"To save Sir John’s honour. Didst not feel as though even death were better than his dishonour a moment agone when the heralds cried his name in vain? Hurrah--I could cry aloud to think that that vile Sir Gervaise will not gain a bloodless victory! But yet--after all--surely he cannot fail to conquer one who is but an esquire?" Gertrude answered not, and both maidens sat still and held their breaths as the stirring scenes passed before their gaze. It was observed by more than one that on the sudden entry of his antagonist Sir Gervaise showed signs of excitement. He seemed agitated and shook--with gusts of anger, those who noticed it supposed--and for some moments his charger reared and backed unmanageably, as though sharing his master’s fierce emotions. After a moment or two, however, the knight regained control over his steed, and with cruel jabs of the spur urged him back into position. The charger had been celebrated in the past for its unusual power and strength, and to this fact the reputation of Sir Gervaise was in a great measure due. It had now, however, passed its prime, and De Maupas could no longer count upon its excellence giving him the advantage of his competitors. Edgar had profited by the moments occupied by Sir Gervaise in regaining the mastery over his steed, and had settled down quietly into position. His thoughts had flown back to the sacrifice his father had made to save Sir John at Sluys, and he resolved that he would be as ready as his father to lay down his life, if necessary, in this his own moment of call. Firmly grasping his lance, he fixed his eyes warily upon his adversary through his vizor slits. Horse and man seemed as steady and immovable as a rock, in striking contrast to Sir Gervaise, who fidgeted with his weapons and seemed impatient during the trying pause before the onset sounded: "_Laissez aller_". With the speed of arrows the steel-clad warriors crashed together in the middle of the lists. Each man aimed his lance at the centre of his opponent’s shield, and both struck fair and true. The impact hurled the chargers violently back upon their haunches and forced their riders backwards to the limit of endurance, while their stout ash lances were bent and split from end to end! De Maupas, for the moment, kept his seat successfully, but his horse, pawing the air and snorting frantically, struggled in vain to regain its balance, and presently rolled over ignominiously upon the ground. Edgar, on the other hand, though the shock had been just as severe, managed, by dint of voice and spur, to aid his steed’s recovery, and in a few seconds it was on its feet, with its rider ready for the foe. Disentangling himself from his horse’s trappings, Sir Gervaise drew sword, and, furious at his undignified mischance, sprang towards his adversary, thirsting to retrieve his fallen fortunes. [Illustration: "SIR GERVAISE SPRANG TOWARDS HIS ADVERSARY, THIRSTING TO RETRIEVE HIS FALLEN FORTUNES"]