ntact with it, but Effingston met the blow in a way least
expected, making use of a trick but little known in England at that
time, for as quickly as the sword flew forward he stepped lightly
aside, at the same time advancing his own weapon. The hilts came
together with a crash; the guard of one was entangled in the bell of
the other, and the two rapiers remained firmly interlocked. The men
now stood so closely that their breasts touched, the breath issuing
from their parted lips mingling in clouds. Suddenly, almost
simultaneously, as if one read the intent in the other's eye, each
slowly moved his left arm to his side, seeking the dagger he knew hung
there. Again, on the same instant, the knives flashed forth; the men
sprang quickly apart; the two rapiers went spinning on the roadway,
and with a clatter, became disentangled as they fell. No time for
breath; each knows it is to the death, and plenty of rest awaits one
or both, perchance, in a few moments. The men leaped toward each
other; a confused struggle ensued. Fawkes from his post could illy
make out who had the advantage. Suddenly, Effingston's foot slipped,
he was almost upon his knees--the man was upon him, one hand gripped
his shoulder, forcing him to the ground, the other held the knife
lifted high to add force to the blow; but that coveted strength cost
him his life, for before the hand could descend, Effingston quickly
raised his dagger, and drove it with all his might up to the guard in
the neck left unprotected by his adversary's movement. The man
clutched at the figure before him, the blade flew from his grasp and
he dropped with a bubbling cry to the earth, the blood spurting from
him as he fell.

"Marry!" exclaimed Fawkes, who through all the contest had been
craning his neck and breathing hard with excitement, "that was a brave
device but not one which I should care to try myself. By the Apostle
Paul!" added he in surprise on hearing the bell of a distant church
strike the hour, "it is three o'clock, and here am I watching two
gentlemen, whose faces I cannot even see, settle a little difficulty
about a woman. But 'twas a lusty fight, and for the moment made me
forget the errand which called me forth." Saying which and with
another glance down the road, he started upon his way.

The victor stood regarding his foe, who made one or two convulsive
movements as if to arise, but fell back with the blood spouting from
the wound and out his mouth. One more