“The duel began,” Dunton continued. “I started to play with Mr. Merriwell, who had rehearsed awkwardly in the afternoon. To my surprise, I found his awkwardness was gone. He met me with the touch and skill of an expert. At first I could not realize that he had fooled me. When I did, I was infuriated beyond measure. My first thought was to wound him, if I could.” Havener uttered a low exclamation. “I fought with all the skill and fury I knew,” said Dunton; “but he met all my attacks, and held me at bay with ease. My rage increased till I lost my head entirely. I longed to kill him, I swore I would kill him—I made a desperate attempt to do it!” “Gosh!” gasped the Vermont youth, staring at the speaker. “I remember that the duel was the finest I ever saw on the stage,” said Havener, “but I was afraid something would happen. I didn’t dream it was a real duel.” “It was,” nodded Dunton. “I lunged straight for Merriwell’s body, trying to run him through.” “Waal, darn my pertaturs!” palpitated Ephraim Gallup. “I know that he understood my purpose. I do not think I deceived Mr. Merriwell for a moment. He met me fairly. Then, before I knew it, my weapon was wrenched from my hand and sent spinning into the air.” “Hooray!” exclaimed the Vermont youth, with satisfaction. “Merriwell caught it when it came down, and immediately offered it to me, hilt first.” “Thutteration!” gurgled Gallup. “A single moment I hesitated,” the actor continued, “and then I was seized by such rage as I never felt before and never expect to feel again. I snatched the weapon and made one mad lunge to drive it straight through the heart of my antagonist.” The Yankee lad nearly lost his breath. “Mr. Merriwell was on guard for me. He was not taken unawares, and he foiled my attempt. Then he attacked me with such fury that I could not stand before him. I was driven back and back. I saw a terrible light in his eyes, even though he laughed in my face. His sword was flashing and glittering everywhere. I realized that I was completely at his mercy, and I believed he intended to kill me. Then I dropped my sword and cried for mercy.” “Whoop!” exploded Gallup. “That’s ther way Frank Merriwell serves ’em! Oh, he is the boy ter do it!”