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"
"I cannot say that," answered Alleyne.
"It is our custom, young sir, when new squires come amongst us
from England, to test them in some such way. Bethink you that if
a man have a destrier or a new lance he will ever try it in time
of peace, lest in days of need it may fail him. How much more
then is it proper to test those who are our comrades in arms."
"I would draw out if it may honorably be done," murmured Norbury
in Alleyne's ear. "The man is a noted swordsman and far above
your strength."
Edricson came, however, of that sturdy Saxon blood which is very
slowly heated, but once up not easily to be cooled. The hint of
danger which Norbury threw out was the one thing needed to harden
his resolution.
"I came here at the back of my master," he said, "and I looked on
every man here as an Englishman and a friend. This gentleman
hath shown me a rough welcome, and if I have answered him in the
same spirit he has but himself to thank. I will pick the glove
up; but, certes, I shall abide what I have done unless he first
crave my pardon for what he hath said and done.


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375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399