"Iknownotthatheisamean—heartedcaitiff，Myles，"saidheatlast，hesitatingly。"TheEarlhathmanyenemies，andIhaveheardthathehathstoodmorethanonceinperil，havingbeenaccusedofdealingswiththeKing’sfoes。HewascousintotheEarlofKent，andIdorememberhearingthathehadanarrowescapeatthattimefromruin。Therebemorereasonsthanthouwottestofwhyheshouldnothavedealingswiththyfather。"
　　"Ihadnotthought，"saidMyles，bitterly，afteralittlepause，"thatthouwouldststandupforhimandagainstmeinthisquarrel，Gascoyne。HimwillIneverforgivesolongasImaylive，andIhadthoughtthatthouwouldsthavestoodbyme。"
　　"SoIdo，"saidGascoyne，hastily，"anddolovetheemorethananyoneinalltheworld，Myles；butIhadthoughtthatitwouldmaketheefeelmoreeasy，tothinkthattheEarlwasnotagainstthee。And，indeed，fromallthouhastoldme，IdosoothlythinkthatheandSirJamesmeantobefriendtheeandholdtheeprivilyinkindregard。"
　　"Thenwhydothhenotstandforthlikeamanandbefriendmeandmyfatheropenly，evenifitbetohisownperil？"saidMyles，revertingstubbornlytowhathehadfirstspoken。
　　Gascoynedidnotanswer，butlayforalongwhileinsilence。
　　"Knowestthou，"hesuddenlyasked，afterawhile，"whoisthisgreatenemyofwhomSirJamesspeaketh，andwhoseekethsotodrivethyfathertoruin？"
　　"Nay，"saidMyles，"Iknownot，formyfatherhathneverspokenofthesethings，andSirJameswouldnottellme。ButthisI
　　know，"saidhe，suddenly，grindinghisteethtogether，"anIdonothunthimoutsomedayandslayhimlikeadog——"Hestoppedabruptly，andGascoyne，lookingaskanceathim，sawthathiseyeswerefulloftears，whereuponheturnedhislooksawayagainquickly，andfelltoshootingpebblesoutthroughtheopenwindowwithhisfingerandthumb。
　　"ThouwilttellnooneofthesethingsthatIhavesaid？"saidMyles，afterawhile。
　　"NotI，"saidGascoyne。"ThinkestthouIcoulddosuchathing？"
　　"Nay，"saidMyles，briefly。
　　Perhapsthistalkmorethananythingelsethathadeverpassedbetweenthemknitthetwofriendstheclosertogether，for，asI
　　havesaid，Mylesfelteasiernowthathehadpouredouthisbitterthoughtsandwords；andasforGascoyne，Ithinkthatthereisnothingsoflatteringtoone’ssoulastobemadetheconfidantofastrongernature。
　　Buttheoldtowerservedanotherpurposethanthatofaspotinwhichtopassawayafewidlehours，orinwhichtoindulgetheconfidencesoffriendship，foritwastherethatMylesgatheredabackingofstrengthforresistanceagainstthetyrannyofthebachelors，anditisforthatmorethanforanyotherreasonthatithasbeentoldhowtheyfoundtheplaceandofwhattheydidthere，feelingsecureagainstinterruption。
　　MylesFalworthwasnotofakindthatforgetsorneglectsathinguponwhichthemindhasoncebeenset。PerhapshischiefobjectivesincethetalkwithSirJamesfollowinghisfightinthedormitoryhadbeensuccessfulresistancetotheexactionsoftheheadofthebodyofsquires。Hewasnow（morethanamonthhadpassed）lookeduponbynearlyifnotalloftheyoungerladsasanacknowledgedleaderinhisownclass。SoonedayhebroachedamattertoGascoynethathadforsometimebeendigestinginhismind。Itwastheformationofasecretorder，callingthemselvesthe"KnightsoftheRose，"theirmeeting—placetobethechapeloftheBrutusTower，andtheirobjecttobetherightingofwrongs，"asthey，"saidMyles，ofArthurhisRound—tabledidrightwrongs。"
　　"But，prithee，whatwrongsaretheretorightinthisplace？"
　　quothGascoyne，afterlisteningintentlytotheplanwhichMylessetforth。
　　"Why，firstofall，this，"saidMyles，clinchinghisfists，ashehadahabitofdoingwhenanythingstirredhimdeeply，"thatwesetthosevilebachelorstotheirrightplace；andthatis，thattheybenolongerourmasters，butourfellows。"
　　Gascoyneshookhishead。Hehatedclashingandconflictaboveallthings，andwasforpeace。Whyshouldtheythusrushtothrustthemselvesintotrouble？Letmattersabideastheywerealittlelonger；surelylifewaspleasantenoughwithoutturningitalltopsy—turvy。Then，withasortofindignation，whyshouldMyles，whohadonlycomeamongthemamonth，takesuchservicemoretoheartthantheywhohadendureditforyears？And，finally，withthehopefulnessofsomanyoftherestofus，headvisedMylestoletmattersalone，andtheywouldrightthemselvesintime。
　　ButMyles’smindwasdetermined；hisactivespiritcouldnotbrookrestingpassivelyunderawrong；hewouldendurenolonger，andnowornevertheymustmaketheirstand。
　　"Butlookthee，MylesFalworth，"saidGascoyne，"allthisisnottobedonewithoutenfightingshrewdly。Wiltthoutakethatfightinguponthineownself？Asforme，ItelltheeIloveitnot。"
　　"Why，aye，"saidMyles；"IasknomantodowhatIwillnotdomyself。"
　　Gascoyneshruggedhisshoulders。"Sobeit，"saidhe。"Anthouhastappetitetorunthyheadagainsthardknocks，doiti’
　　mercy’sname！Iforonewillstandtheebackwhilethouarttakingthyraps。"
　　TherewasaspiritofdrolleryinGascoyne’sspeechthatrubbedagainstMyles’searnestness。
　　"Outuponit！"criedhe，hispatiencegivingway。"SeestnotthatIaminseriousearnest？WhythendostthoustilljestlikeMadNoll，myLord’sfool？Anthouwiltnotlendmethineaidinthismatter，saysoandha’donewithit，andIwillbethinkmeofsomewhereelsetoturn。"
