Читать книгу Buffalo Bill's Still Hunt; Or, The Robber of the Range онлайн

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In addition to the prize—a purse of gold, in this case—a silk lasso was presented, one beautifully woven of crimson hue, and of great strength, length, and beauty.

The last test of skill was a sword-combat, fought with rapiers, and it was said that the gallant young officer who won the prize had no equal in Mexico.

But into the arena rode the unknown, and, dismounting, he threw his glove down at the feet of the champion. It was promptly picked up by the victor, who was the commander of a crack command of lancers, and the two soon advanced to face each other.

Like fiery serpents the steel blades writhed around each other and flashed in the sunlight, and men, and women, too, had begun to feel that at last the unknown had more than met his match.

“The unknown was a fool to offer combat to Major Delano, after being tired out with his other combats,” said a rich banker, a kinsman of Nina de Sutro.

Through all, the young girl had watched with white face every contest, her eyes riveted upon the masked face of the unknown; but she caught the words of her kinsman, and said quickly: