rd to say.

And I, seeing how matters stood, took my courage in my hands, and,
with a low bow, wished her good-bye.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE CROSSING OF SWORDS

Sunrise, two days later, found Mr. Richard Ringgold and myself
stamping our feet in the snow on the pike, half-way between the
hostile lines.

"I suppose they will let us fight here without interruption," said
Dick.

"No danger from that," I replied. "We will fight in that little
hollow, where the outposts cannot see us."

"Here they come," said Dick. We saw two officers approaching across
the snow from the Highland outpost.

They soon came up, and we saluted, while Dick and Captain Forbes,
Farquharson's second, soon agreed upon the preliminaries.

"Will you lead the way, gentlemen?" said Forbes.

Dick and I led them to the little hollow between the hills, where a
slight meadow formed a platform, as it were, for us to act our drama
upon.

Since my first duel with Rodolph on the banks of the Elk I had seen
something of war and of battles, and considered myself an old hand in
such encounters.

And so I found myself looking Farquharson over and estimating his
strength and his skill, for I knew him to be one of the best swordsmen
among the Highlanders, while I could claim, with all due modesty, to
be the best in the Maryland Line.

He was a notable swordsman, you could see that at a glance; the
powerful figure, yet as light and active as a cat, the muscles of his
sword arm telling of long and patient handling of the weapon, while
his cold gray eye spoke for his coolness and determination.

He glanced at me, as we threw off our coats, in almost an indifferent
manner, as if he had a duty to perform, which was to be done as
quickly as possible, the mere suppression of a country bumpkin by a
gentleman of fashion. I knew that would change as soon as our swords
crossed, and smiled to myself. Then, being stripped to our shirts, we
took our places and saluted.

Click, and our swords rang true. Though he fenced somewhat carelessly
at first, there came a surprised look and a sudden change in his
manner, as I parried a skilful thrust and touched him lightly on the
shoulder. He seemed to realise that he had no ordinary swordsman
opposed to him, and quickly brought into play all his skill and
fierceness in attack, throwing me on the defensive and forcing me
gradually back.

It could not last; no strength could stand it. When he found that the
steel gua