Page:Cruise of the Jasper B (1916).djvu/303

 more than a scratch. Nevertheless, the smile faded from Loge's face; he gave ground in his turn before this rapid vigor of attack; he measured Cleggett with a new glance.

"You are touched, I think," said Cleggett, meditating a fresh combination, "and I am glad to see you drop that ugly pretense at a grin. You have no idea how the sight of those yellow teeth of yours, which you were evidently never taught to brush when you were a little boy, offends a person of any refinement."

Loge's answer was a sudden attempt to twist his blade around Cleggett's; followed by a direct thrust, as quick as light, which grazed Cleggett's shoulder; a little smudge of blood appeared on his undershirt.

"Take care, take care, Cleggett!" warned Wilton Barnstable, from his post by the starboard bulwark.

"Make yourself easy," said Cleggett, parrying a counter en carte, "I am only getting warm."

And both of them, stung by the slight scratches which they had received, settled to the business with an intent and silent deadliness of purpose.

To all appearances Loge had an immense advantage over Cleggett; his legs were a good two inches longer; so were his arms. And he knew how to