Such scenes were not uncommon at this time, and beyond a question or
two in our immediate vicinity, but little notice was taken of what had
occurred. But Hugh Bergin, a friend who offered to second me in my
affair with the count, advised some rest before the hour of meeting,
which was now almost at hand, for it was said the count was a skilful
swordsman, who had never yet failed to kill or maim his adversary in a
duel.
Hugh Bergin and I were first in the courtyard at break of day, and here
we were presently joined by the count and his seconds.
Count Hendrick Luitken and I now stepped forward, and, the rapiers
living been handed to us, we fell to the task of I trying to kill one
another according to the rules of the duello.
At first I parried the count's attack, in order that I might learn the
extent of his boasted skill, but I soon found myself to be his equal,
if not his superior, in sword play, for I had spent much of my spare
time in the gymnasium at Amsterdam, where I had become the favourite
pupil of the instructor.
The count, I thought, seemed surprised at my cunning in fence, and lost
the confident smile with which he had first, regarded me.
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