A strange alertness seemed to be upon him, and, as Leicester found when the swords crossed, he was quicker than his bulk gave warrant.

His perfect health made his vision sure; and, though not a fine swordsman, he had done much fighting in his time, had been ever ready for the touch of steel; and had served some warlike days in fighting France, where fate had well befriended him.

That which Leicester meant should be by-play of a moment became a full half-hour's desperate game.

Leicester found that the thrust--the fatal thrust learned from an Italian master--he meant to give, was met by a swift precision, responding to quick vision.

Again and again he would have brought the end, but Lempriere heavily foiled him.