Some low-lying fleecy clouds rose to meet the sun, broke up into airy flakes and gradually dispersed.
'On guard!' Conscious of his inferiority, Rutolo determined to hamper his opponent's play, to attack him at close quarters and so break his continuity of action.

For this he enjoyed the advantage of shorter stature and a frame which, being wiry, thin and flexible, offered but little mark to the other's weapon.
Andrea foresaw that Rutolo would adopt this plan.

He stood on guard, bent like a taut bow, watching for the right moment.
'Halt!' cried Santa Margherita.
A streak of blood showed on Rutolo's breast.

The rapier had penetrated, just under the right breast, almost to the rib.

The surgeons hurried over, but the wounded man instantly turned to Casteldieri, and with a tremor of anger in his voice said roughly:-- 'It is a mere scratch.