They were about the same height, both stood lightly on their feet, and their figures seemed full of life and activity.

Both were smiling, Robert Baird with a smile of confidence, and of assurance in his skill; while Oswald's face expressed only good temper and, as the others took it, a belief that he would, at any rate, be able to make such a defence as would assure his being taken into the Bairds' service.
The first rally, indeed, proved more than this.

Robert Baird had at once taken the offensive, and showered his blows heavily down, while springing backwards and forwards with wonderful quickness and activity; but Oswald's blade ever met his, and he did not give way an inch, even when Baird most fiercely attacked him.

Then suddenly he adopted the same tactics as his opponent, and pressed him so hotly that he was, several times, obliged to give ground.

Oswald could twice have got in a heavy blow, but he abstained from doing so.