But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could read in his opponent's eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him. Touched once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman would be more wary.
In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent's sword, Hal's foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard. Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman's sword flashed up under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.
The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding the accident and the calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage. With a grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal's days; but, with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his sword, and, with a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the Frenchman's hand. Lieutenant Dupree was at his mercy.
The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step forward.
"Run him through!" shouted Lieutenant Anderson. "He tried to kill you unfairly."
"No," he said, "I can't do it. Neither will I continue the fight." He turned to his late opponent. "I hope your honor is satisfied," he said.
The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then with his two friends he walked away.
The surgeon hurried to Hal's side and peered at his wound.
"Not serious," he said, after an examination. "I'll have it fixed all right in a moment."
The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.
"You are a gallant youngster," he said, "and I am proud to know you. Many a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness is a thing to be admired."
Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself off.
Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.
"You are all right," he said, emphasizing each word. "I was afraid it was all up with you."
"And so was I," said Chester. "But, if you had fallen unfairly, I would have killed him myself."
The three made their way back to the boys' quarters, where they sat down and talked the duel over.
"The best thing you can do now," said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal finally, "is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will not have to report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will be all right in a day or two."