第7章

Mylesdidnotanswer。

"Nomatter，"addedLordMackworth。"Iwillnotasktheewhotoldtheesuchathing。Asforthyquestion——well，sinthouaskitfrankly，Iwillbefrankwiththee。Yea，IhavecertainendstogaininhavingtheEarlofAlbanoverthrown。"

Mylesbowed。"Sir，"saidhe，"haplythineendsareasmuchbeyondaughtthatIcancomprehendasthoughIwerealittlechild；onlythisIknow，thattheymustbeverygreat。ThouknowestwellthatinanycaseIwouldfightmethisbattleformyfather’ssakeandforthehonorofmyhouse；nevertheless，inreturnforallthatitwillsogreatlyadvantagethee，wiltthounotgrantmeabooninreturnshouldIovercomemineenemy？"

"Whatisthyboon，SirMyles？"

"ThatthouwiltgrantmethyfavortoseektheLadyAlicedeMowbrayformywife。"

TheEarlofMackworthstartedupfromhisseat。"SirMylesFalworth"——hebegan，violently，andthenstoppedshort，drawinghisbushyeyebrowstogetherintoafrownstern，ifnotsinister。

Myleswithstoodhislookcalmlyandimpassively，andpresentlytheEarlturnedonhisheel，andstrodetotheopenwindow。A

longtimepassedinsilencewhilehestoodthere，gazingoutofthewindowintothegardenbeyondwithhisbacktotheyoungman。

Suddenlyheswungaroundagain。"SirMyles，"saidhe，"thefamilyofFalworthisasgoodasanyinDerbyshire。Justnowitispoorandfalleninestate，butifitisagainplacedincreditandhonor，thou，whoartthesonofthehouse，shalthavethysuitweighedwithasmuchrespectandconsiderationasthoughthouwertmypeerinallthings，Suchismyanswer。Artthousatisfied？"

"Icouldasknomore，"answeredMyles。

CHAPTER29

ThatnightMyleslodgedatMackworthHouse。Thenextmorning，assoonashehadbrokenhisfast，whichhedidintheprivacyofhisownapartments，theEarlbadehimandGascoynetomakereadyforthebarge，whichwasthenwaitingattheriverstairstotakethemtoScotlandYard。

TheEarlhimselfaccompaniedthem，andastheheavysnub—nosedboat，rowedbythesixoarsmeninMackworthlivery，slidslowlyandheavilyupagainstthestream，theEarl，leaningbackinhiscushionedseat，pointedoutthevariousinnsofthegreatpriestsornobles；palatialtownresidencesstandingmostlyalittledistancebackfromthewaterbehindterracedhigh—walledgardensandlawns。YonwastheBishopofExeter’sClose；yonwastheBishopofBath’s；thatwasYorkHouse；andthatChesterInn。Sopassingbygardensandlawnsandpalaces，theycameatlasttoScotlandYardstairs，abroadflightofmarblestepsthatledupwardtoastoneplatformabove，uponwhichopenedthegate—wayofthegardenbeyond。

TheScotlandYardofMylesFalworth’sdaywasoneofthemorepretentiousandcommodiousofthepalacesoftheStrand。IttookitsnamefromhavingbeenfromancienttimestheLondoninnwhichthetributaryKingsofScotlandoccupiedwhenontheirperiodicalvisitsofhomagetoEngland。Now，duringthistimeofScotland’sindependence，thePrinceofWaleshadtakenuphislodgingintheoldpalace，andmadeitnoisywiththemad，boisterousmirthofhiscourt。

Asthewatermendrewthebargeclosetothelanding—placeofthestairs，theEarlsteppedashore，andfollowedbyMylesandGascoyne，ascendedtothebroadgate—wayoftheriverwallofthegarden。Threemen—at—armswholoungeduponabenchundertheshadeofthelittlepentroofofaguard—housebesidethewall，aroseandsalutedasthewell—knownfigureoftheEarlmountedthesteps。TheEarlnoddedacoolanswer，andpassingunchallengedthroughthegate，ledthewayupapleachedwalk，beyondwhich，asMylescouldsee，therestretchedalittlegrassylawnandastone—pavedterrace。AstheEarlandthetwoyoungmenapproachedtheendofthewalk，theyweremetbythesoundofvoicesandlaughter，theclinkingofglassesandtherattleofdishes。Turningacorner，theycamesuddenlyuponapartyofyounggentlemen，whosatatalatebreakfastundertheshadeofawide—spreadinglime—tree。Theyhadevidentlyjustleftthetilt—yard，fortwooftheguests——sturdy，thick—setyoungknights——yetworeapartoftheirtiltingarmor。

Behindthemerryscenestoodthegray，hoaryoldpalace，asteepflightofstonesteps，andalong，open，stone—archedgallery，whichevidentlyledtothekitchenbeyond，foralongithurriedserving—men，runningupanddownthetallflightofsteps，andbearingtraysanddishesandcupsandflagons。Itwasamerrysightandapleasantone。Thedaywaswarmandbalmy，andtheyellowsunlightfellinwavinguncertainpatchesoflight，dapplingthetable—cloth，andtwinklingandsparklinguponthedishes，cups，andflagons。

AttheheadofthetablesatayoungmansomethreeorfouryearsolderthanMyles，dressedinafullsuitofrichbluebrocadedvelvet，embroideredwithgold—threadandtrimmedwithblackfur。

Hisface，whichwasturnedtowardsthemastheymountedfromthelawntothelittlestone—flaggedterrace，wasfrankandopen；thecheekssmoothandfair；theeyesdarkandblue。Hewastallandratherslight，andworehisthickyellowhairhangingtohisshoulders，whereitwascutsquareacross，afterthemannerofthetimes。MylesdidnotneedtobetoldthatitwasthePrinceofWales。

"Ho，GafferFox！"hecried，assoonashecaughtsightoftheEarlofMackworth，"whatwindblowstheehitheramonguswildmallarddrakes？Iwarrantitisnotforloveofus，butonlytofillthineownlarderafterthemannerofSirFoxamongthedrakes。Whomhastthouwiththee？Somegoslingthouartabouttopluck？"

Asuddenhushfelluponthecompany，andallfaceswereturnedtowardsthevisitors。

TheEarlbowedwithasoftsmile。"YourHighness，"saidhe，smoothly，"ispleasedtobepleasant。Sir，IbringyoutheyoungknightofwhomIspoketoyousometimesince——SirMylesFalworth。Youmaybepleasedtobringtomindthatyousocondescendedastopromisetotakehimintoyourtrainuntilthefittingtimearrivedforthatcertainmatterofwhichwespoke。"

"SirMyles，"saidthePrinceofWales，withafrank，pleasantsmile，"IhaveheardgreatreportsofthyskillandprowessinFrance，bothfromMackworthandfromothers。Itwillpleasuremegreatlytohavetheeinmyhousehold；moreespecially，"headded，"asitwillgetthee，callowasthouart，outofmyLordFox’sclutches。OurfactioncannotdowithouttheEarlofMackworth’scunningwits，SirMyles；ne’thelessIwouldnotliketoputallmyfateandfortuneintohishandswithoutbond。Ihopethatthoudostnotrestthyfortunesentirelyuponhisaidandcountenance。"

AllwhowerepresentfeltthediscomfortofthePrince’sspeech，Itwasevidentthatoneofhismad，wildhumorswasuponhim。Inanothercasethehare—brainedyoungcourtiersaroundmighthavetakentheircuefromhim，buttheEarlofMackworthwasnosubjectfortheirgibesandwitticisms。Aconstrainedsilencefell，inwhichtheEarlalonemaintainedaperfecteaseofmanner。

Mylesbowedtohidehisownembarrassment。"YourHighness，"saidhe，evasively，"Irestmyfortune，firstofall，uponGod，Hisstrengthandjustice。"

"ThouwiltfindsaferdependencetherethanupontheLordofMackworth，"saidthePrince，dryly。"Butcome，"headded，withasuddenchangeofvoiceandmanner，"thesebejeststhatbordertoocloselyuponbitterearnestforamerrybreakfast。Itisilltoidlewithedgedtools。Wiltthounotstayandbreakthyfastwithus，myLord？"

