Indeed, I think it
pricked his throat, for he checked himself with an oath and drew
his sword, a double-edged weapon with a sharp point, as long as mine
perhaps, but not so heavy.
"I see that I must finish the pair of you. Perchance, Blanche, you will
protect my back as a loving wife should do, until this lout is done
with," he said, swaggering to the last.
"Kari," I commanded, "hold the candles aloft that the light may be good,
and leave this man to me."
Kari bowed and took the copper taper stands, one in either hand, and
held them aloft. But first he placed his long dagger, not back in his
belt, but between his teeth with the handle towards his right hand. Even
then in some strange fashion I noted how terrible looked this grim dark
man holding the candles high with the knife gripped between his white
teeth.
Deleroy and I faced each other in the open space between the fire and
the door. Blanche turned round upon her stool and watched, uttering no
sound. But I laughed aloud for of the end I had no doubt. Had there been
ten Deleroys I would have slain them all.
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