In obedience to it, it was the bravo now who advanced and engaged Garnache.

Suddenly he dropped on to his knees, and over his head Garnache found his blade suddenly opposed by Fortunio's.

It was a clever trick, and it all but did Garnache's business then.

Yet together with the surprise of it there came to him the understanding of what was intended.

Under his guard the kneeling man's sword was to be thrust up into his vitals.