already the thrusts were less fierce, tn
: foot less ready, although there was n
/ abatement of the spirit in the steady graz
eyes. Tranter, cunning and wary from
years of fighting, knew that his chanc,
had come. He brushed aside the frai
! weapon which was opposed to him
whirIed up his great blade, sprang bacl
J 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 steel
, bank and swift, still stream had gon
from their minds. Tranter's last sprins
carried him clear of the edge, and b