“Give him the choice,” cried Darleton, with a flourish.
The man with the weapons stepped forward, holding them by the blades and having them crossed. Frank accepted the first that came to his hand. His enemy took the other.
“On guard!” cried Darleton savagely; “on guard, and defend your life!”
Steel met steel with a deadly click.
There was no fooling about that encounter. From the very start it was deadly and thrilling in its every aspect. The duelists went at it keyed to the highest tension.
Merry saw a deadly purpose in Fred Darleton’s eyes, and he knew the fellow longed to run him through.
On the other hand, only as a last resort to save himself did Frank wish to seriously wound his enemy.
Aroused by his fancied wrongs, Darleton handled the rapier with consummate skill. He watched for an opening, and he was ready to take advantage of the slightest mistake on the part of his opponent.
The torches flared and smoked, casting a weird glow over the scene. The fighters advanced and retreated. The rapiers glinted and flashed.
“Do your best, Merriwell!” hissed Darleton.