“After your assertion, I must either humble your arrogance or lose my reputation.”
“I shall be glad to know how you propose to do so?”
“Ah, you talk of Bohemia because that country is far away. As for me, I prefer this one, because it affords an immediate opportunity to put the matter to the test.”
“I should ask nothing better if it were not impossible.”
“Impossible! You shall see if it be.”
Bach sprang up. An old door, supported by a couple of benches, had been placed in the chamber for a table. He hammered at the worm-eaten wood and knocked off a strip which he split in half. One of these substitutes for rapiers he gave to Trenck, retaining the other himself, and both placed themselves on guard.
After the first few passes, Trenck sent his adversary’s make-shift sword flying through space, and with his own he met the lieutenant full in the chest.
“Touché!” he cried.
“Heavens! It is true!” growled Bach. “But I’ll have my revenge!”
He went out hastily. Trenck watched him in utter amazement and he was even more astounded when, an instant later, he saw Bach return with a couple of swords, which he drew out from beneath his uniform.