"Put up your sword! You are under arrest!" came from the foremost of
the two. He had heard enough of Baldos's skill with the sword to hope
that the ruse might be successful and that he would surrender peaceably
to numbers. The men's instructions were to take their quarry alive if
possible. The reward for the man, living, exceeded that for him dead.
Baldos instantly recognized them as spies employed by Marlanx. They had
been dogging his footsteps for days and even had tried to murder him,
The desire for vengeance was working like madness in his blood. He was
overjoyed at having them at the point of his sword. Beverly's presence
vouchsafed that he would show little mercy.
"Arrest me, you cowardly curs!" he exclaimed. "Never!" With a spring to
one side, he quickly overturned one of the casks and pushing it in front
of him, it served as a rolling bulwark, preventing a joint attack.
"You first!" he cried coolly, as his sword met that of the leader. The
unhappy wretch was no match for the finest swordsman in Graustark. He
made a few desperate attempts to ward off his inevitable fate, calling
loudly for his comrade to aid him. The latter was eager enough, but
Baldos's strategic roll of the cask effectively prevented him from
taking a hand. With a vicious thrust, the blade of the goat-hunter tore
clean through the man's chest and touched the wall behind.
"One!" cried Baldos, gloating in the chance that had come to him. The
man gasped and fell. He was none too quick in withdrawing his dripping
weapon, for the second man was over the obstacle and upon him.