The La Jara chronicle., 1906-08-10

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 his quick eye and act
i've foot-for his sword, though keen,
was Of n light and graceful build. with a
| narrow slopins pommel and a tapering
steel. =
Tranter we'll 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 n
histling cut which would have severed
the other in twain had he not sprung
lightly back from it. Quick as a panther.
Allcyne sprang in with n thrust, but
Trlnter, who was as active as he was
strong, had already recovered himself
and turned it aside with movement of
| his heavy blade. Again he whizzed in a
blow which made the spectators hold
their breath, and a~ain 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 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
sy 3rd-sweep, and the pair stood breath
in heavily. while the crowd of young
81 .ires buzzed their applause.
Brayely struck on both sides!" cried
Il ser Harcomb. You have both won
honor from this meeting. and it would
BE- in and shame to let it go, further"
You have done enough" Edricson
said Norbury
YOU have carried yourself WELL" cried
Sc al of the older squires.
For my part, have no wish to slay
TIL young man." said Tranter, wiping
his brow.
Does this gentleman crave my pardon
g. Il.
A yne.
Nay. not T.
Then stand on your guard, sir ~ With
n latter and clash the two blades met
ono more. Allcyne pressing in so as to
k,1D within full sweep of the heavy blade.
wi le Irantcr as continually sprang back
to nave space for one of his great cuts.
y three-parts parried blow drew blood
fruu Alleyne's left shoulder, but at the
sane moment he wounded Tranter slight
" upon the thigh. Next instant, how
ey. r.. his blade had slipped into the fatal
no h, there was n sharp cracking sound
wi % a tinkling upon the ground. and he
found n splintered piece of steel fifteen
inches long was all that remained to him
of MS weapon.
Your life is in my handsw cried
Truter, with n bitter smile.
Another sword" cried Ford.
Nay, sir" said Harcomb, that is not
the custom.'
hrow down your hilt, Edricson y
cried Norhury.
''Never!' 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 -hortncss of his weapon. 1t had not
csr1nCl him that his opponent was
hrr ling 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.
Bal. and back gave Tranter, ever seek
iUE lime for a last cut. On and on came
A'.a-up. his Jagged point now at his foe
m face, now nt his throat, now at his
olla-, still stnbbing and thrusting
to nass the line of steel which
cuguI him. Yet his experienced
TO- knew well that such efforts
gaH. not be long sustained. Let
| HI lr had come. Relax he must Flesh
an blood could not stand the strain.
4 ldy the thrusts were less fierce, the
| Tul. less ready, although there was no
pl element of the spirit in the steady gray
cyes. Trnuter, cunning and wary from
ycars of fighting, knew that his chance
lad come. lie brushed aside the frail
weapon which was opposed to him.
Uhirlcd up his great blade, sprang back
TO get the fairer swccp-and vanished
INTO the waters of the Garonne.
SO intent had the squires, both COM
hutants and spectators, been on the mat
tcr in hand, that all thought of the steep
bank and swift, still stream had gone
carried him clear of the edge, and he