“Only once acknowledged, but Merry counted twice, just the same.”
“Either time,” declared Morgan, “would have ended the affair in a genuine duel.”
“Sure!” growled Browning.
“But not in this sort of an encounter,” said Harry. “Here a touch is a touch, and Darleton is on even terms with Merry now.”
After this none of them paid much attention to Harry’s fears, as he expressed them. They were wholly absorbed in the cleverness of the two young men on the platform, who were circling, feinting, attacking, parrying and constantly watching for an opening or seeking to create one through some trick or artifice.
Three times Darleton sought to reach Frank and failed, but each time he prevented a successful riposte on the part of Merry. He was at his very best, and for a few moments his skill seemed superior to that of the visitor.
The shadow that had clouded the face of L’Estrange passed away. Confidence came to him. Once he had feared that his pupil might be outmatched, but this fear troubled him no longer. Darleton was forcing the work, but he was keeping himself well in hand and effectually covered all the while.
Finally the Midwestern man made a flashing cut-over and scored.
“Touch!” cried Merry again.
“I knew it!” half sobbed Rattleton.