"Pardonme，yourHighness，"saidtheEarl，bowing，andsmilingthesamesmoothsmilehislipshadwornfromthefirst——suchasmileasMyleshadneverthoughttohaveseenuponhishaughtyface；"Icraveyourgoodleavetodecline。Imustreturnhomepresently，forevennow，haply，youruncle，hisGraceofWinchester，isawaitingmycominguponthebusinessyouwotof。

HaplyyourHighnesswillfindmorejoyanceinalustyyoungknightlikeSirMylesthaninanoldfoxlikemyself。SoIleavehimwithyou，inyourgoodcare。"

SuchwasMyles’sintroductiontothewildyoungmadcapPrinceofWales，afterwardsthefamousHenryV，theconquerorofFrance。

Foramonthormorethereafterhewasamemberoftheprincelyhousehold，and，afteralittlewhile，atrustedandhonoredmember。Perhapsitwasthecalmsturdystrength，thecourageoftheyoungknight，thatfirstappealedtothePrince’sroyalheart；perhapsafterwardsitwasthemoresterlingqualitiesthatunderlaidthatcouragethatdrewhimtotheyoungman；certainitwasthatintwoweeksMyleswastheacknowledgedfavorite。Hemadenoprotestationofvirtue；healwaysaccompaniedthePrinceinthosemadcapventurestoLondon，wherehebeheldallmannerofwildrevelry；heneverheldhimselfalooffromhisgaycomrades，buthelookeduponalltheirmadsportswiththesamecalmgazethathadcarriedhimwithouttaintthroughthecourtsofBurgundyandtheDauphin。Thegay，roisteringyounglordsandgentlemendubbedhimSaintMyles，andjestedwithhimabouthair—clothshirtsandflagellations，butwitticismandjestalikefailedtomoveMyles’spatientvirtue；hewenthisowngaitinthehabitsofhislife，andinsogoingknewaslittleastheothersofthemadcourtthatthePrince’sgrowinglikingforhimwas，perhaps，morethanallelse，onaccountofthatverytemperance。

Then，by—and—by，thePrincebegantoconfideinhimashedidinnoneoftheothers。TherewasnogreatlovebetwixttheKingandhisson；ithashappenedveryoftenthattheKingsofEnglandhavefeltbitterjealousytowardstheheirs—apparentastheyhavegrowninpower，andsuchwasthecasewiththegreatKingHenryIV。ThePrinceoftenspoketoMylesoftheclashingandjarringbetweenhimselfandhisfather，andthethoughtbegantocometoMyles’smindbydegreesthatmaybetheKing’sjealousyaccountednotalittleforthePrince’srecklessintemperance。

Once，forinstance，asthePrinceleanedupon，hisshoulderwaiting，whilsttheattendantsmadereadythebargethatwastocarrythemdowntherivertothecity，hesaid，abruptly："Myles，whatthinkestthouofusall？Dothnotthyhonestyholdusincontempt？"

"Nay，Highness，"saidMyles。"HowcouldIholdcontempt？"

"Marry，"saidthePrince，"Imyselfholdcontempt，andamnotashonestamanasthou。But，prithee，havepatiencewithme，Myles。

Someday，perhaps，Itoowillliveacleanlife。Now，anIliveseriously，theKingwillbemorejealousofmethanever，andthatisnotalittle。MaybeIlivethussothathemaynotknowwhatIreallyaminsoothlyearnest。"

ThePrincealsooftentalkedtoMylesconcerninghisownaffairs；

ofthebattlehewastofightforhisfather’shonor，ofhowtheEarlofMackworthhadplottedandplannedtobringhimfacetofacewiththeEarlofAlban。HespoketoMylesmorethanonceofthemanygreatchangesofstateandpartythathunguponthedownfalloftheenemyofthehouseofFalworth，andshowedhimhownohandbuthisowncouldstrikethatenemydown；ifhefell，itmustbethroughthesonofFalworth。SometimesitseemedtoMylesasthoughheandhisblindfatherwerethecentreofagreatwebofplotandintrigue，stretchingfarandwide，thatincludednotonlythegreatesthousesofEngland，butroyaltyandthepoliticalbalanceofthecountryaswell，andevenbeforethegreatnessofitallhedidnotflinch。

Then，atlast，camethebeginningofthetimeforaction。ItwasintheearlypartofMay，andMyleshadbeenamemberofthePrince’shouseholdforalittleoveramonth。OnemorninghewasorderedtoattendthePrinceinhisprivycabinet，and，obeyingthesummons，hefoundthePrince，hisyoungerbrother，theDukeofBedford，andhisuncle，theBishopofWinchester，seatedatatable，wheretheyhadjustbeenrefreshingthemselveswithaflagonofwineandaplateofwafers。

"MypoorMyles，"saidthePrince，smiling，astheyoungknightbowedtothethree，andthenstooderect，asthoughonduty。"Itshamesmyheart，brother——andthou，uncle——itshamesmyhearttobeoneprivytothisthingwhichwearesetupontodo。Herebewe，thegreatestLordsofEngland，makingacat’s—pawofthislad——forheisonlyyetaboy——andofhisblindfather，fortoachieveourendsagainstAlban’sfaction。Itseemethnotover—honorabletomymind。"

"Pardonme，yourHighness，"saidMyles，blushingtotherootsofhishair；"but，anImaybesoboldastospeak，Irecknothingofwhatyouraimsmaybe；Ionlylooktorestoringmyfather’shonorandthehonorofourhouse。"

"Truly，"saidthePrince，smiling，"thatistheonlymatterthatmakethmewillingtolaymyhandstothisbusiness。DostthouknowwhyIhavesentforthee？ItisbecausethisdaythoumustchallengetheDukeofAlbanbeforetheKing。TheEarlofMackworthhaslaidallhisplansandthetimeisnowripe。

KnowestthatthyfatherisatMackworthHouse？"

"Nay，"saidMyles；"Iknewitnot。"

"Hehathbeentherefornearlytwodays，"saidthePrince。"JustnowtheEarlhathsentforustocomefirsttoMackworthHouse。

Thentogotothepalace，forhehathgainedaudiencewiththeKing，andhathsoarrangeditthattheEarlofAlbanistobethereaswell。Weallgostraightway；sogetthyselfreadyassoonasmaybe。"

PerhapsMyles’sheartbeganbeatingmorequicklywithinhimatthenearnessofthatgreathappeningwhichhehadlookedforwardtoforsolong。Ifitdid，hemadenosignofhisemotion，butonlyasked，"HowmustIclothemyself，yourHighness？"

"Wearthylightarmor，"saidthePrince，"butnohelmet，ajupponbearingthearmsandcolorsthattheEarlgavetheewhenthouwertknighted，andcarrythyright—handgauntletunderthybeltforthychallenge。Nowmakehaste，fortimepasses。"

CHAPTER30

AdjoiningtheancientpalaceofWestminster，whereKingHenryIV

wasthenholdinghiscourt，wasanolessancientstonebuildingknownasthePaintedRoom。Uponthewallsweredepictedaseriesofbattlescenesinlongbandsreachingaroundthisroom，oneaboveanother。SomeofthesepictureshadbeenpaintedasfarbackasthedaysofHenryIII，othershadbeenaddedsincehistime。TheychronicledthevariouswarsoftheKingofEngland，anditwasfromthemthatthelittlehalltookitsnameofthePaintedRoom。

Thisancientwing，oroffshoot，ofthemainbuildingswasmoreretiredfromthehurly—burlyofouterlifethanotherpartsofthepalace，andthitherthesickKingwasveryfondofretiringfromthebusinessofState，whicheverrestedmoreandmoreheavilyuponhisshoulders，sometimestosquanderinquietnessasparehourortwo；sometimestoidleoverafavoritebook；

sometimestoplayagameofchesswithafavoritecourtier。Thecoldpaintedwallshadbeenhungwithtapestry，anditsfloorhadbeenspreadwitharrascarpet。Theseandthecushionedcouchesandchairsthatstoodaroundgaveitsgloomyantiquityanairofcomfort——anairevenofluxury。

ItwastothisfavoriteretreatoftheKing’sthatMyleswasbroughtthatmorningwithhisfathertofacethegreatEarlofAlban。

IntheanteroomthelittlepartyofPrincesandnobleswhoescortedthefatherandsonhadheldabriefconsultation。Thentheothershadentered，leavingMylesandhisblindfatherinchargeofLordLumleyandtwoknightsofthecourt，SirReginaldHallowellandSirPiersAverell。

