Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 113: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

106 THE ARGOSY. They fell back, though I could see that they were anxious enough to have a hand in the affair. The floor was cleared, leaving an open space in the center of the room. It had all occurred so suddenly, and preparations were made so quickly, that it seemed like some prearranged plan. There was no escape for me. The Mexican was glaring at me, waiting for an opportunity, as it seemed, to spring at my throat. Realizing how un- justly | had been accused, suddenly I seemed to be seized with a paroxysm of anger. “Now!” Icried. “ Come on, you coward, you lying knave! ” My words maddened him. Nor did I care much. He sprang at me like a wild animal, but I warded off the blow which he drove at me, hurling him from me. ‘Come on, come on; what are you waiting for?” I cried again But I had not long to wait. He was upon me again in a thrice, but I caught his arm and would have bent him to the floor had it not been that I feared a knife thrust from one of his associates. We merely shuffled over the floor, and he broke away. I had pitted my strength against his, and knew that I was the stronger. I was cool, as I have always been when in immediate danger, but it was differ- ent with my opponent, who took the offensive, attacking me with a madness which rendered him incapable of making u use of any advantage he might be able to obtain over me. I was armed with a short knife, as also was the Mexican, but of its use in a hand to hand encounter I knew little. Had we been armed with swords I would have felt more confident of success. Though the sword is not a weapon that comes into very active service at this day, when firearms make a potent fighter of any weak kneed fellow, yet I had been drilled in its use when at the military academy, and had afterwards kept up my practice to a certain extent. Whether or not I could now bring my knowledge of the use of the small sword into active service to assist me in a fight with knives, I had not been at all certain. At least I knew something of how to keep my guard, and was cool and calculating. The proprietor of the place had closed and locked the door behind me. My chance of getting out of the place alive was indeed very small. But come the worst, I would not die a coward. Quick as a flash, again my adversary sprang at me. I was prepared for him, and this time met him half way across the floor. If he had thought to surprise me, he himself had been surprised in finding me so ready to meet him. He slashed a little wildly, as I thought, and then drew back, having barely touched my clothes. I saw that the fellow expected to take me off my guard. He was cunning, but he had none of the adroitness of a skilful fencer, neither was he cool and calculating, though he was not lacking in nerve and courage. His mode of fighting was to dart at me suddenly, and then cut and slash at close quarters, depending upon a sudden and audacious attack to gain an advantage over me. I avoided his knife by quick sidewise movements, and then met him with GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT