secrets of their hearts are known, and all the actions of their lives
are judged. The two combatants were nearly equally matched in the use
of the sword. Bernard's superior skill in fence being fully compensated
by the superior coolness of his adversary.

Just as the last labourer had disappeared, both swords flashed in the
morning sun. The combat was long, and the issue doubtful. Each seemed so
conscious of the skill of the other, that both acted chiefly on the
defensive. But the protracted length of the fight turned to the
advantage of Hansford, who, from his early training and hardy exercise,
was more accustomed to endure fatigue. Bernard became weary of a contest
of such little interest, and at last, forgetting the science in which he
was a complete adept, he made a desperate lunge at the breast of the
young colonist. This thrust Hansford parried with such success, that he
sent the sword of his adversary flying through the air. In attempting to
regain possession of his sword, Bernard's foot slipped, and he fell
prostrate to the ground.

"Now yield you," cried the victor, as he stood above the prostrate form
of his antagonist, "and take back the foul stain which you have placed
upon my name, or, by my troth, you had else better commend yourself to
Heaven."

"I cannot choose but yield," said Bernard, rising slowly from the
ground, while his face was purple with rage and mortification. "But look
ye, sir rebel, if but I had that good sword once more in my hand, I
would prove that I can yet maintain my honour and my life against a
traitor's arm. I take my life at your hands, but God do so to me, and
more also, if the day do not come when you will wish that you had taken
it while it was in your power. The life you give me shall be devoted to
the one purpose of revenge."

"As you please," said Hansford, eyeing him with an expression of bitter
contempt. "Meantime, as you value your life, dedicated to so unworthy an
object, let me hear no more of your insolence."

"Nay, by my soul," cried Bernard, "I will not bear your taunts. Draw and
defend yourself!" At the same time, with an active spring, he regained
possession of his lost sword. But just as they were about to renew the
attack, there appeared upon the scene of action a personage so strange
in appearance, and so wild in dress, that Bernard dropped his weapon in
surprise, and with a vacant stare gazed upon the singular apparition.

The figure was that of a young gi