Myles，ashestoodpatientlywaiting，withhisfather’sarmrestinginhis，couldhearthemuffledsoundofvoicesfrombeyondthearras。Amongothers，herecognizedthewell—rememberedtonesoftheKing。Hefanciedthatheheardhisownnamementionedmorethanonce，andthenthesoundoftalkingceased。

Thenextmomentthearraswasdrawnaside，andtheEarlenteredtheantechamberagain。

"Allisready，cousin，"saidhetoLordFalworth，inasuppressedvoice。"Essexhathdoneashepromised，andAlbaniswithintherenow。"Then，turningtoMyles，speakinginthesamelowvoice，andbetrayingmoreagitationthanMyleshadthoughtitpossibleforhimtoshow，"SirMyles，"saidhe，"rememberallthathathbeentoldthee。Thouknowestwhatthouhasttosayanddo。"Then，withoutfurtherword，hetookLordFalworthbythehand，andledthewayintotheroom，Mylesfollowingclosebehind。

TheKinghalfsat，halfinclined，uponacushionedseatclosetowhichstoodthetwoPrinces。Thereweresomedozenotherspresent，mostlypriestsandnoblemenofhighqualitywhoclusteredinagroupatalittledistance。MylesknewmostofthemataglancehavingseenthemcomeandgoatScotlandYard。

Butamongthemall，hesingledoutonlyone——theEarlofAlban。

Hehadnotseenthatfacesincehewasalittlechildeightyearsold，butnowthathebehelditagain，itfittedinstantlyandvividlyintotheremembranceofthetimeofthatterriblesceneatFalworthCastle，whenhehadbeheldthethenLordBrookhurststandingabovethedeadbodyofSirJohnDale，withthebloodymaceclinchedinhishand。Therewerethesameheavyblackbrows，sinisterandgloomy，thesamehookednose，thesameswarthycheeks。Heevenrememberedthedeepdentintheforehead，wherethebrowsmetinperpetualfrown。Soitwasthatuponthatfacehislookscentredandrested。

TheEarlofAlbanhadjustbeenspeakingtosomeLordwhostoodbesidehim，andahalf—smilestillhungaboutthecornersofhislips。Atfirst，ashelookedupattheentranceofthenewcomers，therewasnootherexpression；thensuddenlycameaflashofrecognition，alookofwide—eyedamazement；thenthebloodleftthecheeksandthelips，andthefacegrewverypale。Nodoubthesawataflashthatsomegreatdangeroverhunghiminthissuddencomingofhisoldenemy，forhewasaskeenandasastuteapoliticianashewasafamouswarrior。Atleastheknewthattheeyesofmostofthosepresentwerefixedkeenlyandsearchinglyuponhim。Afterthefirststartofrecognition，hislefthand，hangingathisside，graduallyclosedaroundthescabbardofhissword，clutchingitinavice—likegrip。

MeantimetheEarlofMackworthhadledtheblindLordtotheKing，wherebothkneeled。

"Why，hownow，myLord？"saidtheKing。"MethoughtitwasouryoungPaladinwhomweknightedatDevlenthatwastobepresented，andherethoubringestthisoldman。Ablindman，ha！

Whatisthemeaningofthis？"

"Majesty，"saidtheEarl，"Ihavetakenthischancetobringtothymercifulconsiderationonewhohathmostwofullyandunjustlysufferedfromthineanger。Yonderstandstheyoungknightofwhomwespake；thisishisfather，GilbertReginald，whilomLordFalworth，whocravesmercyandjusticeatthyhands。"

"Falworth，"saidtheKing，placinghishandtohishead。"Thenameisnotstrangetomineears，butIcannotplaceit。Myheadhathtroubledmesorelyto—day，andIcannotremember。"

AtthispointtheEarlofAlbancamequietlyanddeliberatelyforward。"Sire，"saidhe，"pardonmyboldnessinsoventuringtoaddressyou，buthaplyImaybringthenamemoreclearlytoyourmind。Heis，asmyLordofMackworthsaid，thewhilomBaronFalworth，theoutlawed，attaintedtraitor；sodeclaredfortheharboringofSirJohnDale，whowasoneofthosewhosoughtyourMajesty’slifeatWindsorelevenyearsago。Sire，heismineenemyaswell，andisbroughthitherbymyproclaimedenemies。

Shouldaughtoccurtomyharm，Irestmycaseinyourgracioushands。"

ThedustyredflamedintotheKing’spale，sicklyfaceinanswer，andherosehastilyfromhisseat。

"Aye，"saidhe，"Iremembermenow——Iremembermethemanandthename！Whohathdaredbringhimherebeforeus？"Allthedullheavinessofsicknesswasgoneforthemoment，andKingHenrywastheKingHenryoftenyearsagoasherolledhiseyesbalefullyfromonetoanotherofthecourtierswhostoodsilentlyaround。

TheEarlofMackworthshotacovertglanceattheBishopofWinchester，whocameforwardinanswer。

"YourMajesty，"saidhe，"hereamI，yourbrother，whobeseechyouasyourbrothernottojudgeover—hastilyinthismatter。Itistruethatthismanhasbeenadjudgedatraitor，buthehasbeensoadjudgedwithoutahearing。Ibeseechtheetolistenpatientlytowhatsoeverhemayhavetosay。

TheKingfixedtheBishopwithalookofthebitterest，deepestanger，holdinghisnetherliptightlyunderhisteeth——atrickhehadwhenstronglymovedwithanger——andtheBishop’seyesfellunderthelook。MeantimetheEarlofAlbanstoodcalmandsilent。

NodoubthesawthattheKing’sangerwaslikelytobefriendhimmorethananywordsthathehimselfcouldsay，andheperilledhiscasewithnomorespeechwhichcouldonlyprovesuperfluous。

AtlasttheKingturnedafaceredandswollenwithangertotheblindLord，whostillkneeledbeforehim。

"Whathastthoutosay？"hesaid，inadeepandsullenvoice。

"GraciousandmercifulLord，"saidtheblindnobleman，"Icometothee，thefountain—headofjustice，cravingjustice。Sire，Idonowandheredenymytreason，whichdenialIcouldnotbeforemake，beingblindandhelpless，andmineenemiesstrongandmalignant。Butnow，sire，Heavenhathsentmehelp，andthereforeIdoacclaimbeforetheethatmyaccuser，WilliamBushyBrookhurst，EarlofAlban，isafoulandanattaintedliarinallthathehathaccusedmeof。Toupholdwhichallegation，andtodefendme，whoamblindedbyhisunknightliness，IdoofferachampiontoproveallthatIsaywithhisbodyincombat。"

TheEarlofMackworthdartedaquicklookatMyles，whocameforwardthemomenthisfatherhadended，andkneeledbesidehim。

TheKingofferednointerruptiontohisspeech，buthebentalookheavywithangerupontheyoungman。

"MygraciousLordandKing，"saidMyles，"I，thesonoftheaccused，dooffermyselfashischampioninthiscause，beseechingtheeofthygraceleavetoprovethetruthofthesame，beingabeltedknightbythygraceandofthycreationandthepeerofanywhowearethspurs。"Thereupon，rising，hedrewhisirongauntletfromhisgirdle，andflungitclashingdownuponthefloor，andwithhisheartswellingwithinhimwithangerandindignationandpityofhisblindfather，hecried，inaloudvoice，"Idoaccusethee，WilliamofAlban，thatthouliestvilelyasaforesaid，andherecastdownmygage，daringtheetotakeitup。

TheEarlofAlbanmadeasthoughhewouldacceptthechallenge，buttheKingstoppedhimhastily。

"Stop！"hecried，harshly。"Touchnotthegage！Letitlie——letitlie，Itellthee，myLord！Nowthen，"saidhe，turningtotheothers，"tellmewhatmeanethallthiscoil？Whobroughtthismanhither？"

Helookedfromonetoanotherofthosewhostoodsilentlyaround，butnooneanswered。

"Isee，"saidhe，"yeallhavehadtodowithit。ItisasmyLordofAlbansayeth；yearehisenemies，andyearemyenemiesaswell。InthisIdosmellavileplot。IcannotundowhatI

havedone，andsinceIhavemadethisyoungmanaknightwithmineownhands，IcannotdenythatheisfittochallengemyLordofAlban。Ne’theless，theHighCourtofChivalryshalladjudgethiscase。Meantime，"saidhe，turningtotheEarlMarshal，whowaspresent，"IgivetheethisattaintedLordincharge。ConveyhimpresentlytotheTower，andlethimabideourpleasurethere。

