He began, indeed, to taunt his adversary; to flout and jeer him.

But it was with a motive.
For suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he repeated the peculiar thrust which had been successful before.

This time, however, Tavannes was ready.

He put aside the blade with a quick parade, and instead of making a riposte sprang within the other's guard.

The two came face to face and breast to shoulder, and struck furiously with their daggers.
Count Hannibal was outside his opponent's sword and had the advantage.
Tignonville's dagger fell, but glanced off the metalwork of the other's hilt; Tavannes' fell swift and hard between the young man's eyes.