　　ThenGascoyneyieldedatonce，ashealwaysdidwhenhisfriendlosthistemper，andhavingonceassentedtoit，enteredintotheschemeheartandsoul。Threeotherlads——oneofthemthattallthinsquireEdmundWilkes，beforespokenof——weresoundeduponthesubject。TheyalsoenteredintotheplanofthesecretorganizationwithanenthusiasmwhichmightperhapsnothavebeenquitesoglowinghadtheyrealizedhowverysoonMylesdesignedembarkinguponactivepracticaloperations。OnedayMylesandGascoyneshowedthemthestrangethingsthattheyhaddiscoveredintheoldtower——theinnerstaircases，thewindingpassage—ways，thequeernichesandcupboard，andtheblackshaftofawellthatpierceddownintothesolidwall，andwhence，perhaps，theoldcastlefolkhadonetimedrawntheirsupplyofwaterintimeofsiege，andwitheverynewwonderofthemarvellousplacetheenthusiasmofthethreerecruitsrosehigherandhigher。TheyrummagedthroughthelumberpileinthegreatcircularroomasMylesandGascoynehaddone，andatlast，tiredout，theyascendedtotheairychapel，andtheresatcoolingthemselvesintherustlingfreshnessofthebreezethatcameblowingbrisklyinthroughthearchedwindows。
　　Itwasthenandtherethatthefivediscussedandfinallydetermineduponthedetailedplansoftheirorganization，canvassingthenamesofthesquirehood，andselectingfromitasufficientnumberofboldanddaringspiritstomakeuparolloftwentynamesinall。
　　Gascoynehad，asIsaid，enteredintothematterwithspirit，andperhapsitwasowingmoretohimthantoanyotherthattheprojectcaughtitsdelightfulflavorofromance。
　　"Perchance，"saidhe，asthefiveladslayintherustlingstillnessthroughwhichsoundedthemonotonousandceaselesscooingofthepigeons——"perchancetheremaybedwarfsandgiantsanddragonsandenchantersandevilknightsandwhatnotevennowadays。AndwhoknowsbutthatifweKnightsoftheRoseholdtogetherwemaygoforthintotheworld，anddobattlewiththem，andsavebeautifulladies，andhavetalesandgesteswrittenaboutusastheyarewritabouttheSevenChampionsandArthurhisRound—table。"
　　PerhapsMyles，wholaysilentlylisteningtoallthatwassaid，wastheonlyonewholookedupontheschemeatallinthelightofrealutility，butIthinkthatevenwithhimthefunofthematteroutweighedtheseriouspartofthebusiness。
　　SoitwasthattheSacredOrderoftheTwentyKnightsoftheRosecametobeinitiated。Theyappointedacodeofsecretpasswordsandcountersignswhichwereverydifficulttoremember，andwhichwereonlyusedwhentheymightexcitethecuriosityoftheotheranduninitiatedboysbytheirmysterioussound。TheyelectedMylesastheirGrandHighCommander，andheldsecretmeetingsintheancienttower，wheremanymysteriesweresoberlyenacted。
　　OfcourseinadayortwoallthebodyofsquiresknewnearlyeverythingconcerningtheKnightsoftheRose，andoftheirsecretmeetingsintheoldtower。Theluckytwentyweretheobjectsofenvyofallnotsofortunateastobeincludedinthisnumber，andtherewasamarkedairofsecrecyabouteverythingtheydidthatappealedtoeveryromanticnotionoftheyoungsterslookingon。Whatwasthestormyoutcomeofitallisnowpresentlytobetold。
　　CHAPTER12
　　ThusitwasthatMyles，withaneyetoopenwarwiththebachelors，gatheredafollowingtohissupport。Itwassomelittlewhilebeforematterswerebroughttoacrisis——aweekortendays。PerhapsevenMyleshadnogreatdesiretohastenmatters。Heknewthatwheneverwarwasdeclared，hehimselfwouldhavetobearthebruntofthebattle，andeventhebravestmanhesitatesbeforedeliberatelythrustinghimselfintoafight。
　　OnemorningMylesandGascoyneandWilkessatundertheshadeoftwotrees，betweenwhichwasaboardnailedtothetrunks，makingarudebench——alwaysafavoritelounging—placefortheladsinidlemoments。Myleswaspolishinghisbascinetwithlardandwood—ashes，rubbingthemetalwithapieceofleather，andwipingitcleanwithafustianrag。Theothertwo，whohadjustbeenrelievedfromhouseholdduty，layatlengthidlylookingon。
　　Justthenoneofthesmallerpages，aboyoftwelveorthirteen，bynameRobinIngoldsby，crossedthecourt。Hehadbeencrying；
　　hisfacewasredandblubbered，andhisbodywasstillshakenwithconvulsivesniffs。
　　Myleslookedup。"Comehither，Robin，"hecalledfromwherehesat。"Whatistodo？"
　　Thelittlefellowcameslowlyuptowherethethreerestedintheshade。"Mowbraybeatmewithastrap，"saidhe，rubbinghissleeveacrosshiseyes，andcatchinghisbreathattherecollection。
　　"Beatthee，didstsay？"saidMyles，drawinghisbrowstogether。
　　"Whydidhebeatthee？"
　　"Because，"saidRobin，"ItarriedoverlonginfetchingapotofbeerfromthebutteryforhimandWyatt。"Then，withaboy’ssuddenandeasyquicknessinforgettingpasttroubles，"Tellme，Falworth，"saidhe，"whenwiltthougivemethatknifethoupromisedme——theonethoubreakthebladeofyesterday？"
　　"Iknownot，"saidMyles，bluntly，vexedthattheboydidnottakethedisgraceofhisbeatingmoretoheart。"Sometimesoon，mayhap。Methinksthoushouldstthinkmoreofthybeatingthanofabrokenknife。Nowgettheegonetothybusiness。"
　　TheyoungsterlingeredforamomentortwowatchingMylesathiswork。"Whatisthatontheleatherscrap，Falworth？"saidhe，curiously。
　　"Lardandashes，"saidMyles，testily。"Gettheegone，Isay，orIwillcrackthyheadforthee；"andhepickedupablockofwood，withathreateninggesture。
　　Theyoungstermadeahideousgrimace，andthenscurriedaway，duckinghishead，lestinspiteofMyles’swell—knowngood—naturetheblockshouldcomewhizzingafterhim。
　　"Hearyethatnow！"criedMyles，flingingdowntheblockagainandturningtohistwofriends。"Beatenwithstrapsbecause，forsooth，hewouldnotfetchandcarryquicklyenoughtopleasethehasteofthesebachelors。Oh，thispassethpatience，andI
　　foronewillbearitnolonger。"
　　"Nay，Myles，"saidGascoyne，soothingly，"thelittleimpisaslazyasadormouseandasmischievousasamonkey。I’llwarrantthehidingwashisdue，andthatmoreofthelikewoulddohimgood。"
　　"Why，howdostthoutalk，Francis！"saidMyles，turninguponhimindignantly。"ThouknowestthatthoulikesttoseetheboybeatennomorethanI。"Then，afterameditativepause，"Howmany，thinkye，wemusterofourcompanyoftheRosetoday？"
