And then-- "On guard!" he cried, and he stamped the echo to the word.

But, that done, instead of bearing the other down with a headlong rush characteristic of the man--as Tignonville feared--he held off warily, stooping low; and when his slow opening was met by one as cautious, he began to taunt his antagonist.
"Come!" he cried, and feinted half-heartedly.

"Come, Monsieur, are we going to fight, or play at fighting ?" "Fight yourself, then!" Tignonville answered, his breath quickened by excitement and growing hope.

"'Tis not I hold back!" And he lunged, but was put aside.
"Ca! ca!" Tavannes retorted; and he lunged and parried in his turn, but loosely and at a distance.
After which the two moved nearer the door, their eyes glittering as they watched one another, their knees bent, the sinews of their backs straining for the leap.

Suddenly Tavannes thrust, and leapt away, and as his antagonist thrust in return the Count swept the blade aside with a strong parry, and for a moment seemed to be on the point of falling on Tignonville with the poniard.