"Frequently."
"And disarmed him?"
I saw Bernheim smile.
"Yes, once—the first time we engaged. He has disliked me ever since."
"I am rather astonished at you," I said; "where was your finesse?"
"It was quite unintentional. He tried to work a coup that is very little known. Instead of the regular defence I used one I had myself developed—and which ends in a wrench. I gave it a bit too vigorously and the Duke dropped his foil."
Bernheim gave a gruff laugh. "Dropped it!" he exclaimed. "Aye, and so lightly it flew twenty feet and hit the wall near the roof."
"I think," said I, "I would like to know that coup and its defences."
"They are yours, sir," he said. "But I am at a loss where Lotzen got the attack. It isn't known to six persons in Europe—even among the maïtres."
"And your own defence?"