"You first!" he cried coolly, as his sword met that of the leader. The
unhappy wretch was no match for the finest swordsman in Graustark. He
made a few desperate attempts to ward off his inevitable fate, calling
loudly for his comrade to aid him. The latter was eager enough, but
Baldos's strategic roll of the cask effectively prevented him from
taking a hand. With a vicious thrust, the blade of the goat-hunter tore
clean through the man's chest and touched the wall behind.
"One!" cried Baldos, gloating in the chance that had come to him. The
man gasped and fell. He was none too quick in withdrawing his dripping
weapon, for the second man was over the obstacle and upon him.
CHAPTER XXV
THE VALOR OF THE SOUTH
"Hold the lantern higher, Bev--" In the fury of the fight, he remembered
the risk and importance of not mentioning her name, and stopped
short. He was fighting fast but warily, for he realized that his present
adversary was no mean one. As the swords played back and forth in fierce
thrusts and parries, he spoke assuringly to Beverly: "Don't be
frightened! As soon as I finish with this fellow, we will go on! Ah!
Bravo! Well parried, my man! How the deuce could such a swordsman as you
become a cutthroat of Marlanx?"
Beverly had been standing still all this time holding the light high
above her head, according to her lover's orders, for she knew now that
such he was and that she loved him with all her heart.
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