It was of antique make, and, being somewhat rusty, was evidently unwilling to leave the scabbard.

I gave a final drive, pressed the button and sprang back, leaving the scabbard-end in his hand.

Obediently he wheeled to the left, and I caught the swish of his sword as it left the scabbard.

But his sword had not left the scabbard before M. de Radisson sent it spinning through mid-air into the sea.

This massacre is none of my seeking, and through it all my sword has never left the scabbard except in your defence.

The point of the scimitar just left the scabbard as the owner of it went down on his back motionless as a wax figure.

Hugh wheeled round and drew his sword, but almost before it had left the scabbard a long figure glided out of the snow, and said:

"Thy sword is mine," replied he, "and it may leave the scabbard only when I give the order."

"It does not, however, patronise war," replied Jack; "I once heard of it having melted a sword and left the scabbard intact."