Also，thoumaysttakeupyongage，andkeepittillitisredeemedaccordingtoourpleasure。"

Hestoodthoughtfullyforamoment，andthenraisinghiseyes，lookedfixedlyattheEarlofMackworth。"Iknow，"hesaid，"thatIbearightsickman，andtherebesomewhoarealreadyplottingtooverthrowthosewhohaveheldupmyhandwiththeirownstrengthforalltheseyears。"Thenspeakingmoredirectly："MyLordEarlofMackworth，Iseeyourhandinthisbeforeallothers。Itwasthouwhosoplayeduponmeastogetmetoknightthisyoungman，andthusmakehimworthytochallengemyLordofAlban。Itwasthydoingsthatbroughthimhereto—day，backedbymineownsonsandmybrotherandbythesenoblemen。"ThenturningsuddenlytotheEarlofAlban："Come，myLord，"saidhe；"Iamawearywithallthiscoil。Lendmethinearmtoleavethisplace。"Soitwasthathelefttheroom，leaningupontheEarlofAlban’sarm，andfollowedbythetwoorthreeoftheAlbanfactionwhowerepresent。

"YourRoyalHighness，"saidtheEarlMarshal，"Imuste’endotheKing’sbidding，andtakethisgentlemanintoarrest。"

"Dothyduty，"saidthePrince。"Weknewitmustcometothis。

Meanwhileheistobeaprisonerofhonor，andseethathebewelllodgedandcaredfor。Thouwiltfindmybargeatthestairstoconveyhimdowntheriver，andImyselfwillcomethisafternoontovisithim。"

CHAPTER31

ItwasnotuntiltheendofJulythattheHighCourtofChivalryrendereditsjudgment。Thereweremanyunusualpointsinthecase，someofwhichboreheavilyagainstLordFalworth，someofwhichwereinhisfavor。HewasveryablydefendedbythelawyerswhomtheEarlofMackworthhadengageduponhisside；

nevertheless，underordinarycircumstances，thejudgment，nodoubt，wouldhavebeenquicklyrenderedagainsthim。Asitwas，however，thecircumstanceswerenotordinary，anditwasrenderedinhisfavor。TheCourtbesoughttheKingtogranttheordealbybattle，toacceptLordFalworth’schampion，andtoappointthetimeandplaceforthemeeting。

Thedecisionmusthavebeenamostbitter，gallingoneforthesickKing。Hewasnaturallyofagenerous，forgivingnature，butLordFalworthinhistimeofpowerhadbeenanunrelentingandfearlessopponent，andhisMajestywho，likemostgenerousmen，couldonoccasionsbeverycruelandintolerant，hadneverforgivenhim。HehadsteadilythrownthemightofhisinfluencewiththeCourtagainsttheFalworths’case，butthatinfluencewasnolongerall—powerfulforgoodorill。Hewasfailinginhealth，anditcouldonlybeamatterofafewyears，probablyofonlyafewmonths，beforehissuccessorsatuponthethrone。

Upontheotherhand，thePrinceofWales’sfactionhadbeensteadily，andoflaterapidly，increasinginpower，andintheEarlofMackworth，itsvirtualhead，itpossessedoneofthemostcapablepoliticiansandastuteintriguersinEurope。So，astheoutcomeofalltheplottingandcounter—plotting，schemingandcounter—scheming，thecasewasdecidedinLordFalworth’sfavor。

TheknowledgeoftheultimateresultwasknowntothePrinceofWales’scirclealmostaweekbeforeitwasfinallydecided。

Indeed，theEarlofMackworthhadmadeprettysureofthatresultbeforehehadsummonedMylesfromFrance，butupontheKingitfellliketheshockofasuddenblow。Allthatdayhekepthimselfinmoodyseclusion，nursinghissilent，bitteranger，andmakingonlyoneoutbreak，inwhichhesworebytheHolyRoodthatshouldMylesbeworstedintheencounter，hewouldnottakethebattleintohisownhands，butwouldsufferhimtobeslain，andfurthermore，thatshouldtheEarlshowsignsoffailingatanytime，hewoulddoallinhispowertosavehim。Oneofthecourtierswhohadbeenpresent，andwhowassecretlyinclinedtothePrinceofWales’sfaction，hadrepeatedthisspeechatScotlandYard，andthePrincehadsaid，"Thatmeaneth，Myles，thatthoumusteitherwinordie。"

"AndsoIwouldhaveittobe，myLord，"Myleshadanswered。

ItwasnotuntilnearlyafortnightafterthedecisionoftheCourtofChivalryhadbeenrenderedthattheKingannouncedthetimeandplaceofbattle——thetimetobethe3dofSeptember，theplacetobeSmithfield——aspotmuchusedforsuchencounters。

Duringthethreeweeksorsothatintervenedbetweenthisannouncementandthetimeofcombat，Myleswentnearlyeverydaytovisitthelistsincourseoferection。OftenthePrincewentwithhim；alwaystwoorthreeofhisfriendsoftheScotlandYardcourtaccompaniedhim。

Thelistswerelaidoutintheusualform。Thetrueorprincipallistinwhichthecombatantsweretoengagewassixtyyardslongandfortyyardswide；thisrectangularspacebeingsurroundedbyafenceaboutsixfeethigh，paintedvermilion。BetweenthefenceandthestandwheretheKingandthespectatorssat，andsurroundingthecentralspace，wastheouterorfalselist，alsosurroundedbyafence。InthefalselisttheConstableandtheMarshalandtheirfollowersandattendantsweretobestationedatthetimeofbattletopreservethegeneralpeaceduringthecontestbetweentheprincipals。

OnedayasMyles，hisprincelypatron，andhisfriendsenteredthebarriers，leavingtheirhorsesattheoutergate，theymettheEarlofAlbanandhisfollowers，whowerejustquittingthelists，whichtheyalsowereinthehabitofvisitingnearlyeveryday。Asthetwopartiespassedoneanother，theEarlspoketoagentlemanwalkingbesidehimandinavoiceloudenoughtobeclearlyoverheardbytheothers："YonderistheyoungsprigofFalworth，"saidhe。"Hisfather，myLords，isnotcontentwithforfeitinghisownlifeforhistreason，butmust，forsooth，throwawayhisson’salso。Ihavefacedandoverthrownmanyabetterknightthanthatboy。"

Mylesheardthespeech，andknewthatitwasintendedforhimtohearit；buthepaidnoattentiontoit，walkingcomposedlyatthePrince’sside。ThePrincehadalsooverheardit，andafteralittlespaceofsilenceasked，"Dostthounotfeelanxietyforthycomingbattle，Myles？"

"Yea，myLord，"saidMyles；"sometimesIdofeelanxiety，butnotsuchasmyLordofAlbanwouldhavemefeelinutteringthespeechthathespakeanon。Itisanxietyformyfather’ssakeandmymother’ssakethatIfeel，fortrulytherearegreatmattersforthempendinguponthisfight。Ne’theless，IdoknowthatGodwillnotdesertmeinmycause，forverilymyfatherisnotraitor。"

"ButtheEarlofAlban，"saidthePrince，gravely，"isreputedoneofthebest—skilledknightsinallEngland；moreover，heismercilessandwithoutgenerosity，sothatanhegainaughtadvantageoverthee，hewillsurelyslaythee。"

"Iamnotafraid，myLord，"saidMyles，stillcalmlyandcomposedly。

"NoramIafraidforthee，Myles，"saidthePrince，heartily，puttinghisarm，ashespoke，aroundtheyoungman’sshoulder；

"fortruly，wertthouaknightoffortyyears，insteadofoneoftwenty，thoucouldstnotbearthyselfwithmorecourage。"

Asthetimefortheduelapproached，thedaysseemedtodragthemselvesalonguponleadenfeet；nevertheless，thedayscameandwent，asalldaysdo，bringingwiththem，atlast，thefateful3dofSeptember。

Earlyinthemorning，whilethesunwasstilllevelandred，thePrincehimself，unattended，cametoMyles’sapartment，intheouterroomofwhichGascoynewasbustlingbusilyaboutarrangingthearmorpiecebypiece；renewingstrapsandthongs，butnotwhistlingoverhisworkasheusuallydid。ThePrincenoddedtohim，andthenpassedsilentlythroughtotheinnerchamber。Myleswasuponhisknees，andFatherAmbrose，thePrince’schaplain，wasbesidehim。ThePrincestoodsilentlyatthedoor，untilMyles，havingtoldhislastbead，roseandturnedtowardshim。

"MydearLord，"saidtheyoungknight，"Igiveyougramercyforthegreathonoryoudomeincomingsoearlyfortovisitme。"

"Nay，Myles，givemenothanks，"saidthePrince，franklyreachinghimhishand，whichMylestookandsettohislips。"I

laybethinkingmeoftheethismorning，whileyetinbed，andso，asIcouldnotsleepanymore，Iwasmovedtocomehithertoseethee。"

QuiteanumberofthePrince’sfactionwereatthebreakfastatScotlandYardthatmorning；amongothers，theEarlofMackworth。

Allweremoreorlessoppressedwithanxiety，fornearlyallofthemhadstakedmuchuponthecomingbattle。IfAlbanconquered，hewouldbemorepowerfultoharmthemandtorevengehimselfuponthemthanever，andMyleswasaveryyoungchampionuponwhomtodepend。Myleshimself，perhaps，showedaslittleanxietyasany；hecertainlyatemoreheartilyofhisbreakfastthatmorningthanmanyoftheothers。

Afterthemealwasended，thePrincerose。"Theboatisreadyatthestairs，"saidhe；"ifthouwouldstgototheTowertovisitthyfather，Myles，beforehearingmass，IandCholmondeleyandVereandPoinswillgowiththee，ifye，Lordsandgentlemen，willgrantmeyourpardonforleavingyou。Arethereanyothersthatthouwouldsthaveaccompanythee？"

"IwouldhaveSirJamesLeeandmysquire，MasterGascoyne，ifthouartsopleasedtogivethemleavetogo，"answeredMyles。

"Sobeit，"saidthePrince。"WewillstopatMackworthstairsfortheknight。"

ThebargelandedattheweststairsoftheTowerwharf，andthewholepartywerereceivedwithmorethanusualcivilitiesbytheGovernor，whoconductedthematoncetotheTowerwhereLordFalworthwaslodged。LadyFalworthmetthemattheheadofthestairs；hereyeswereveryredandherfacepale，andasMylesraisedherhandandsetalongkissuponit，herlipstrembled，andsheturnedherfacequicklyaway，pressingherhandkerchiefforonemomenttohereyes。Poorlady！Whatagonyofanxietyanddreaddidshenotsufferforherboy’ssakethatday！Myleshadnothiddenbothfromherandhisfatherthathemusteitherwinordie。

AsMylesturnedfromhismother，PriorEdwardcameoutfromtheinnerchamber，andwasgreetedwarmlybyhim。TheoldpriesthadarrivedinLondononlythedaybefore，havingcomedownfromCrosbeyPriorytobewithhisfriend’sfamilyduringthistheirtimeofterribleanxiety。

Afteralittlewhileofgeneraltalk，thePrinceandhisattendantsretired，leavingthefamilytogether，onlySirJamesLeeandGascoyneremainingbehind。

Manymattersthathadbeendiscussedbeforewerenowfinallysettled，thechiefofwhichwasthedispositionofLadyFalworthincasethebattleshouldgoagainstthem。ThenMylestookhisleave，kissinghismother，whobegancrying，andcomfortingherwithbraveassurances。PriorEdwardaccompaniedhimasfarastheheadoftheTowerstairs，whereMyleskneeleduponthestonesteps，whilethegoodpriestblessedhimandsignedthecrossuponhisforehead。ThePrincewaswaitinginthewalledgardenadjoining，andastheyrowedbackagainuptherivertoScotlandYard，allwerethoughtfulandserious，evenPoins’andVere’smerrytonguesbeingstilledfromtheirusualquipsandjesting。

Itwas。aboutthequarterofthehourbeforeeleveno’clockwhenMyles，withGascoyne，setforthforthelists。ThePrinceofWales，togetherwithmostofhiscourt，hadalreadygoneontoSmithfield，leavingbehindhimsixyoungknightsofhishouseholdtoactasescorttotheyoungchampion。Thenatlasttheordertohorsewasgiven；thegreatgateswungopen，andouttheyrode，clatteringandjingling，thesunlightgleamingandflamingandflashingupontheirpolishedarmor。Theydrewreintotheright，andsorodeinalittlecloudofdustalongtheStrandStreettowardsLondontown，withthebreezeblowingmerrily，andthesunlightshiningassweetlyandblithesomelyasthoughtheywereridingtoaweddingratherthantoagrimanddreadfulordealthatmeanteithervictoryordeath。

CHAPTER32

InthedaysofKingEdwardIIIacodeoflawsrelatingtotrialbybattlehadbeencompiledforoneofhissons，ThomasofWoodstock。Inthisworkeachandeverydetail，tothemostminute，hadbeenarrangedandfixed，andfromthattimejudicialcombatshadbeenregulatedinaccordancewithitsmandates。

ItwasinobediencetothiscodethatMylesFalworthappearedattheeastgateofthelists（theeastgatebeingassignedbylawtothechallenger），cladinfullarmorofproof，attendedbyGascoyne，andaccompaniedbytwooftheyoungknightswhohadactedashisescortfromScotlandYard。

AtthebarriershewasmetbytheattorneyWillingwood，thechieflawyerwhohadconductedtheFalworthcasebeforetheHighCourtofChivalry，andwhowastoattendhimduringtheadministrationoftheoathsbeforetheKing。

AsMylespresentedhimselfatthegatehewasmetbytheConstable，theMarshal，andtheirimmediateattendants。TheConstable，layinghishanduponthebridle—rein，said，inaloudvoice："Stand，SirKnight，andtellmewhythouartcomethusarmedtothegatesofthelists。Whatisthyname？Whereforeartthoucome？"

Mylesanswered，"IamMylesFalworth，aKnightoftheBathbygraceofhisMajestyKingHenryIVandbyhiscreation，anddocomehithertodefendmychallengeuponthebodyofWilliamBushyBrookhurst，EarlofAlban，proclaiminghimanunknightlyknightandafalseandperjuredliar，inthathehathaccusedGilbertReginald，LordFalworth，oftreasonagainstourbelovedLord，hisMajestytheKing，andmayGoddefendtheright！"

Asheendedspeaking，theConstableadvancedclosetohisside，andformallyraisingtheumbrilofthehelmet，lookedhimintheface。Thereupon，havingapprovedhisidentity，heorderedthegatestobeopened，andbadeMylesenterthelistswithhissquireandhisfriends。

AtthesouthsideofthelistsaraisedscaffoldinghadbeenbuiltfortheKingandthosewholookedon。ItwasnotunlikethatwhichhadbeenerectedatDevlenCastlewhenMyleshadfirstjoustedasbeltedknight——herewerethesameraisedseatfortheKing，thetapestries，thehangings，theflutteringpennons，andtheroyalstandardfloatingabove；onlyherewerenofair—facedladieslookingdownuponhim，butinstead，stern—browedLordsandknightsinarmorandsquires，andherewerenomerrylaughingandbuzzoftalkandflutteroffansandkerchiefs，butallwasveryquietandserious。

Mylesridinguponhishorse，withGascoyneholdingthebridle—rein，andhisattorneywalkingbesidehimwithhishanduponthestirrups，followedtheConstableacrosstheliststoanopenspaceinfrontoftheseatwheretheKingsat。Then，havingreachedhisappointedstation，hestopped，andtheConstable，advancingtothefootofthestair—waythatledtothedaisabove，announcedinaloudvoicethatthechallengerhadenteredthelists。

"Thencalledthedefendantstraightway，"saidtheKing，"fornoondrawethnigh。"

Thedaywasverywarm，andthesun，brightandunclouded，shonefiercelydownupontheopenlists。PerhapsfewmennowadayscouldbearthescorchingheatofironplatessuchasMyleswore，fromwhichthebodywasonlyprotectedbyaleathernjacketandhose。

