ranged that, practically, there were no shadows.
The Garden seemed almost as bright as day; indeed, save that the light
was white, we might, just as well, have been duelling at noon-tide as
at midnight.

It had not been hard to gather, from Lotzen's last remarks to his
companion, what sort of a fight he proposed making; and, after the
usual preliminary testing of strength, I contented myself with the
simplest sort of defence and awaited the main attack.

It seems hardly possible that two men could engage in a combat with
rapiers, at such an occasion, and not draw a crowd. There is something
peculiarly penetrating about the ring of steel on steel at night. Yet,
such was the extent of the grounds and, so retired was our locality,
that no strangers were attracted. Almost at the first stroke, however,
I heard exclamations from the direction of my companions. In a moment,
Courtney came running up, his drawn sword in hand--and the others after
him.

I had plenty of use for my eyes with the immediate business in hand;
but, as I chanced to be facing them, I had a vision of Courtney--his
mask off--leaning forward intently watching the fight. Then, he calmly
returned sword and drew back.

I heard the Marquise exclaim: "_Mon Dieu_! Someone is trying to kill
His Highness--we must save him!"

But Courtney clapped his hand over her mouth and silenced her. Even in
the press of the duel, I think, I smiled.

"Your pardon, my dear Marquise," he said, loudly--so I would hear it, I
knew--"His Highness needs no saving."

Then I heard no more--for the Duke assumed the offensive fiercely and
his sword began to move like lightning. And well, indeed, was it, for
me, that I had learned something of this gentle game of fence, else had
that night been my last on Earth.

Then, of a sudden, from out a sharp rally, came the first strokes of
Moore's _coup_. I had been expecting it. I steadied myself to meet
it, giving back just a trifle to lead Lotzen to think it was new to me.
He pressed me hotly and, at length, the final position came--the way
was open.

"Take it!" he said, savagely--and sent the thrust that should have made
good his promise to bury the whole blade in my heart.

But his point never reached me--for, as his sword glided along mine,
seemingly unopposed, I caught it exactly as Moore had shown me and
wrenched with all the strength of my wrist and arm.

There was a sharp grinding of steel; and then, like a thing al