Not in vain did he have those large and powerful wrists, firm and strong as wrought steel, and not in vain had he been taught for years by the best swordsman in America.

He contented himself with parrying the savage cuts and thrusts, and gave ground slowly, retreating in a circle.

De Mezy's eyes blazed at first with triumph.

He had resented Robert's refusal of his offer to substitute Willet, and now, the victory which he had regarded as easy seemed to be even easier than he had hoped.

He pushed the combat harder.