to Chester and Lieutenant Anderson.

"I guess that ends it," he said. "I suppose his honor is appeased now."

"Don't be too sure," replied Lieutenant Anderson. "He is likely to be
more furious than ever, and demand that the fight continue until one
of you fall. He must realize that you are no match for him, and he
counts on that to give him victory. However, I must say that you have
handled yourself well, and, if you keep your head, you may succeed in
dropping him."

The lieutenant's predictions proved correct. Lieutenant Dupree had had
his wound bandaged, and now demanded that the fight be resumed. Hal was
not the lad to protest, so the two were soon at swords' points again.

But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could read
in his opponent's eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him. Touched
once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman would be
more wary.

In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent's sword, Hal's
foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard.
Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman's sword flashed up
under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.

The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding the accident and the
calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage. With a
grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal's days; but,
with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his sword, and, with
a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the Frenchman's hand. Lieutenant