Butmen’sbodiesinthosedaysweretougherandmoreseasonedtohardshipsofweatherthantheyareintheseourtimes。Mylesthoughtnomoreoftheburningironplatesthatincasedhimthanamodernsoldierthinksofhisdressuniforminwarmweather。

Nevertheless，heraisedtheumbrilofhishelmettocoolhisfaceashewaitedthecomingofhisopponent。Heturnedhiseyesupwardtotherowofseatsonthescaffoldingabove，andevenintherestless，bewilderingmultitudeofstrangefacesturnedtowardshimrecognizedthosethatheknew：thePrinceofWales，hiscompanionsoftheScotlandYardhousehold，theDukeofClarence，theBishopofWinchester，andsomeofthenoblemenoftheEarlofMackworth’sparty，whohadbeenbuzzingaboutthePrinceforthepastmonthorso。Buthisglancesweptoverallthese，ratherperceivingthanseeingthem，andthenresteduponasquarebox—likecompartmentnotunlikeaprisoner’sdockinthecourtroomofourday，forintheboxsathisfather，withtheEarlofMackworthupononesideandSirJamesLeeupontheother。

Theblindman’sfacewasverypale，butstillworeitsusualexpressionofcalmserenity——thecalmserenityofablindface。

TheEarlwasalsoverypale，andhekepthiseyesfixedsteadfastlyuponMyleswithakeenandsearchinglook，asthoughtopiercetotheverybottomoftheyoungman’sheart，anddiscoverifindeednotonelittlefragmentofdryrotoffearoruncertaintytaintedthesolidcourageofhisknighthood。

Thenheheardthecrierscallingthedefendantatthefourcornersofthelist："Oyez！Oyez！Oyez！WilliamBushyBrookhurst，EarlofAlban，cometothiscombat，inwhichyoubeenterprisedthisdaytodischargeyoursuretiesbeforetheKing，theConstable，andtheMarshal，andtoencounterinyourdefenceMylesFalworth，knight，theacceptedchampionuponbehalfofGilbertReginaldFalworth，thechallenger！Oyez！Oyez！Oyez！Letthedefendantcome！"

Sotheycontinuedcalling，until，bythesuddenturningofallfaces，Mylesknewthathisenemywasathand。

ThenpresentlyhesawtheEarlandhisattendantsentertheoutergateatthewestendofthebarrier；hesawtheConstableandMarshalmeethim；hesawtheformalwordsofgreetingpass；hesawtheConstableraisetheumbrilofthehelmet。Thenthegateopened，andtheEarlofAlbanentered，cladcap—a—pieinafullsuitofmagnificentMilanarmorwithoutjupponoradornmentofanykind。Asheapproachedacrossthelists，Mylesclosedtheumbrilofhishelmet，andthensatquitestillandmotionless，forthetimewascome。

Sohesat，erectandmotionlessasastatueofiron，halfhearingthereadingofthelongintricately—wordedbills，absorbedinmanythoughtsofpastandpresentthings。Atlastthereadingended，andthenhecalmlyandcomposedlyobeyed，underthedirectionofhisattorney，theseveralformsandceremoniesthatfollowed；answeredthevariousofficialquestions，tookthevariousoaths。ThenGascoyne，leadingthehorsebythebridle—

rein，conductedhimbacktohisstationattheeastendofthelists。

Asthefaithfulfriendandsquiremadeonelastandsearchingexaminationofarmsandarmor，theMarshalandtheclerkcametotheyoungchampionandadministeredthefinaloathbywhichhesworethathecarriednoconcealedweapons。

TheweaponsallowedbytheHighCourtwerethenmeasuredandattested。Theyconsistedofthelongsword，theshortsword，thedagger，themace，andaweaponknownasthehand—gisarm，orglave—lot——aheavyswordlikebladeeightpalmslong，apalminbreadth，andrivetedtoastouthandleofwoodthreefeetlong。

Theusuallancehadnotbeenincludedinthelistofarms，thehand—gisarmbeingsubstitutedinitsplace。Itwasafearfulandmurderousweapon，thoughcumbersome，Unhandy，andilladaptedforquickordexterousstroke；nevertheless，theEarlofAlbanhadpetitionedtheKingtohaveitincludedinthelist，andinanswertotheKing’sexpresseddesiretheCourthadadopteditinthesteadofthelance，yieldingthusmuchtotheroyalwishes。

Norwasitasmallconcession。Thehand—gisarmhadbeenaweaponverymuchinvogueinKingRichard’sday，andwasnownearlyifnotentirelyoutoffashionwiththeyoungergenerationofwarriors。TheEarlofAlbanwas，ofcourse，wellusedtotheblade；withMylesitwasstrangeandnew，eitherforattackorindefence。

Withtheadministrationofthefinaloathandtheexaminationoftheweapons，thepreliminaryceremoniescametoanend，andpresentlyMylesheardthecrierscallingtoclearthelists。Asthosearoundhimmovedtowithdraw，theyoungknightdrewoffhismailedgauntlet，andgaveGascoyne’shandonelastfinalclasp，strong，earnest，andintensewiththeclosefriendshipofyoungmanhood，andpoorGascoynelookedupathimwithafaceghastlywhite。

Thenallweregone；thegatesoftheprincipallistandthatofthefalselistwereclosedclashing，andMyleswasalone，facetoface，withhismortalenemy。

CHAPTER33

Therewasalittlewhileofrestless，rustlingsilence，duringwhichtheConstabletookhisplaceintheseatappointedforhimdirectlyinfrontofandbelowtheKing’sthrone。Amomentortwowheneventherestlessnessandtherustlingwerequieted，andthentheKingleanedforwardandspoketotheConstable，whoimmediatelycalledout，inaloud，clearvoice。

"Letthemgo！"Thenagain，"Letthemgo！"Then，forthethirdandlasttime，"Letthemgoanddotheirendeavor，inGod’sname！"

Atthisthirdcommandthecombatants，eachofwhomhadtillthatmomentbeensittingasmotionlessasastatueofiron，tightenedrein，androdeslowlyanddeliberatelyforwardwithouthaste，yetwithouthesitation，untiltheymetintheverymiddleofthelists。

Inthebattlewhichfollowed，Mylesfoughtwiththelongsword，theEarlwiththehand—gisarmforwhichhehadasked。Themomenttheymet，thecombatwasopened，andforatimenothingwasheardbutthethunderousclashingandclamorofblows，nowandthenbeatingintermittently，nowandthenpausing。Occasionally，asthecombatantsspurredtogether，checked，wheeled，andrecovered，theywouldbehiddenforamomentinamistyveilofdust，which，againdriftingdownthewind，perhapsrevealedthemdrawnalittleapart，restingtheirpantinghorses。Then，again，theywouldspurtogether，strikingastheypassed，wheelingandstrikingagain。

Uponthescaffoldingallwasstill，onlynowandthenforthebuzzofmuffledexclamationsorapplauseofthosewholookedon。

MostlytheapplausewasfromMyles’sfriends，forfromtheveryfirstheshowedandsteadilymaintainedhisadvantageovertheolderman。"Hah！wellstruck！wellrecovered！""Lookye！theswordbitthattime！""Nay，look，sawyehimpassthepointofthegisarm？"Then，"Falworth！Falworth！"assomemorethanusuallyskilfulstrokeorparryoccurred。

MeantimeMyles’sfathersatstraininghissightlesseyeballs，asthoughtopiercehisbody’sdarknesswithonerayoflightthatwouldshowhimhowhisboyheldhisowninthefight，andLordMackworth，leaningwithhislipsclosetotheblindman’sear，toldhimpointbypointhowthebattlestood。

"Fearnot，Gilbert，"saidheateachpauseinthefight。"Heholdethhisownrightwell。"Then，afterawhile："Godiswithus，Gilbert。Albanistwicewoundedandhishorsefaileth。Onelittlewhilelongerandthevictoryisours！"

Alongerandmorecontinuousintervalofcombatfollowedthislastassurance，duringwhichMylesdrovetheassaultfiercelyandunrelentinglyasthoughtooverbearhisenemybytheverypowerandviolenceoftheblowshedelivered。TheEarldefendedhimselfdesperately，butwasborneback，back，back，fartherandfarther。

Everynerveofthosewholookedonwasstretchedtobreathlesstensity，when，almostashisenemywasagainstthebarriers，Mylespausedandrested。