　　WilkeslookeddoubtfullyatGascoyne。"Therebeonlyseventeenofusherenow，"saidheatlast。"BrintonandLambourneareawaytoRobyCastleinLordGeorge’strain，andwillnotbebacktillSaturdaynext。AndWattNewtonisintheinfirmary。
　　"Seventeenbe’stenou，"saidMyles，grimly。"Letusgettogetherthisafternoon，suchasmay，intheBrutusTower，forI，asIdidsay，willnolongersufferthesevilebachelors。"
　　GascoyneandWilkesexchangedlooks，andthentheformerblewalongwhistle。
　　SothatafternoonagloomysetofyoungfacesweregatheredtogetherintheEyry——fifteenoftheKnightsoftheRose——andallknewwhytheywereassembled。ThetalkwhichfollowedwasconductedmostlybyMyles。Headdressedtheotherswithastraightforwardvimandearnestness，buttheresponsewasonlyhalf—hearted，andwhenatlast，havingheatedhimselfupwithhisownfire，hesatdown，puffingouthisredcheeksandglaringround，aspaceofsilencefollowed，theladslookeddoubtfullyatoneanother。Mylesfeltthechilloftheirsilencestrikecoldlyonhisenthusiasm，anditvexedhim。
　　"Whatwouldstthoudo，Falworth？"saidoneoftheknights，atlast。"Wouldsthaveusopenaquarrelwiththebachelors？"
　　"Nay，"saidMyles，gruffly。"IhadthoughtthatyewouldalllendmeahandinapitchedbattlebutnowIseethatyeha’nostomachforthat。Ne’theless，ItellyeplainlyIwillnotsubmitlongertothebachelors。SonowIwillaskyenottotakeanyventureuponyourselves，butonlythis：thatyewillstandbymewhenIdomyfighting，andnotletfiveorsevenofthemfalluponmeatonce。
　　"ThereisWalterBlunt；heisparlousstrong，saidoneoftheothers，afteratimeofsilence。"Methinkshecouldconqueranytwoofus。"
　　"Nay，"saidMyles；"yedofearhimtoogreatly。ItellyeIfearnottostanduptotrybattlewithhimandwilldoso，too，iftheneedarise。Onlysayyethatyewillstandbymyback。"
　　"Marry，"saidGascoyne，quaintly，"anthouwiltdaretaketheheavyenduponthee，Iforoneamwillingtostandbyandseethatthouhavethyfilloffighting。"
　　"Itoowillstandtheeby，Myles，"saidEdmundWilkes。
　　"AndI，andI，andI，"saidothers，chimingin。
　　Thosewhowouldstillhaveheldbackwerecarriedalongbythestream，andsoitwassettledthatiftheneedshouldariseforMylestodoabitoffighting，theothersshouldstandbytoseethathehadfairplay。
　　"Whenthinkestthouthatthouwilttakethystandagainstthem，Myles？"askedWilkes。
　　Myleshesitatedamoment。"To—morrow，"saidhe，grimly。
　　Severaloftheladswhistledsoftly。
　　Gascoynewaspreparedforanearlyopeningofthewar，butperhapsnotforsuchanearlyopeningasthis。"By’rLady，Myles，thouarthungryforbrawling，"saidhe。
　　CHAPTER13
　　Afterthefirstexcitementofmeeting，discussing，anddecidinghadpassed，Mylesbegantofeeltheweightoftheloadhehadsoboldlytakenuponhimself。Hebegantoreckonwhataseriousthingitwasforhimtostandasasinglechampionagainstthetyrannythathadgrownsostrongthroughyearsofcustom。Hadhelethimselfdoso，hemightalmosthaverepented，butitwastoolatenowforrepentance。Hehadlaidhishandtotheplough，andhemustdrivethefurrow。
　　Somehowthenewsofimpendingbattlehadleakedoutamongtherestofthebodyofsquires，andabuzzofsuppressedexcitementhummedthroughthedormitorythatevening。Thebachelors，towhom，nodoubt，vaguerumorshadbeenblown，lookedlowering，andtalkedtogetherinlowvoices，standingapartinagroup。Someofthemmadearathermarkedshowofsecretingknivesinthestrawoftheirbeds，andnodoubtithaditseffectuponmorethanoneyoungheartthatsecretlythrilledatthesightoftheshiningblades。However，allwasundisturbedthatevening。Thelightswereputout，andtheladsretiredwithmorethanusualquietness，onlyforthemurmurofwhispering。
　　AllnightMyles’ssleepwasmoreorlessdisturbedbydreamsinwhichhewasnowconquering，nowbeingconquered，andbeforethedayhadfairlybrokenhewasawake。Helayuponhiscot，keyinghimselfupfortheencounterwhichhehadsetuponhimselftoface，anditwouldnotbethetruthtosaythatthesightofthosekniveshiddeninthestrawthenightbeforehadmadenoimpressionuponhim。By—and—byheknewtheotherswerebeginningtoawake，forheheardthemsoftlystirring，andasthelightgrewbroadandstrong，sawthemarise，onebyone，andbegindressinginthegraymorning。Thenhehimselfaroseandputonhisdoubletandhose，strappinghisbelttightlyabouthiswaist；
　　thenhesatdownonthesideofhiscot。
　　Presentlythathappenedforwhichhewaswaiting；twooftheyoungersquiresstartedtobringthebachelors’morningsupplyofwater。AstheycrossedtheroomMylescalledtotheminaloudvoice——alittleuneven，perhaps："Stop！Wedrawnomorewaterforanyoneinthishouse，savingonlyforourselves。Setyedownthosebuckets，andgobacktoyourplaces！"
　　Thetwoladsstopped，halfturned，andthenstoodstill，holdingthethreebucketsundecidedly。
　　Inamomentallwasuproarandconfusion，forbythistimeeveryoneoftheladshadarisen，somesittingontheedgeoftheirbeds，somenearly，othersquitedressed。Ahalf—dozenoftheKnightsoftheRosecameovertowhereMylesstood，gatheringinabodybehindhimandtheothersfollowed，oneafteranother。
　　Thebachelorswerehardlypreparedforsuchpromptandvigorousaction。
　　"Whatistodo？"criedoneofthem，whostoodnearthetwoladswiththebuckets。"Whyfetchyenotthewater？"
　　"Falworthsaysweshallnotfetchit，"answeredoneofthelads，aboybythenameofGosse。
　　"Whatmeanyebythat，Falworth？"theyoungmancalledtoMyles。
　　Myles’sheartwasbeatingthicklyandheavilywithinhim，butneverthelesshespokeupboldlyenough。"Imean，"saidhe，"thatfromhenceforthyeshallfetchandcarryforyourselves，"
