Міжзірковий мандрівник

           AswithFortiniwouldIsettlewithhimifhedaredthetimeattack.Ifhedidnot,andquickly,thenIwoulddareit.

           DespitethefretIhadputhimin,hewascautious.NeverthelessIcompelledtheplaytoberapid,andinthedimlight,dependinglessthanusualonsightandmorethanusualonfeel,ourbladeswereincontinualtouch.

           BarelywasthefirstminuteofplaypastwhenIdidthetrick.Ifeignedaslightslipofthefoot,and,intherecovery,feignedlossoftouchwithPasquini’sblade.Hethrusttentatively,andagainIfeigned,thistimemakinganeedlesslywideparry.TheconsequentexposureofmyselfwasthebaitIhadpurposelydangledtodrawhimon.AnddrawhimonIdid.Likeaflashhetookadvantageofwhathedeemedaninvoluntaryexposure.Straightandtruewashisthrust,andallhiswillandbodywereheartilyintheweightofthelungehemade.AndallhadbeenfeignedonmypartandIwasreadyforhim.Justlightlydidmysteelmeethisasourbladesslithered.Andjustfirmlyenoughandnomoredidmywristtwistanddeflecthisbladeonmybaskethilt.Oh,suchaslightdeflection,amatterofinches,justbarelysufficienttosendhispointpastmesothatitpiercedafoldofmysatindoubletinpassing.Ofcourse,hisbodyfollowedhisrapierinthelunge,while,heart-high,rightside,myrapierpointmethisbody.Andmyoutstretchedarmwasstiffandstraightasthesteelintowhichitelongated,andbehindthearmandthesteelmybodywasbracedandsolid.