Just beyond this spot was a fair stretch of sand, and she was surprised
as she drew nearer to the shore to hear voices and to see a group of men
in the blue and red uniform of the garrison gathered upon what she had
come to regard as her own particular playground. She peered at them for
some seconds from beneath her hand, for the sun was in her eyes; and
suddenly a queer little thrill, that was not quite fear and not solely
excitement, ran through her. For all in a moment, ringing on the still
air of early morning, there came to her ears the clash of steel meeting
steel.
"Good gracious!" she said aloud. "It's a duel!"
A duel it undoubtedly was. She had a clear view of the whole scene,
distant but distinct, could even see the flash of the swords, the rapid
movements of the two combatants. It impressed her like a scene in a
theatre. She did not wholly grasp the reality of it, though her heart was
beating very fast.
Knee-deep, she stood in the sparkling water, outlined against the blue of
sky and sea, watching. Several seconds passed, during which they seemed
to be fighting with some ferocity.
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