I was content to hold Von Reuss in play, and defend myself till the hunger edge of his attack was dulled.

For I saw on his face a look of vicious confidence that surprised me, considering his inexperience, and he lunged with a venom and resolution which, to my mind, betokened a determination to kill at all hazards.
I knew, however, that presently he must overreach himself, so of set purpose I kept my blade short, and let him approach nearer.

Immediately he began to press, thinking that he had me at his mercy.

We had fought our way round to a spot on the upper side of the plateau, where for a moment Von Reuss had a momentary benefit from the nature of the ground.
Here I felt that he gathered himself together, and, presently, as I had supposed he would, he centred his energy in a determined thrust at my left breast.

This was well enough timed, for my guard had been short and a little high on purpose to lead him on, and now it took me all my time to turn his point aside.