They set out upon
a table bandages and carbolic acid for disinfecting the weapons. The
smell of the acid diffused itself through the room.
As soon as Sperelli was ready, he went out accompanied by his second and
the surgeons. Once again, the view of Rome seen through the laurels
attracted his eyes and made his heart beat fast. He was full of
impatience. He wished he could put himself on guard at that very
instant, and hear the signal for the attack. He seemed to have the
decisive thrust, the victory in his hand.
'Ready?' asked Santa Margherita advancing to meet him.
'Quite ready.'
The spot chosen for the encounter was a path at the side of the villa,
in the shade, and covered with fine rolled gravel. Rutolo was already
stationed there, at the further end, with Roberto Casteldieri and Carlo
di Souza. Everybody wore a grave, not to say solemn, air. The two
adversaries were placed opposite to one another and their eyes met.
Santa Margherita, who had the direction of the combat, noticed that
Rutolo's shirt was very stiffly starched and the collar too high. He
remarked upon it to Casteldieri who exchanged a few words with his
principal, and Sperelli saw the blood rush to his adversary's face while
he proceeded resolutely to divest himself of his shirt. Andrea with cold
composure followed his example. He then turned up his trousers and Santa
Margherita handed him the glove, the strap and the rapier.
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