ce and a reference to Griscelli and myself, the
seconds announced that we were to fight with swords in Senor de Medina's
garden, whither we straightway wended, for there were no police to meddle
with us, and at that time duels _a la muerte_ were of daily occurrence in
the city of Caracas. When we arrived at the garden, which was only a
stone's-throw walk from the _posada_, Senor de Medina produced two swords
with cutting edges, and blades five feet long; for we were to fight in
Spanish fashion, and Spanish duelists both cut and thrust, and, when
occasion serves, use the left hand as a help in parrying.

Then the spectators, of whom there were fully two score, made a ring, and
Griscelli and I (having meanwhile doffed our hats, coats, and shirts),
stepped into the arena.

I had not handled a sword for years, and for aught I knew Griscelli might
be a consummate swordsman and in daily practice. On the other hand, he was
too stout to be in first-rate condition, and, besides being younger, I had
slightly the advantage in length of arm.

When the word was given to begin, he opened the attack with great energy
and resolution, and was obviously intent on killing me if he could. For a
minute or two it was all I could do to hold my own; and partly to test his
strength and skill, partly to get my hand in, I stood purposely on the
defensive.

At the end of the first bout neither of us had received a scratch, but
Griscelli showed signs of fatigue while I was quite fresh. Also he was
very angry and excited, and when we resumed he came at me with more than
his former impetuosity, as if he meant to bear me down by the sheer weight
and rapidity of his strokes. His favorite attack was a cut aimed at my
head. Six several times he repeated this manoeuvre, and six times I
stopped the stroke with the usual guard. Baffled and furious, he tried it
again, but--probably because of failing strength--less swiftly and
adroitly. My opportunity had come. Quick as thought I ran under his guard,
and, thrusting his right arm aside with my left hand, passed my sword
through his body.

Then there were cries of bravo, for the popular feeling was on my side,
and my seconds congratulated me warmly on my victory. But I said little in
reply, my attention being attracted by a young man who was kneeling beside
Griscelli's body and, as it might seem, saying a silent prayer. When he
had done he rose to his feet, and as I looked on his face I saw he was the
dea