The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1906-08-10

might catch his fOeman's blade, and BY 4
quick turn Of his wrist snap It across
Alleyne, on the other hand, must trust
for bis defence TO his quick eye and act.
i've foot-for his sword, though keen
was OF q light and graceful build, with q
steel. Y
Tranter well knew his advantage and
lost little time In putting it to use. AZ
his opponent walked toward him he s,Id.
denly bounded forward and sent In q
whistling cut which would have severed
the other in twain had he not sprung
lightly back from it. Quick as panther,
Aleyne sprang in with a thrust, but
Tranter, who was as active as be was
strong, had already recovered himself
and turned 1t aside with a movement of
his heavy blade. Again be whizzed in a
blow which made the spectators hold
their breath, and apain 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. He sprang out beyond
sword-sweep, and the pair stood breath
ing heavily, while the crowd Of young
squires buzzed their applause. q
'.Bravely struck on both sidesy' cried
Roger Harcomb. 'You have both won
honor from this meeting, and it would
be sin and shame to let 1t 60 further"
"You have done enough" Edricsoni
said Norbury.
"YOu have carried yourself we'll" cried
several of the older squires.
For my part, have no wish to slay
this. young man. said Tranter, wiping
docs this gentleman crave my pardon
tor having used me despitefullyT" asked
-Alleyne.
aNay, not II
Then stand on your guard, sir I" With
q 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
~ upon the thigh. Next instant, how
ever, his blade had slipped into the fatal
notch, there was q sharp cracking sound
with 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.
!, NAY, sir" said Harcomb. 'that is not |
"Throw down your hilt. Edricson!'
cried Norbury.
'Never!'' said Alleyne. do you
crave my pardon, sir?"
"You are mad to ask II"
Then on your guard again J" cried the |
young squire, and Sprang in with 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
Alleyne, his jagged point now at his foe
mans face, now at his throat, now OF his
hest, still stabbing and thrusting
o pass the line Of steel which
covered him. Yet ibis experienced
'oeman knew well that such efforts
.ould not be long sustained Let
him relax for one instant and his death
,low had come. Relax he must! Flesh
md blood could not stand the strain.
Already the thrusts were less fierce, the
'oot less ready, although there was no
abatement of the spirit in the steady gray
yes. Tranter, cunning and wary from
ears of fighting, knew that his chance
lad 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
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. Tranters last spring.
arried him clear Of the edge, and he
' ls |