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The man who had been ill unto death and the man who for many years had

worn no sword acquitted theu House, had there been present seconds, a physician, gaping

chairmen, the interest would have been breathless As it was, the lady

upon the wall smiled on, with her eyes forever upon the blossoms in her

hand, and the river without, when it could be heard through the clashing

of steel, made but a listless and dreamy sound Each swordsman knew that

he had provoked a friend to whoodless creed, h that friend were his dearest

foe The Englishht coolly, the Gael with fervor The latter had

an unguarded moment Haward's blade leaped to ht red stain

In the hlander let fall his sword

Haward, not understanding, lowered his point, and with a gesture bade his

antagonist recover the weapon But the storekeeper folded his arms "Where

blood has been drawn there is satisfaction," he said "I have given it to

you, and now, by the bones of Gillean-na-Tuaidhe, I will not fight you

longer!"

For a round and his

hand yet closely clasping the rapier hilt; then, drawing a long breath, he

took up the velvet scabbard and slowly sheathed his blade "I aht?"