　　"Look’ee，Blunt，"calledthebachelor；"hereisFalworthsaystheysquireswillfetchnomorewaterforus。"
　　Theheadbachelorhadheardallthathadpassed，andwaseventhenhastilyslippingonhisdoubletandhose。"Now，then，Falworth，"saidheatlast，stridingforward，"whatistodo？Yewillfetchnomorewater，eh？By’rLady，Iwillknowthereasonwhy。"
　　HewasstilladvancingtowardsMyles，withtwoorthreeoftheolderbachelorsathisheels，whenGascoynespoke。
　　"Thouhadstbeststandback，Blunt，"saidhe，"elsethoumaystbehurt。WewillnothaveyebangFalworthagainasyeoncedid，sostandthouback！"
　　BluntstoppedshortandlookedupontheladsstandingbehindMyles，someofthemwithfacesatriflepaleperhaps，butallgrimanddeterminedlookingenough。Thenheturneduponhisheelsuddenly，andwalkedbacktothefarendofthedormitory，wherethebachelorswerepresentlyclusteredtogether。Afewwordspassedbetweenthem，andthenthethirteenbeganatoncearmingthemselves，somewithwoodenclogs，andsomewiththekniveswhichtheyhadsoopenlyconcealedthenightbefore。Atthesignofimminentbattle，allthosenotactivelyinterestedscuttledawaytorightandleft，climbinguponthebenchesandcots，andleavingafreefieldtothecombatants。Thenextmomentwouldhavebroughtbloodshed。
　　NowMyles，thankstothetrainingoftheCrosbey—Dalesmith，felttolerablysurethatinawrestlingbouthewasamatch——perhapsmorethanamatch——foranyoneofthebodyofsquires，andhehaddetermined，ifpossible，tobringthebattletoasingle—handedencounteruponthatfooting。Accordinglyhesuddenlysteppedforwardbeforetheothers。
　　"Look’ee，fellow，"hecalledtoBlunt，"thouarthewhostruckmewhilstIwasdownsomewhilesince。Wiltthouletthisquarrelstandbetweentheeandme，andmeetmemantomanwithoutweapon？
　　See，Ithrowmedownmineown，andwillmeettheewithbarehands。"Andashespoke，hetossedtheclogheheldinhishandbackuponthecot。
　　"Sobeit，"saidBlunt，withgreatreadiness，tossingdownasimilarweaponwhichhehimselfheld。
　　"Donotgo，Myles，"criedGascoyne，"heisavillainandatraitor，andwouldbetraytheetothydeath。Isawhimwhenhefirstgatfrombedhideaknifeinhisdoublet。"
　　"Thouliest！"saidBlunt。"Iswear，bymyfaith，Ibebarehandedasyeseeme！Thyfriendaccusesme，MylesFalworth，becauseheknoweththouartafraidofme。"
　　"Therethouliestmostvilely！"exclaimedMyles。"Swearthatthouhastnoknife，andIwillmeetthee。"
　　"HastthounotheardmesaythatIhavenoknife？"saidBlunt。
　　"Whatmorewouldstthouhave？"
　　"ThenIwillmeettheehalfway，"saidMyles。
　　Gascoynecaughthimbythesleeve，andwouldhavewithheldhim，assuringhimthathehadseenthebachelorconcealaknife。ButMyles，hotforthefight，brokeawayfromhisfriendwithoutlisteningtohim。
　　Asthetwoadvancedsteadilytowardsoneanotherabreathlesssilencefelluponthedormitoryinsharpcontrasttotheuproarandconfusionthathadfilleditamomentbefore。Thelads，standingsomeuponbenches，someuponbeds，allwatchedwithbreathlessinterestthemeetingofthetwochampions。
　　Astheyapproachedoneanothertheystoppedandstoodforamomentalittleapart，glaringtheoneupontheother。Theyseemedillenoughmatched；BluntwasfullyhalfaheadtallerthanMyles，andwasthick—setandclose—knitinyoungmanhood。
　　NothingbutMyles’sundauntedpluckcouldhaveledhimtodaretofaceanenemysomucholderandstouterthanhimself。
　　Thepausewasonlyforamoment。TheywholookedsawBluntslidehishandfurtivelytowardshisbosom。Mylessawtoo，andintheflashofaninstantknewwhatthegesturemeant，andsprangupontheotherbeforethehandcouldgraspwhatitsought。Asheclutchedhisenemyhefeltwhathehadinthatinstantexpectedtofeel——thehandleofadagger。Thenextmomenthecried，inaloudvoice："Oh，thouvillain！Help，Gascoyne！Hehathaknifeunderhisdoublet！"
　　Inanswertohiscryforhelp，Myles’sfriendsstartedtohisaid。Butthebachelorsshouted，"Standbackandletthemfightitoutalone，elsewewillknifeyetoo。"Andastheyspoke，someofthemleapedfromthebencheswhereontheystood，drawingtheirknivesandflourishingthem。
　　ForjustafewsecondsMyles’sfriendsstoodcowed，andinthosefewsecondsthefightcametoanendwithasuddennessunexpectedtoall。
　　Astrugglefierceandsilentfollowedbetweenthetwo；Bluntstrivingtodrawhisknife，andMyles，withtheenergyofdespair，holdinghimtightlybythewrist。Itwasinvaintheelderladwrithedandtwisted；hewasstrongenoughtooverbearMyles，butstillwasnotabletoclutchthehaftofhisknife。
　　"Thoushaltnotdrawit！"gaspedMylesatlast。"Thoushaltnotstabme！"
　　Thenagainsomeofhisfriendsstartedforwardtohisaid，buttheywerenotneeded，forbeforetheycame，thefightwasover。
　　Blunt，findingthathewasnotabletodrawtheweapon，suddenlyceasedhisendeavors，andflunghisarmsaroundMyles，tryingtobearhimdownupontheground，andinthatmomenthisbattlewaslost。
　　Inaninstant——soquick，sosudden，sounexpectedthatnoonecouldseehowithappened——hisfeetwerewhirledawayfromunderhim，hespunwithflyingarmsacrossMyles’sloins，andpitchedwithathuduponthestonepavement，wherehelaystill，motionless，whileMyles，hisfacewhitewithpassionandhiseyesgleaming，stoodglaringaroundlikeayoungwild—boarbesetbythedogs。
　　Thenextmomentthesilencewasbroken，andtheuproarbrokeforthwithredoubledviolence。Thebachelors，leapingfromthebenches，camehurryingforwardononeside，andMyles’sfriendsfromtheother。
　　"Thoushaltsmartforthis，Falworth，"saidoneoftheolderlads。"Belikethouhastslainhim！"
