Never have I fought more wickedly, nor with deeper realization that I needed every ounce of strength, and every trick of wit and skill.

I had not before dreamed he was such a man; but now I knew the fellow possessed greater knowledge of the game than I, and a quicker movement; I alone excelled in weight of body, and coolness of brain.

His efforts were those of an infuriated animal, his uncontrolled outburst of hatred rendering him utterly reckless of results in his struggle to overcome me at any cost.

It was this blind blood-lust which gave me victory.

I know not clearly how it was done; my only memory being his frantic efforts to drive home the knife point, and mine to defeat the thrust.