De Wardes placed himself on his guard; their
swords crossed.
The instant the word was given, the two apparitions sprang forward and began to rain blows down upon each other with such lightning rapidity that I could not quite tell whether I saw the
swords or only flashes they made in the air; the rattling din of these blows as they struck steel or paddings was something wonderfully stirring, and they were struck with such terrific force that I could not understand why the opposing
sword was not beaten down under the assault.
The Musketeers saluted Bicarat with their
swords, and returned them to their sheaths.
On both sides of me the prisoners broke to left and right for the seats, vaulting the low wall with dripping
swords lusting for the crowded victims who awaited them.
Alan drew a dirk, which he held in his left hand in case they should run in under his
sword. I, on my part, clambered up into the berth with an armful of pistols and something of a heavy heart, and set open the window where I was to watch.
"Look here, bachelor Corchuelo," returned the licentiate, "you have the most mistaken idea in the world about skill with the
sword, if you think it useless."
Young, agile and perfect in health he outclassed them in running as well as in swordsmanship, and ere they had made fifty paces both had thrown away their
swords and were on their knees pleading for their lives.
Then some would leap and some would run and some try archery and some ply the quarter-staff and some fall to with the good broad
sword. Some again would try a round at buffet and fisticuff; and thus by every variety of sport and exercise they perfected themselves in skill and made the band and its prowess well known throughout all England.
Twice or thrice thrusts were attempted on both sides, without effect; sparks were emitted from the
swords like water spouting forth.
As the white-furred one approached, the six grasped their
swords more firmly--the hooked instrument in the left hand, the straight
sword in the right, while above the left wrist the small shield was held rigid upon a metal bracelet.
Tranter's great
sword was indeed a mighty vantage in his favor.
"'He is not here,' said the Archbishop, 'that shall achieve the
sword, but doubt not God will make him known.
He said he would state the case exactly accord- ing to the facts; he would tell the simple straightfor- ward tale, without comment of his own; "and then," said he, "if ye find glory and honor due, ye will give it unto him who is the mightiest man of his hands that ever bare shield or strake with
sword in the ranks of Christian battle -- even him that sitteth there!" and he pointed to Sir Launcelot.
And she went on to tell him that the only way in which the old creature could be killed was with the
sword that hung up in the castle; but the
sword was so heavy that no one could lift it.
Poulter," Tom would say, at any allusion to the
sword, "I wish you'd bring your
sword and do the sword-exercise!"
