Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1917-11-15

And saluting him with my sword,
cast about for choice of position.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Duel.
But Of choice there was none. The
full moon hung high in cloudless sky
and its light was clear; 1t was such
night as comes only in early autumn.
Whatever handicap there might be in
the somewhat doubtful CLEAN and the
depth of the shadows. certain 1t was
that the disadvantages were equally
divided between myself and my oppo-
nent. knew It was light enough to
see the CLEAN Of La Classes teeth as
he impatiently awaited me with q sar-
donic smile; and knew he thirsted
for my blood with maniacal intensity.
Not that he bore me particular en-.
nifty, but that he must fight. Dueling
was his life.
Now, while claim to be an accom-.
plished swordsman, I make no pre-
tense at being that impossible individ-
ual who picks up rapier and, with
ease and an air of boredom, dlsposes
of the strongest and bravest in few
passages. Such men do not exist.
had acquired skill by persistent hard
work, and that which I knew I knew
thoroughly. 1t was all the genius l
possessed. had no occasion to use
much of 1t on Merwin, whom l now
guessed had been a pupil of the man
before me, but l certainly needed 1t
| here. AS ! stepped forward the wit
ness drew his own rapier. Gentle
men." he exclaimed, Il shall see fair
play without favor. Are you both
ready? Engage!"
The last word was hardly spoken
! when La Classe, foregoing the for.
mality of the parade, made hurried
motion which he might have meant
| for salute, and rushed at me with
/ vehemence that had l not known my
! business would have ended matters
| then and there; but ! repulsed him
with q counter that caused him to leap
back out of reach and open wide his
! eyes. Hal" he exclaimed. Think
/ not that 1 would have struck home so
early, sir! Twas but test! 1t gives
me pleasure to know that you are no
novice. salute you! En- garde!"
l made no reply. He advanced
again, and OUR blades met delicately.
| Now, il Is fairly well known to those
I who are versed in the glorious art of
fencing, that by the way a man par
ries first attack and makes his re.
turn can be told where he is most liza
! BILE to lay himself open to his adver-
| sary. And, moreover, that portion of
/ the body he leaves most open in him
self is often the point toward which
he will address his attack on his enc.
my. Fencing-master though he was,
determined the bias Of La Classe in
few moments.
! Our swords came together lightly
and for brief space remained rigidly
crossed, each feeling the strength of
the others wrist. l could no more
have broken down my opponents
, guard at that time than I could have
flown in the air. But brain is more
powerful than Drawn, and patience
powerful factor in all contests.
! gave way gently-as il forced
then felt toward his point, the two
steels making soft, oily note too
light to be called a noise, too sinister
to be music; then / tested his guard
by swift disengage and thrust in
seconde. 1t was perfectly parried, and
a quick return made in tierce, which
latter I avoided because I knew 1t
would follow. l was now fairly sure
of his weak point, and determined to
let his body alone and try for his
head and throat.
For full three minutes we fenced,
and realized what | was fairly GER
tain of before; that had man whose
skill and mettle were nearer my own
than any one, save my old master.
who had ever honored me with bout.
And strangely enough this gave me
comfort; there would be no taint of
murder if l should kill him.
It was silent work, so far as words
went, until near the end. The soft
sibilance of the smooth steels and the
sharp ring of the parties were the only
sounds that mingled with the plash of
the small surf coming In from the
broad river II held any advantage
II was in the fact that La Classe was
evidently unused to fighting in so un.
certain light. while had been train.
ed to meet all conditions.
And there were two other important
matters in my favor; first, that was
at least twenty years my opponents
junior, and had the better wind, the
more supple joints; second, that kept
my temper. while he visibly lost his as
he found himself met at all points.
These were matters would not fail
to see, as also that his strength was
being well tested; for twice he shifted
his rapier from his right hand to his
left and back again. though he fenced
equally well with either. Without
doubt he was used to finishing his vic.
H.. I,,I