96 When he had removed this, he was satisfied.
"Everything looks in order," he agreed, and backed off.
97 His counterpart was holding The Young Speaker's shield. "What is
this?" he inquired. "This is not standard."
98 "The grip is too small for his hand," explained Bullet. "We did not
have time to prepare a new one."
99 The Official came over and examined the addition. "It just gives him
a better grip," he agreed. "It doesn't afford him any more protection."
100 His second looked to The City Speaker and The Speaker nodded. "We
accept," he agreed.
101 "Seconds, take your positions," ordered the Official.
"Participants, forward!" He took a piece of cord from his pocket and
fed it through the holes in the middle of each shield. When he had
knotted it, he called "Pull tight! You know the rules. You may use NO
weapons except those you now hold. If either of you fall from the
circle, the other must back off, let him gain his feet, and reenter. If
either man tries to run and leaves the circle, the seconds may fire.
Aside from that, you are at liberty to use any skill you possess." He
took a match, struck it, and lit the cord. "When the cord breaks," he
instructed, "you may begin!"
102 Both men stood ready, keeping the line taught, circling slowly,
waiting for it to snap. When it finally broke, both charged in and
entered into a furious exchange. The crowd roared. Bullet watched both
the conflict, and, the other second. Would this man play fair? He
wasn't sure.
103 After a few minutes of fierce fighting, The Young Speaker tripped
and fell from the circle, his opponent over him, weapon raised.
"Freeze!" screamed