man simply nodded in agreement, walked off, and
in a few minutes appeared, followed by two men carrying some bundles.
The director unwrapped two steel swords and two shields. One shield was
brown, about half the size of the other, which was shaped like a
rectangle.
71 "They'll do fine!" thanked The Young Speaker. Bullet and the Driver
helped him take the weapons out to the car. They drove out into the
country until they found an open field that had just been harvested.
72 "This looks good!" announced The Young Speaker. They stopped, took
out the equipment. The Young Speaker took out some heavy tape and
rubber insulation they used on hot pipes. He cut a piece, fitted it
over the hand grip on the shield, then taped it down. When he was done,
he picked up the shield. "It feels good!" he commented. "I
can hold it pretty tight. Come on!" He pulled one of the swords from
the scabbard. "Let's give it a try! I'll give you a fencing lesson!"
73 Bullet picked up the shield and sword. "I've never used one of
these," he admitted.
74 "You'll pick it up quick enough!" assured The Young Speaker.
75 "Sure," laughed the Driver. "If you don't knock his head off first!"
76 "You be quiet!" The Young Speaker nodded.
77 "All right!" he ordered, "Come on! Attack!"
78 Bullet lunged, striking outward with the sword, but The Young
Speaker's blade came up and around harmlessly pushing his away. "Quick
learner!" he laughed. "Try again. This time keep your blade level to
your swing so the air doesn't slow your blow."
79 Bullet tried again, but again his sword was deflected. "He's not
going to get any practice THAT way!" laughed the Driver. "GIVE me
those! I'll show