Ah, Athos, such encounters never take place in these times! I had a hand which could never remain at rest, a hand like quicksilver,--you knew its quality, for you have seen me at work.

My sword was no longer than a piece of steel; it was a serpent that assumed every form and every length, seeking where it might thrust its head; in other words, where it might fix its bite.

I advanced half a dozen paces, then three, and then, body to body, I pressed my antagonist closely, then I darted back again ten paces.

No human power could resist that ferocious ardor.

Well, De Wardes the father, with the bravery of his race, with his dogged courage, occupied a good deal of my time; and my fingers, at the end of the engagement, were, I well remember, tired enough." "It is, then, as I said," resumed Athos, "the son will always be looking out for Raoul, and will end by meeting him; and Raoul can easily be found when he is sought for." "Agreed; but Raoul calculates well; he bears no grudge against De Wardes,--he has said so; he will wait until he is provoked, and in that case his position is a good one.