“I’m going back to bed,” interrupted Hugh, “or read a little Latin and Greek with Mr. Brockton.” There was impudence as well as humor in this, for the tutor had given up Hugh in despair long ago.
Barbara shook her head.
“You are going with us,” she said.
“I want Hugh to ride with me,” said Colonel Dale, “and give Firefly a little exercise. Nobody else can ride him.”
The Kentucky boy turned a challenging eye, as did every young man at the table, and Hugh felt very comfortable. While every one was getting ready, Harry brought out two foils and two masks on the porch a little later.
“We fight with those,” he said, pointing to the crossed rapiers on the wall, “but we practise with these. Hugh, there, is the champion fencer,” he said, “and he’ll show you.”
Harry helped the Kentucky boy to mask and they crossed foils—Hugh giving instructions all the time and nodding approval.
“You’ll learn—you’ll learn fast,” he said. And over his shoulder to Harry:
“Why, his wrist is as strong as mine now, and he’s got an eye like a weasel.”
With a twist he wrenched the foil from his antagonist’s hand and clattered it on the steps. The Kentuckian was bewildered and his face flushed. He ran for the weapon.