　　Mylesturneduponthespeakerlikeaflash，andwithsuchapassionoffuryinhisfacethattheother，afellownearlyaheadtallerthanhe，shrankback，cowedinspiteofhimself。ThenGascoynecameandlaidhishandonhisfriend’sshoulder，"Whotouchesme？"criedMyles，hoarsely，turningsharplyuponhim；andthen，seeingwhoitwas，"Oh，Francis，theywouldha’
　　killedme！"
　　"Comeaway，Myles，"saidGascoyne；"thouknowestnotwhatthoudoest；thouartmad；comeaway。Whatifthouhadstkilledhim？"
　　ThewordscalledMylessomewhattohimself。"Icarenot！"saidhe，butsullenlyandnotpassionately，andthenhesufferedGascoyneandWilkestoleadhimaway。
　　MeantimeBlunt’sfriendshadturnedhimover，and，afterfeelinghistemples，hiswrist，andhisheart，borehimawaytoabenchatthefarendoftheroom。Theretheyfelltochafinghishandsandsprinklingwaterinhisface，acrowdoftheothersgatheringabout。BluntwashiddenfromMylesbythosewhostoodaround，andtheladlistenedtothebrokentalkthatfilledtheroomwithitsconfusion，hisanxietygrowingkeenerashebecamecooler。Butatlast，withaheartfeltjoy，hegatheredfromtheconfusedbuzzofwordsthattheotherladhadopenedhiseyesand，afterawhile，hesawhimsitup，leaninghisheadupontheshoulderofoneofhisfellow—bachelors，whiteandfaintandsickasdeath。
　　"ThankHeaventhatthoudidstnotkillhim！"saidEdmundWilkes，whohadbeenstandingwiththecrowdlookingonattheeffortsofBlunt’sfriendstorevivehim，andwhohadnowcomeandsatdownuponthebednotfarfromMyles。
　　"Aye，"saidMyles，gruffly，"IdothankHeavenforthat。"
　　CHAPTER14
　　IfMylesfanciedthatonesinglevictoryoverhisenemywouldcuretheevilagainstwhichhefought，hewasgrievouslymistaken；wrongsarenotrightedsoeasilyasthat。Itwasonlythebeginning。Otherandfarmorebitterbattleslaybeforehimerehecouldlookaroundhimandsay，"Ihavewonthevictory。"
　　Foraday——fortwodays——thebachelorsweredemoralizedatthefalloftheirleader，andtheKnightsoftheRosewereproportionatelyuplifted。
　　ThedaythatBluntmethisfall，thewoodentankinwhichthewaterhadbeenpouredeverymorningwasfoundtohavebeentakenaway。Thebachelorsmadeagreatshowofindignationandinquiry。
　　Whowasitstoletheirtank？Iftheydidbutknow，heshouldsmartforit。
　　"Ho！ho！"roaredEdmundWilkes，sothatthewholedormitoryheardhim，"smokeyenottheirtricks，lads？Seeyenotthattheyhavestolentheirownwater—tank，sothattheymighthavenoneedforanotherfightoverthecarryingofthewater？"
　　Thebachelorsmadeanobviousshowofnothavingheardwhathesaid，andagenerallaughwentaround。NoonedoubtedthatWilkeshadspokenthetruthinhistaunt，andthatthebachelorshadindeedstolentheirowntank。Sonomorewaterwasevercarriedfortheheadsquires，butitwasplaintoseethatthewarfortheupperhandwasnotyetover。
　　EvenifMyleshadentertainedcomfortingthoughtstothecontrary，hewasspeedilyundeceived。Onemorning，aboutaweekafterthefight，asheandGascoynewerecrossingthearmorycourt，theywerehailedbyagroupofthebachelorsstandingatthestonestepsofthegreatbuilding。
　　"Holloa，Falworth！"theycried。"KnowestthouthatBluntisnighwellagain？"
　　"Nay，"saidMyles，"Iknewitnot。ButIamrightgladtohearit。"
　　"Thouwiltsingadifferentsonganon，"saidoneofthebachelors。"Itelltheeheishotagainstthee，andswearswhenhecomethagainhewillcarvetheesoothly。"
　　"Aye，marry！"saidanother。"Iwouldnotbeinthyskinaweekhenceforaducat！OnlythismorninghetoldPhilipMowbraythathewouldhavethybloodforthefallthougavesthim。Looktothyself，Falworth；hecomethagainWednesdayorThursdaynext；
　　thoustandestinaparlousstate。"
　　"Myles，"saidGascoyne，astheyenteredthegreatquadrangle，"I
　　doindeedfearmethathemeanethtodotheeevil。"
　　"Iknownot，"saidMyles，boldly；"butIfearhimnot。"
　　Neverthelesshisheartwasheavywiththeweightofimpendingill。
　　Oneeveningthebachelorsweremorethanusuallynoisyintheirendofthedormitory，laughingandtalkingandshoutingtooneanother。
　　"Holloa，yousirrah，Falworth！"calledoneofthemalongthelengthoftheroom。"Bluntcomethagainto—morrowday。"
　　MylessawGascoynedirectasharpglanceathim；butheanswerednothingeithertohisenemy’swordsorhisfriend’slook。
　　Asthebachelorhadsaid，Bluntcamethenextmorning。Itwasjustafterchapel，andthewholebodyofsquireswasgatheredinthearmorywaitingfortheordersofthedayandthecallingoftherollofthosechosenforhouseholdduty。Myleswassittingonabenchalongthewall，talkingandjestingwithsomewhostoodby，whenofasuddenhisheartgaveagreatleapwithinhim。
　　ItwasWalterBlunt。Hecamewalkinginatthedoorasifnothinghadpassed，andathisunexpectedcomingthehubbuboftalkandlaughterwassuddenlychecked。EvenMylesstoppedinhisspeechforamoment，andthencontinuedwithabeatingheartandacarelessnessofmannerthatwasaltogetherassumed。InhishandBluntcarriedthehouseordersfortheday，andwithoutseemingtonoticeMyles，heopeneditandreadthelistofthosecalleduponforhouseholdservice。
　　Myleshadrisen，andwasnowstandinglisteningwiththeothers。
　　WhenBlunthadendedreadingthelistofnames，herolleduptheparchment，andthrustitintohisbelt；thenswingingsuddenlyonhisheel，hestrodestraightuptoMyles，facinghimfronttofront。Amomentortwoofdeepsilencefollowed；notasoundbrokethestillness。WhenBluntspokeeveryoneinthearmoryheardhiswords。
　　"Sirrah！"saidhe，"thoudidstputfoulshameuponmesometimesin。NeverwillIforgetorforgivethatoffence，andwillhaveareckoningwiththeerightsoonthatthouwiltnotforgettothelastdayofthylife。"
