As the tongue was removed for the high priest's table, "Ah," said the Idol to himself, "that is the
Sword of the Spirit - the only
Sword that is less dangerous when unsheathed."
As the white-furred one approached, the six grasped their
swords more firmly--the hooked instrument in the left hand, the straight
sword in the right, while above the left wrist the small shield was held rigid upon a metal bracelet.
Tranter's great
sword was indeed a mighty vantage in his favor.
So when all masses were done, all the lords went to behold the stone and the
sword. And when they saw the scripture, some essayed; such as would have been king.
"Put up your
sword," said Raoul, "you know perfectly well that, until our journey is at an end, every demonstration of that nature is useless.
And as they rode, Arthur said, I have no
sword. No force *, said Merlin, hereby is a[* Footnote from M.T.: No matter.]
sword that shall be yours and I may.
The instant the word was given, the two apparitions sprang forward and began to rain blows down upon each other with such lightning rapidity that I could not quite tell whether I saw the
swords or only flashes they made in the air; the rattling din of these blows as they struck steel or paddings was something wonderfully stirring, and they were struck with such terrific force that I could not understand why the opposing
sword was not beaten down under the assault.
At these words, with the most gallant air possible, D'Artagnan drew his
sword.
He paused a moment before the cages, with upraised
sword.
Alan drew a dirk, which he held in his left hand in case they should run in under his
sword. I, on my part, clambered up into the berth with an armful of pistols and something of a heavy heart, and set open the window where I was to watch.
The second girl handed him the
sword, but though he tried with all his strength he could not lift it.
Poulter twenty minutes longer than usual at the Black Swan, the
sword was brought,--just for Tom to look at.