"Outuponit！"exclaimedtheEarlofMackworth，almostshrillyinhisexcitement，asthesuddenlullfollowedthecrashingofblows。"Whydoththeboysparehim？Thatisthricehehathgivenhimgracetorecover；anhehadpushedthebattlethattimehehaddrivenhimbackagainstthebarriers。"

ItwasastheEarlhadsaid；Myleshadthreetimesgivenhisenemygracewhenvictorywasalmostinhisverygrasp。Hehadthreetimessparedhim，inspiteofallheandthosedeartohimmustsuffershouldhiscruelandmercilessenemygainthevictory。Itwasafalseandfoolishgenerosity，partlythefaultofhisimpulsiveyouth——morelargelyofhisromantictrainingintheartificialcodeofFrenchchivalry。Hefeltthatthebattlewashis，andsohegavehisenemythesethreechancestorecover，assomechevalierorknight—errantofromancemighthavedone，insteadofpushingthecombattoamercifullyspeedyend——andhisfoolishgenerositycosthimdear。

InthemomentarypausethathadthusstirredtheEarlofMackworthtoasuddenoutbreak，theEarlofAlbansatuponhispanting，sweatingwar—horse，facinghispowerfulyoungenemyatabouttwelvepacesdistant。Hesatasstillasarock，holdinghisgisarmpoisedinfrontofhim。Hehad，astheEarlofMackworthhadsaid，beenwoundedtwice，andeachtimewiththepointofthesword，somuchmoredangerousthanadirectcutwiththeweapon。Onewoundwasbeneathhisarmor，andnoonebutheknewhowseriousitmightbe；theotherwasundertheoverlappingoftheepauhere，andfromitafinger’s—breadthofbloodranstraightdownhissideandoverthehousingsofhishorse。Fromwithout，thestillmotionlessironfigureappearedcalmandexpressionless；within，whoknowswhatconsumingblastsofhate，rage，anddespairswepthisheartaswithafierywhirlwind。

AsMyleslookedatthemotionless，bleedingfigure，hisbreastswelledwithpity。"MyLord，"saidhe，"thouartsorewoundedandthefightisagainstthee；wiltthounotyieldthee？"

Noonebutthatotherheardthespeech，andnoonebutMylesheardtheanswerthatcameback，hollow，cavernous，"Never，thoudog！Never！"

Theninaninstant，asquickasaflash，hisenemyspurredstraightuponMyles，andashespurredhestruckalastdesperate，swingingblow，inwhichhethrewinonefinaleffortallthestrengthofhate，offury，andofdespair。Myleswhirledhishorsebackward，wardingtheblowwithhisshieldashedidso。Thebladeglancedfromthesmoothfaceoftheshield，and，whetherbymistakeornot，fellstraightandtrue，andwithalmostundiminishedforce，upontheneckofMyles’swar—horse，andjustbehindtheears。Theanimalstaggeredforward，andthenfelluponitsknees，andatthesameinstanttheother，asthoughbytheimpetusoftherush，dashedfulluponitwithallthemomentumlentbytheweightofironitcarried。Theshockwasirresistible，andthestunnedandwoundedhorsewasflungupontheground，rollingoverandover。Ashishorsefell，Myleswrenchedoneofhisfeetoutofthestirrup；theothercaughtforaninstant，andhewasflungheadlongwithstunningviolence，hisarmorcrashingashefell。Inthecloudofdustthatarosenoonecouldseejustwhathappened，butthatwhatwasdonewasdonedeliberatelynoonedoubted。Theearl，atoncecheckingandspurringhisfoamingcharger，drovetheiron—shodwar—horsedirectlyoverMyles’sprostratebody。Then，checkinghimfiercelywiththecurb，reinedhimback，thehoofsclashingandcrashing，overthefigurebeneath。SohehadriddenoverthefatheratYork，andsoherodeoverthesonatSmithfield。

Myles，ashelayprostrateandhalfstunnedbyhisfall，hadseenhisenemythusdrivinghisrearinghorsedownuponhim，butwasnotabletodefendhimself。Afallenknightinfullarmorwasutterlypowerlesstorisewithoutassistance；Myleslayhelplessintheclutchoftheveryironthatwashisdefence。Heclosedhiseyesinvoluntarily，andthenhorseandriderwereuponhim。

Therewasadeafening，sparklingcrash，aglimmeringfaintness，thenanothercrashasthehorsewasreinedfuriouslybackagain，andthenahummingstillness。

Inamoment，uponthescaffoldingallwasatumultofuproarandconfusion，shoutingandgesticulation；onlytheKingsatcalm，sullen，impassive。TheEarlwheeledhishorseandsatforamomentortwoasthoughtomakequitesurethatheknewtheKing’smind。Theblowthathadbeengivenwasfoul，unknightly，buttheKinggavenosigneitherofacquiescenceorrebuke；hehadwilledthatMyleswastodie。

ThentheEarlturnedagain，androdedeliberatelyuptohisprostrateenemy。

WhenMylesopenedhiseyesafterthatmomentofstunningsilence，itwastoseetheotherloomingabovehimonhiswar—horse，swinginghisgisarmforonelastmortalblow——pitiless，merciless。

ThesightofthatloomingperilbroughtbackMyles’swanderingsenseslikeaflashoflightning。Heflunguphisshield，andmettheblowevenasitdescended，turningitaside。Itonlyprotractedtheend。

OncemoretheEarlofAlbanraisedthegisarm，swingingittwicearoundhisheadbeforehestruck。Thistime，thoughtheshieldglancedit，theblowfellupontheshoulder—piece，bitingthroughthesteelplateandleathernjackbeneatheventothebone。ThenMylescoveredhisheadwithhisshieldasalastprotectingchanceforlife。

ForthethirdtimetheEarlswungthebladeflashing，andthenitfell，straightandtrue，uponthedefencelessbody，justbelowtheleftarm，bitingdeepthroughthearmorplates。Foraninstantthebladestuckfast，andthatinstantwasMyles’ssalvation。Undertheagonyoftheblowhegaveamuffledcry，andalmostinstinctivelygraspedtheshaftoftheweaponwithbothhands。HadtheEarlletgohisendoftheweapon，hewouldhavewonthebattleathisleisureandmosteasily；asitwas，hestruggledviolentlytowrenchthegisarmawayfromMyles。Inthatshort，fiercestruggleMyleswasdraggedtohisknees，andthen，stillholdingtheweaponwithonehand，heclutchedthetrappingsoftheEarl’shorsewiththeother。Thenextmomenthewasuponhisfeet。Theotherstruggledtothrusthimaway，butMyles，lettinggothegisarm，whichheheldwithhislefthand，clutchedhimtightlybythesword—beltintheintense，vise—likegripofdespair。InvaintheEarlstrovetobeathimloosewiththeshaftofthegisarm，invainhespurredandrearedhishorsetoshakehimoff；Mylesheldhimtight，inspiteofallhisstruggles。

Hefeltneitherthestreamingbloodnorthethrobbingagonyofhiswounds；everyfacultyofsoul，mind，body，everypoweroflife，wascenteredinoneintense，burningeffort。Heneitherfelt，thought，norreasoned，butclutching，withtheblindnessofinstinct，theheavy，spiked，iron—headedmacethathungattheEarl’ssaddle—bow，hegaveitonetremendouswrenchthatsnappedtheplaitedleathernthongsthathelditasthoughtheywereskeinsofthread。Then，grindinghisteethaswithaspasm，hestruckashehadneverstruckbefore——once，twice，thricefulluponthefrontofthehelmet。Crash！crash！Andthen，evenastheEarltoppledsidelong，crash！Andtheironplatessplitandcrackledunderthethirdblow。Myleshadoneflashingglimpseofanawfulface，andthenthesaddlewasempty。

Then，asheheldtighttothehorse，panting，dizzy，sicktodeath，hefeltthehotbloodgushingfromhisside，fillinghisbodyarmor，andstainingthegrounduponwhichhestood。Stillheheldtightlytothesaddle—bowofthefallenman’shorseuntil，throughhisglimmeringsight，hesawtheMarshal，theLieutenant，andtheattendantsgatheraroundhim。HeheardtheMarshalaskhim，inavoicethatsoundedfaintanddistant，ifhewasdangerouslywounded。Hedidnotanswer，andoneoftheattendants，leapingfromhishorse，openedtheumbrilofhishelmet，disclosingthedull，holloweyes，theashy，colorlesslips，andthewaxyforehead，uponwhichstoodgreatbeadsofsweat。