　　WhenMyleshadseenhisenemyturnuponhim，hedidnotknowatfirstwhattoexpect；hewouldnothavebeensurprisedhadtheycometoblowsthereandthen，andheheldhimselfpreparedforanyevent。Hefacedtheotherpluckilyenoughandwithoutflinching，andspokeupboldlyinanswer。"Sobeit，WalterBlunt；Ifeartheenotinwhateverwaythoumaystencounterme。"
　　"Dostthounot？"saidBlunt。"By’rLady，thou’lthavecausetofearmeereIamthroughwiththee。"Hesmiledabaleful，lingeringsmile，andthenturnedslowlyandwalkedaway。
　　"Whatthinkestthou，Myles？"saidGascoyne，asthetwoleftthearmorytogether。
　　"Ithinknaught，"saidMylesgruffly。"Hewillnotdaretotouchmetoharmme。Ifearhimnot。"Nevertheless，hedidnotspeakthefullfeelingsofhisheart。
　　"Iknownot，Myles，"saidGascoyne，shakinghisheaddoubtfully。
　　"WalterBluntisaparlousevil—mindedknave，andmethinkswilldowhateverevilhepromiseth。"
　　"Ifearhimnot，"saidMylesagain；buthisheartforebodedtrouble。
　　Thecomingoftheheadsquiremadeaverygreatchangeintheconditionofaffairs。Evenbeforethatcomingthebachelorshadsomewhatrecoveredfromtheirdemoralization，andnowagaintheybegantopluckuptheirconfidenceandtoordertheyoungersquiresandpagesuponthispersonalserviceoruponthat。
　　"Seeyenot，"saidMylesoneday，whentheKnightsoftheRoseweregatheredintheBrutusTower——"seeyenotthattheygrowasbadasever？Anweputnotastoptothisovermasterynow，itwillneverstop。"
　　"Bestletitbe，Myles，"saidWilkes。"Theywillkilltheeanthouceasenottroublingthem。Thouhastbredmischiefenowforthyselfalready。"
　　"Nomatterforthat，"saidMyles；"itisnottobebornethattheyorderothersofusaboutastheydo。Imeantospeaktothemto—night，andtellthemitshallnotbe。"
　　Hewasasgoodashisword。Thatnight，astheyoungsterswereshoutingandrompingandskylarking，astheyalwaysdidbeforeturningin，hestooduponhiscotandshouted："Silence！Listtomealittle！"Andthen，inthehushthatfollowed——"Iwantthosebachelorstohearthis：thatwesquiresservethemnolonger，andiftheywouldha’sometowaituponthem，theymustgetthemotherwheresthanhere。Therebetwentyofustostandagainstthemandhaplymore，andwemeanthattheyshallha’serviceofusnomore。"
　　Thenhejumpeddownagainfromhiselevatedstand，andanuproarofconfusioninstantlyfilledtheplace。Whatwastheeffectofhiswordsuponthebachelorshecouldnotsee。Whatwastheresulthewasnotslowindiscovering。
　　ThenextdayMylesandGascoynewerethrowingtheirdaggersforawageratawoodentargetagainstthewallbackofthearmorer’ssmithy。Wilkes，Gosse，andoneortwoothersofthesquiresweresittingonabenchlookingon，andnowandthenapplaudingamorethanusuallywell—aimedcastoftheknife。Suddenlythatimpishlittlepagespokenofbefore，RobinIngoldsby，thrusthisshockheadaroundthecornerofthesmithy，andsaid："Ho，Falworth！
　　Bluntisgoingtoservetheeoutto—day，andImyselfheardhimsayso。Hesaysheisgoingtoslitthineears。"Andthenhewasgoneassuddenlyashehadappeared。
　　Mylesdartedafterhim，caughthimmidwayinthequadrangle，andbroughthimbackbythescuffoftheneck，squallingandstruggling。
　　"There！"saidhe，stillpantingfromthechaseandseatingtheboybynomeansgentlyuponthebenchbesideWilkes。"Sitthouthere，thouimpofevil！Andnowtellmewhatthoudidstmeanbythywordsanon——anthoustopnotthineoutcry，Iwillcutthythroatforthee，"andhemadeaferociousgesturewithhisdagger。
　　Itwasbynomeanseasytowormthestoryfromthemischievouslittlemonkey；heknewMylestoowelltobeintheleastafraidofhisthreats。Butatlast，bydintofbribingandcoaxing，Mylesandhisfriendsmanagedtogetatthefacts。Theyoungsterhadbeensenttocleantheriding—bootsofoneofthebachelors，insteadofwhichhehadlolledidlyonacotinthedormitory，untilhehadatlastfallenasleep。Hehadbeenawakenedbytheopeningofthedormitorydoorandbythesoundofvoices——amongthemwasthatofhistaskmaster。Fearingpunishmentforhisneglectedduty，hehadslippedoutofthecot，andhiddenhimselfbeneathit。
　　ThosewhohadenteredwereWalterBluntandthreeoftheolderbachelors。Blunt’scompanionsweretryingtopersuadehimagainstsomething，butwithoutavail。Itwas——Myles’sheartthrilledandhisbloodboiled——tolieinwaitforhim，tooverpowerhimbynumbers，andtomutilatehimbyslittinghisears——adisgracefulpunishmentadministered，asarule，onlyforthievingandpoaching。
　　"Hewouldnotdaretodosuchathing！"criedMyles，withheavingbreastandflashingeyes。
　　"Aye，buthewould，"saidGascoyne。"Hisfather，LordReginaldBlunt，isagreatmanoverNottinghamway，andmyLordwouldnotdaretopunishhimevenforsuchamatterasthat。Buttellme，RobinIngoldsby，dostknowaughtmoreofthismatter？Pritheetellitme，Robin。WheredotheyproposetolieinwaitforFalworth？"
　　"Inthegate—wayoftheButteryCourt，soastocatchhimwhenhepassesbytothearmory，"answeredtheboy。
　　"Aretheytherenow？"saidWilkes。
　　"Aye，nineofthem，"saidRobin。"IheardBlunttellMowbraytogoandgathertheothers。HeheardtheetellGosse，Falworth，thatthouwertgoingthitherforthyarbalistthismorntoshootattherookswithal。"
　　"Thatwilldo，Robin，"saidMyles。"Thoumaystgo。"
　　Andtherewiththelittleimpscurriedoff，pullingthelobesofhisearssuggestivelyashedartedaroundthecorner。
　　Theotherslookedatoneanotherforawhileinsilence。
　　"So，comrades，"saidMylesatlast，"whatshallwedonow？"
　　"Go，andtellSirJames，"saidGascoyne，promptly。
　　"Nay，"saidMyles，"Itakenosuchcoward’spartasthat。Isayantheyhungertofight，givethemtheirstomachful。"
　　Theotherswereveryreluctantforsuchextrememeasures，butMyles，asusual，carriedhisway，andsoapitchedbattlewasdecidedupon。ItwasGascoynewhosuggestedtheplanwhichtheyafterwardsfollowed。
