He lowered the point of his weapon a little, and, keeping it straight before him, began to press more closely upon his antagonist.

Del Ferice kept his arm at full length, and broke ground for a yard or two, making clever feints in carte at Giovanni's body, with the object of stopping his advance.

But Giovanni pressed him, and suddenly made a peculiar movement with his foil, bringing it in contact with his enemy's along its length.
"Halt!" cried Casalverde.

Both men lowered their weapons instantly, and the seconds sprang forward and touched their swords between them.
Giovanni bit his lip angrily.
"Why 'halt' ?" asked the Prince, sharply.

"Neither is touched." "My principal's shoe-string is untied," answered Casalverde, calmly.