"Water！water！"hecried，hoarsely；"givemetodrink！"Then，quittinghisholduponthehorse，hestartedblindlyacrosstheliststowardsthegateofthebarrier。Ashadowthatchilledhisheartseemedtofalluponhim。"Itisdeath，"hemuttered；thenhestopped，thenswayedforaninstant，andthentoppledheadlong，crashingashefell。

CONCLUSION

ButMyleswasnotdead。Thosewhohadseenhisfacewhentheumbrilofthehelmetwasraised，andthensawhimfallashetotteredacrossthelists，hadatfirstthoughtso。Buthisfaintnesswasmorefromlossofbloodandthesuddenunstringingofnerveandsensefromtheintensefuriousstrainofthelastfewmomentsofbattlethanfromthevitalnatureofthewound。

Indeed，afterMyleshadbeencarriedoutofthelistsandlaiduponthegroundintheshadebetweenthebarriers，MasterThomas，thePrince’sbarber—surgeon，havingexaminedthewounds，declaredthathemightbeevencarriedonacoveredlittertoScotlandYardwithoutseriousdanger。ThePrincewasextremelydesirousofhavinghimunderhiscare，andsotheventurewastried。MyleswascarriedtoScotlandYard，andperhapswasnonetheworsetherefore。ThePrince，theEarlofMackworth，andtwoorthreeothersstoodsilentlywatchingastheworthyshaverandleecher，assistedbyhisapprenticeandGascoyne，washedandbathedthegreatgapingwoundintheside，andbounditwithlinenbandages。

Myleslaywithclosedeyelids，still，pallid，weakasalittlechild。Presentlyheopenedhiseyesandturnedthem，dullandlanguid，tothePrince。

"Whathathhappedmyfather，myLord？"saidhe，inafaint，whisperingvoice。

"Thouhathsavedhislifeandhonor，Myles，"thePrinceanswered。

"Heisherenow，andthymotherhathbeensentfor，andcomethanonwiththepriestwhowaswiththemthismorn。"

Mylesdroppedhiseyelidsagain；hislipsmoved，buthemadenosound，andthentwobrighttearstrickledacrosshiswhitecheek。

"Hemakethawomanofme，"thePrincemutteredthroughhisteeth，andthen，swingingonhisheel，hestoodforalongtimelookingoutofthewindowintothegardenbeneath。

"MayIseemyfather？"saidMyles，presently，withoutopeninghiseyes。

ThePrinceturnedaroundandlookedinquiringlyatthesurgeon。

Thegoodmanshookhishead。"Notto—day，"saidhe；"haplyto—morrowhemayseehimandhismother。Thebleedingisbutnewstanched，andsuchmattersasseeinghisfatherandmothermaymakethehearttoswell，andsomaybethewoundburstafreshandhedie。Anhewouldhopetolive，hemustrestquietuntilto—morrowday。"

ButthoughMyles’swoundwasnotmortal，itwasveryserious。Thefeverwhichfollowedlingeredlongerthancommon——perhapsbecauseofthehotweather——andthedaysstretchedtoweeks，andtheweekstomonths，andstillhelaythere，nursedbyhismotherandGascoyneandPriorEdward，andnowandagainbySirJamesLee。

Oneday，alittlebeforethegoodpriestreturnedtoSaintMary’sPriory，ashesatbyMyles’sbedside，hishandsfolded，andhissightturnedinward，theyoungmansuddenlysaid，"Tellme，holyfather，isitalwayswrongformantoslayman？"

ThegoodpriestsatsilentforsolongatimethatMylesbegantothinkhehadnotheardthequestion。Butby—and—byheanswered，almostwithasigh，"Itisahardquestion，myson，butImustintruthsay，meseemsitisnotalwayswrong。"

"Sir，"saidMyles，"Ihavebeeninbattlewhenmenwereslain，butneverdidIthinkthereonasIhaveuponthismatter。DidI

sininsoslayingmyfather’senemy？"

"Nay，"saidPriorEdward，quietly，"thoudidstnotsin。Itwasforothersthoudidstfight，myson，andforothersitispardonabletodobattle。Haditbeenthineownquarrel，itmighthaplyhavebeenmorehardtohaveansweredthee。"

Whocangainsay，eveninthesedaysoflight，thetruthofthisthatthegoodpriestsaidtothesickladsofarawayinthepast？

OnedaytheEarlofMackworthcametovisitMyles。Atthattimetheyoungknightwasmending，andwassittingproppedupwithpillows，andwaswrappedinSirJamesLee’scloak，forthedaywaschilly。Afteralittletimeoftalk，apauseofsilencefell。

"MyLord，"saidMyles，suddenly，"dostthourememberonepartofamatterwespokeofwhenIfirstcamefromFrance？"

TheEarlmadenopretenceofignorance。"Iremember，"saidhe，quietly，lookingstraightintotheyoungman’sthinwhiteface。

"AndhaveIyetwontherighttoaskfortheLadyAlicedeMowbraytowife？"saidMyles，theredrisingfaintlytohischeeks。

"Thouhastwonit，"saidtheEarl，withasmile。

Myles’seyesshoneandhislipstrembledwiththepangofsuddenjoyandtriumph，forhewasstillveryweak。"MyLord，"saidhe，presently"belikethoucamestheretoseemeforthisverymatter？"

TheEarlsmiledagainwithoutanswering，andMylesknewthathehadguessedaright。Hereachedoutoneofhisweak，pallidhandsfrombeneaththecloak。TheEarlofMackworthtookitwithafirmpressure，theninstantlyquittingitagain，rose，asifashamedofhisemotion，stampedhisfeet，asthoughinpretenceofbeingchilled，andthencrossedtheroomtowherethefirecrackledbrightlyinthegreatstonefireplace。

Littleelseremainstobetold；onlyafewloosestrandstotie，andthestoryiscomplete。

ThoughLordFalworthwassavedfromdeathattheblock，thoughhishonorwascleansedfromstain，hewasyetaspoorandneedyasever。TheKing，inspiteofallthepressurebroughttobearuponhim，refusedtorestoretheestatesofFalworthandEasterbridge——thelatterofwhichhadagainrevertedtothecrownuponthedeathoftheEarlofAlbanwithoutissue——uponthegroundsthattheyhadbeenforfeitednotbecauseoftheattaintoftreason，butbecauseofLordFalworthhavingrefusedtorespondtothecitationofthecourts。Sothebusinessdraggedalongformonthaftermonth，untilinJanuarytheKingdiedsuddenlyintheJerusalemChamberatWestminster。Thenmatterswentsmoothlyenough，andFalworthandMackworthswamupontheflood—tideoffortune。

SoMyleswasmarried，forhowelseshouldthestoryend？AndonedayhebroughthisbeautifulyoungwifehometoFalworthCastle，whichhisfatherhadgivenhimforhisown，andatthegatewayofwhichhewasmetbySirJamesLeeandbythenewly—knightedSirFrancisGascoyne。

Oneday，soonafterthishome—coming，ashestoodwithheratanopenwindowintowhichcameblowingthepleasantMay—timebreeze，hesuddenlysaid，"WhatdidstthouthinkofmewhenIfirstfellalmostintothylap，likeanapplefromheaven？"

"Ithoughtthouwertagreat，good—heartedboy，asIthinkthouartnow，"saidshe，twistinghisstrong，sinewyfingersinandout。

"Ifthouthoughtstmesothen，whataveryfoolImusthavelookedtotheewhenIsoclumsilybesoughttheeforthyfavorformyjoustingatDevlen。DidInotso？"

"Thoudidstlooktomethemostnoble，handsomeyoungknightthatdideverlive；thoudidstlooktomeSirGalahad，astheydidcallthee，withoutentaintorstain。"

Mylesdidnotevensmileinanswer，butlookedathiswifewithsuchalookthatsheblushedarosyred。Then，laughing，sheslippedfromhishold，andbeforehecouldcatchheragainwasgone。

Iamgladthathewastoberichandhappyandhonoredandbelovedafterallhishardandnoblefighting。