Tomaso stumbled, and so nearly lost his balance that it took him all his time to parry the next stroke, which was put in with equal smartness and vigour. One blow, that might have brought down an elephant, sent Tomaso on to his knees.
The same stroke made a notch in the Greek's weapon half an inch deep.
Had he caught the blow upon the flat of his sword, it would have been shivered to atoms beyond all doubt.
Toro saw his chance.
Nor was he at all slow to avail himself of it.
Quick as thought, another blow fell, and out of his grasp flew the Greek's blade.
He lay prostrate at the mercy of his adversary.
"Beg your life," cried Toro, planting his heavy foot firmly upon his adversary's chest.
"Never,"
"Then die!"