　　ThenWilkesstartedawaytogathertogetherthoseoftheKnightsoftheRosenotuponhouseholdduty，andMyles，withtheothers，wenttothearmorsmithtohavehimmakeforthemasetofkniveswithwhichtomeettheirenemies——kniveswithbladesafootlong，pointedanddouble—edged。
　　Thesmith，leaningwithhishammerupontheanvil，listenedtothemastheydescribedtheweapons。
　　"Nay，nay，MasterMyles，"saidhe，whenMyleshadendedbytellingtheusetowhichheintendedputtingthem。"Thouartgoingallwronginthismatter。Withsuchblades，erethisbattleisended，someonewouldbeslain，andsomurderdone。Thenthefamilyofhimwhowaskilledwouldhaplyhaveyecited，andmayhapitmighte’encometothehanging，forsomeoftheyboysha’greatfolkeysbehindthem。GoyetoTomFletcher，MasterMyles，andbuyofhimgoodyewstaves，suchasonemightbreakaheadwithal，andwiththem，ginyekeepyourwits，yemayholdyourownagainstknivesorshortswords。Itellthee，e’enthoughmytradebemakingofblades，ratherwouldIha’agoodstoutcudgelinmyhandthanthebestdaggerthateverwasforged。"
　　Mylesstoodthoughtfullyforamomentortwo；then，lookingup，"Methinksthouspeakethtruly，Robin，"saidhe；"anditwereilldonetohaveblooduponourhands。"
　　CHAPTER15
　　Fromthelong，narrowstone—pavedArmoryCourt，andconnectingitwiththeinnerButteryCourt，rananarrowarchedpassage—way，inwhichwasapicket—gate，closedatnightandlockedfromwithin。
　　Itwasinthisarchedpassage—waythat，accordingtolittleRobertIngoldsby’sreport，thebachelorswerelyinginwaitforMyles。Gascoyne’splanwasthatMylesshouldenterthecourtalone，theKnightsoftheRoselyingambushedbehindtheangleofthearmorybuildinguntilthebachelorsshouldshowthemselves。
　　ItwasnotwithouttrepidationthatMyleswalkedaloneintothecourt，whichhappenedthentobesilentandempty。Hisheartbeatmorequicklythanitwaswont，andhegrippedhiscudgelbehindhisback，lookingsharplythiswayandthat，soasnottobetakenunawaresbyaflankmovementofhisenemies。Midwayinthecourthestoppedandhesitatedforamoment；thenheturnedasthoughtoenterthearmory。Thenextmomenthesawthebachelorscomepouringoutfromthearchway。
　　Instantlyheturnedandrushedbacktowardswherehisfriendslayhidden，shouting："Totherescue！Totherescue！"
　　"Stonehim！"roaredBlunt。"Thevillainescapes！
　　Hestoppedandpickedupacobble—stoneashespoke，flingingitafterhisescapingprey。ItnarrowlymissedMyles’shead；haditstruckhim，theremighthavebeennomoreofthisstorytotell。
　　"Totherescue！Totherescue！"shoutedMyles’sfriendsinanswer，andthenextmomenthewassurroundedbythem。Thenheturned，andswinginghiscudgel，rushedbackuponhisfoes。
　　Thebachelorsstoppedshortattheunexpectedsightoftheladswiththeircudgels。Foramomenttheyralliedanddrewtheirknives；thentheyturnedandfledtowardstheirformerplaceofhiding。
　　Oneofthemturnedforamoment，andflunghisknifeatMyleswithadeadlyaim；butMyles，quickasacat，duckedhisbody，andtheweaponflewclatteringacrossthestonycourt。Thenhewhohadflungitturnedagaintofly，butinhisattempthehaddelayedoneinstanttoolong。Mylesreachedhimwithalong—armstrokeofhiscudgeljustasheenteredthepassage—way，knockinghimoverlikeabottle，stunnedandsenseless。
　　Thenextmomentthepicket—gatewasbangedintheirfacesandtheboltshotinthestaples，andtheKnightsoftheRosewereleftshoutingandbatteringwiththeircudgelsagainstthepalings。
　　BythistimetheuproaroffighthadarousedthoseintheroomsandofficesfrontingupontheArmoryCourt；headswerethrustfrommanyofthewindowswiththeeagerinterestthatafightalwaysevokes。
　　"Beware！"shoutedMyles。"Heretheycomeagain！"Heborebacktowardstheentranceofthealley—wayashespoke，thosebehindhimscatteringtorightandleft，forthebachelorshadrallied，andwerecomingagaintotheattack，shouting。
　　Theywerenotamomenttoosooninthisretreat，either，forthenextinstantthepicketsflewopen，andavolleyofstonesflewaftertheretreatingKnightsoftheRose。OnesmoteWilkesuponthehead，knockinghimdownheadlong。AnotherstruckMylesuponhisleftshoulder，benumbinghisarmfromthefinger—tipstothearmpit，sothathethoughtatfirstthelimbwasbroken。
　　"Getyebehindthebuttresses！"shoutedthosewholookeddownuponthefightfromthewindows——"getyebehindthebuttresses！"
　　Andinanswerthelads，scatteringlikeanewly—flushedcoveyofpartridges，fledtoandcrouchedintheshelteringanglesofmasonrytoescapefromtheflyingstones。
　　Andnowfollowedalullinthebattle，thebachelorsfearingtoleavetheprotectionofthearchedpassage—waylesttheirretreatshouldbecutoff，andtheKnightsoftheRosenotdaringtoquittheshelterofthebuttressesandanglesofthewalllesttheyshouldbeknockeddownbythestones。
　　ThebachelorwhomMyleshadstruckdownwithhiscudgelwassittinguprubbingthebackofhishead，andWilkeshadgatheredhiswitsenoughtocrawltotheshelterofthenearestbuttress。
　　Myles，peepingaroundthecornerbehindwhichhestood，couldseethatthebachelorsweregatheredintoalittlegroupconsultingtogether。Suddenlyitbrokeasunder，andBluntturnedaround。
　　"Ho，Falworth！"hecried。"Wiltthouholdtrucewhilesweparleywithye？"
　　"Aye，"answeredMyles。
　　"Wiltthougivemethinehonorthatyewillholdyourhandsfromharminguswhileswetalktogether？"
　　"Yea，"saidMyles，"Iwillpledgetheeminehonor。"
　　"Iacceptthypledge。See！herewethrowasideourstonesandlaydownourknives。Layyebyyourclubs，andmeetusinparleyatthehorse—blockyonder。"
