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54 hampered each other, so that d'Estelle, getting in Antoine's way, tripped and fell. His sword flew out of his hand and rolled close to Gabrielle, who instantly set her foot upon it.

The man scrambled quickly to his feet and ran to his sword.

"It is not fair, monsieur, two to one," said Gabrielle angrily.

"Take your foot from my sword, mademoiselle," he answered, a menace in both tone and look.

"I will not," she answered as firmly as before.

"Then take the consequences," he cried fiercely, and with a thrust he pushed her away, and snatching up his weapon, ran to the assistance of Antoine, whom Denys was now pressing fiercely in single combat.

"Help, help!" called Gabrielle in a loud voice. "Will no help come?"

But help was unexpectedly at hand, for another's eyes had seen the dastardly attack of d'Estelle.

The stranger who had been in the wood had witnessed the last part of the quarrel, and when the two men commenced the attack upon Denys, he had started at a rapid run toward the scene.

A loud angry shout now proclaimed his arrival.

"You villain, to strike a woman. Two swords to one, gentlemen! This is murder, not fighting. Have a care, monsieur; that rascal is getting behind your back. Ah, a foul, treacherous stroke," he exclaimed next, as d'Estelle, having crept up behind Denys, ran his blade into his back.

As Denys fell, the stranger gave another loud cry and leapt forward. Antoine was about to deliver another thrust while Denys lay on the ground, when his sword was parried by that of the newcomer.

"To me, messieurs, to me," and the two men found themselves the objects of a rapid and vehement attack by