"
"And, if that be ineffective?" the lady asked.
"Then, I shall touch him in the other leg--and, if he still refuses,
then, in the right arm--and, then, if necessary, in the left arm; each
time a trifle deeper."
"And, then----?" she inflected, very sweetly.
"Then?" he repeated. "I think there will be no need for a 'then,'
mademoiselle," he laughed sneeringly.
She nodded toward me.
"Isn't it about time to begin?" she asked.
"Your wish, my dear, is my law," he said. "You hear, monsieur; your
time is up--prepare."
He stepped forward and thrust, very slowly, at my thigh. Even then, I
could not think that he would actually dare to touch me with his sword;
and I made no motion. I proposed to call his bluff--if it were one.
Closer and closer, inch by inch, drew the point. It reached the
velvet--hesitated--passed through--and just pierced my flesh--then, was
withdrawn.
And, with that cut, came the blood-lust, like unto the rage of the
berserker of old. Yet, somehow, I had the sense to stand quiet and let
the red passion burn itself out. I would need all my coolness to meet
Lotzen's skill.
"Now, will monsieur remove his mask?" he asked.
"You scarcely touched him," scoffed the Gypsy.
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