Cheraw chronicle. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1896-2005, 1921-07-28

which would add security to his arm
and wrist.
Dyck had learned swordsmanship
with . as skilled a master as Ireland
had known, and he had shown, in get
ting knowledge of the weapon, a nat
ural instinct and capacity worthy of
the highest purpose. He had handled
the sword since he was six, and his
play was better than that Of most
men; but this was, in fact, his first
real duel. Many times, of course, In
the process of his training, he had
fought as men fight in duels, but with
this difference-that now he was per-
mitted to disable or kill his foe.
Physically, there was not vast
deal to choose between the two men.
Mallow was, lank and tall. nerTously
self-contained, finely concentrated,
and vigorous. Dyck was broad OF
shoulder, we'll set UP, muscular, and
with a steadier eye than that Of his
foe. Also, rs the combat developed,
1t was clear that he had hand as
steady as his eye. What was more,
his wrist had superb strength and
| flexibility; 1t was as enduring and
vital as the forefoot and ankle OF a
tiger. AS pair they were certainly
notable, and would give good ac-
count Of themselves.
The two men fighting had almost
the air Of gladiatOrs. Their coats
were off, and the white llren Of their
shirts looked gracious; while the up
raised left hand of the fighters bal
ancing the swordthrust and the
weight of the body had an almost sin
gular beauty. Of the two, Dyck was
the more graceful, the steadier, the
quicker In his motions. His momen-
tary vision Of Sheila Llyn remained
with him-not as vision, rather as
warmth in his inmost being, some
thing which made him intensely alert,
cheerful, defiant, exactly sklllful.
He had need of all his S Ill, for
Mallow was set to win the fight. He
felt instinctively what was working
in Dyck's mind. He had fought a
number of duels, and with certain
trick or art he had given the end to
the lives Of several. He became con.
scious. however that Dyck had par
ticular stroke in mind, which he him.
self was preventing by masterful
methods. 1t might be one thing or an
other, but in view of Dyck's training
it would perhaps be the Enniscorthy
touch.
Again and again Dyck pressed his
antagonist. backward, seeking to mud
| die his defense and to clear an open
ing for his own deadly stroke; but the
other man also was master, and
parried successfully.
Presently, with quick move, NAL
low took the offensive, and tried to
unsettle Dyck's polse and disorganize
his battle-plan. For an instant the
tempestuous action, the brilliant,
swift play of the sword, the quivering
flippancy of the steel, gave Dyck that
which almost disconnected him. Yet
he had q grip of himself, and was for.
tunate to preserve his defense Intact;
though once his enemy's steel caught
his left shoulder, making 1t bleed. The
seconds, however, decided that the
thrust was not serious, and made no
attempt to interrupt the combat.
l. OH oi,,
he became aggressive, and he drove
his foe to a point where the skill of
both men was tried to the uttermOst.
1t was clear the time had come for
something definite. Suddenly Dyck
threw himself back with an agile step,
lunged slightly to one side, and then
in gallant foray got the steel point
into the swOrd-arm Of his enemy. That
was the Enniscorthy stroke, which
had been taught him by William
Tandy, the expert swordsman, and
had been made famous by Lord Well
ing of Ennlscorthy. 1t succeeded, and
it gave Dyck the victory, for Mallow's
sword dropped from his hand. He
clasped the wounded arm with his left
hand as the surgeon came forward.
"WelI, you got it home" he said to
Dyck; land It's deftly DONE"
Il did my best" answered Dyck.
Give me your hand, if you WILL"
With u wry look Mallow, now seat
ed on the old stump of a tree, held out
his left hand. 1t was covered with
blood.
Il think we'll have to forego that
courtesy, Calhoun" he said. Look
at the state of my hand! It's good
blood" he added grimly. ITS id
good blood, but-but it won't do, you
see."
I'm glad it was no worse" said
| Dyck, not touching the bloody hand.
It's Il clean thrust, and you'll be bet
! ter from it soon. These great men ~
he smiled toward the surgeOns-"will
soon put YOU right. | got my chance
with the stroke, and took it, because
knew if | didn't you'd have me pres
! emily"
You'll have a great reputation IN
| Dublin town now, and you'll deserve
| it." Alallow added adroitly, the great
paleneSs of his features, however,
made ghasty by the hatred in his
eyes.
Dyck did not see this look, but he
felt note of malice--a distant note
| in MaIlow'S voice He saw fiat
what Mallow had said was fresh evi-
dence of the mans arrogant character
| L. d;L unt nffnnd him hnwaNnr for hn