　　"Sobeit，"saidMyles，andthereupon，standinghiscudgelintheangleofthewall，hesteppedboldlyoutintotheopencourt—yard。Thoseofhispartycamescatteringlyfromrightandleft，gatheringabouthim；andthebachelorsadvancedinabody，ledbytheheadsquire。
　　"Nowwhatisitthouwouldsthave，WalterBlunt？"saidMyles，whenbothpartieshadmetatthehorse—block。
　　"Itistosaythistothee，MylesFalworth，"saidtheother。"Onetime，notlongsin，thoudidstchallengemetomeettheehandtohandinthedormitory。Thenthoudidstputavileaffrontuponme，forthewhichIha’broughtonthisbattleto—day，forIknewnotthenthatthouwertgoingtotrythypeasanttricksofwrestling，andso，withoutguardingmyself，Imettheeasthoudidstdesire。"
　　"Butthouhadstthyknife，andwouldhavestabbedhimcouldstthouha’doneso，"saidGascoyne。
　　"Thouliest！"saidBlunt。"Ihadnoknife。"Andthen，withoutgivingtimetoanswer，"ThoucanstnotdenythatImettheethenatthybidding，canstthou，Falworth？"
　　"Nay，"saidMyles，"norhaplycanstthoudenyiteither。"AndatthiscovertreminderofhisdefeatMyles’sfollowerslaughedscoffinglyandBluntbithislip。
　　"Thouhastsaidit，"saidhe。"Thensin。Imettheeatthybidding，Idaretotheetomeetmenowatmine，andtofightthisbattleoutbetweenourtwoselves，withswordandbucklerandbascinetasgentlesshould，andnotinawrestlingmatchliketwocountryhodges。"
　　"Thouartacowardcaitiff，WalterBlunt！"burstoutWilkes，whostoodbywithaswellinglumpuponhishead，alreadyasbigasawalnut。"WellthouknowestthatFalworthisnomatchfortheeatbroadswordplay。Ishenotfouryearsyoungerthanthou，andhastthounothadthreetimesthepracticeinarmsthathehathhad？I
　　saythouartacowardtoseektofightwithcuttingweapons。"
　　BluntmadenoanswertoWilkes’sspeech，butgazedsteadfastlyatMyles，withascornfulsmilecurlingthecornersofhislips。
　　Mylesstoodlookinguponthegroundwithoutonceliftinghiseyes，notknowingwhattoanswer，forhewaswellawarethathewasnomatchforBluntwiththebroadsword。
　　"Thouartafraidtofightme，MylesFalworth，"saidBlunt，tauntingly，andthebachelorsgaveajeeringlaughinecho。
　　ThenMyleslookedup，andIcannotsaythathisfacewasnotatriflewhiterthanusual。"Nay，"saidhe，"Iamnotafraid，andI
　　willfightthee，Blunt。"
　　"Sobeit，"saidBlunt。"Thenletusgoatitstraightwayinthearmoryyonder，fortheybeatdinnerintheGreatHall，andjustnowtherebe’stnoonebytostayus。"
　　"Thoushaltnotfighthim，Myles！"burstoutGascoyne。"Hewillmurtherthee！Thoushaltnotfighthim，Isay！"
　　Mylesturnedawaywithoutansweringhim。
　　"Whatistodo？"calledoneofthosewhowerestilllookingoutofthewindowsasthecrowdofboyspassedbeneath。
　　"BluntandFalwortharegoingtofightitouthandtohandinthearmory，"answeredoneofthebachelors，lookingup。
　　Thebrawlingofthesquireswasajesttoalltheadjoiningpartofthehouse。Sotheheadswerewithdrawnagain，somelaughingatthe"sparringofthecockerels。"
　　ButitwasnojestingmattertopoorMyles。
　　CHAPTER16
　　IhavenointentiontodescribethefightbetweenMylesFalworthandWalterBlunt。Fisticuffsofnowadaysarebrutalanddebasingenough，butafightwithasharp—edgedbroadswordwasnotonlybrutalanddebasing，butcruelandbloodyaswell。
　　FromtheveryfirstofthefightMylesFalworthwaspalpablyandobviouslyovermatched。Afterfifteenminuteshadpassed，Bluntstoodhaleandsoundasatfirst；butpoorMyleshadmorethanoneredstainofwarmbloodupondoubletandhose，andmorethanonebandagehadbeenwrappedbyGascoyneandWilkesaboutsorewounds。
　　Hehadreceivednoseriousinjuryasyet，fornotonlywashisbodyprotectedbyabuckler，orsmalloblongshield，whichhecarrieduponhisleftarm，andhisheadbyabascinet，orlighthelmetofsteel，butperhaps，afterall，Bluntwasnotover—anxioustodohimanydangerousharm。Nevertheless，therecouldbebutoneopinionastohowthefighttended，andMyles’sfriendsweregloomyanddowncast；thebachelorsproportionatelyexultant，shoutingwithlaughter，andtauntingMylesateveryunsuccessfulstroke。
　　Once，ashedrewbackpanting，leaninguponGascoyne’sshoulder，thefaithfulfriendwhispered，withtremblinglips："Oh，dearMyles，carryitnofurther。Thouhurtesthimnot，andhewillslaytheeerehehavedonewiththee。"
　　ThereuponBlunt，whocaughtthedriftofthespeech，putinaword。"Thouartsorehurt，MylesFalworth，"saidhe，"andIwoulddotheenogrievousharm。Yieldtheeandownthyselfbeaten，andIwillforgivethee。Thouhastfoughtagoodfight，andthereisnoshameinyieldingnow。"
　　"Never！"criedMyles，hoarsely——"neverwillIyieldme！Thoumaystslayme，WalterBlunt，andIrecknotifthoudostdoso，butneverelsewiltthouconquerme。"
　　Therewasatoneofdesperationinhisvoicethatmadealllookserious。
　　"Nay，"saidBlunt；"Iwillfighttheenomore，MylesFalworth；
　　thouhasthadenough。"
　　"Byheavens！"criedMyles，grindinghisteeth，"thoushaltfightme，thoucoward！Thouhastbroughtthisfightuponus，andeitherthouorIgetourquittancehere。Letgo，Gascoyne！"hecried，shakingloosehisfriend’shold；"Itelltheeheshallfightme！"
　　FromthatmomentBluntbegantolosehishead。Nodoubthehadnotthoughtofsuchaseriousfightasthiswhenhehadgivenhischallenge，andtherewasasavagebull—dogtenacityaboutMylesthatcouldnotbuthavehadasomewhatdemoralizingeffectuponhim。
　　Afewblowsweregivenandtaken，andthenMyles’sfriendsgaveashout。Bluntdrewback，andplacedhishandtohisshoulder。Whenhedrewitawayagainitwasstainedwithred，andanotherredstaingrewandspreadrapidlydownthesleeveofhisjacket。Hestaredathishandforamomentwithahalf—dazedlook，andthenglancedquicklytorightandleft。
　　"Iwillfightnomore，"saidhe，sullenly。