The young Cavalier was now altogether at the mercy of his older, and as proved, abler antagonist; knew the latter could take his life, and had the right, as well as good reason, from the great provocation given him in that shower of insulting epithets--the latest of them "_Lache_!" For all, he quailed not, neither made attempt to elude the next thrust of the victorious sword. Instead, stood his ground, crying out,-- "You have conquered! You can kill me!" "Kill you?" rejoined the victor, with the same light laugh as before. "That's just what I've been endeavouring _not_ to do. But it has cost me an effort--all my skill. Had you been an ordinary swordsman I'd have disarmed you at the first pass after engaging. I've done it with others, half a dozen or more. With you, 'twas just as much as I was able, without absolutely taking your life--a thing far from my thoughts, and as far from my wishes. And now that all's over, and we've neither of us _murdered_ the other, am I to say `Surrender'?" He still spoke laughingly, but without the slightest tone of satire, or show of exultation. "You can command it," promptly responded the vanquished youth, now doubly vanquished. "I cry `Quarter'--crave it, if you like." It was no fear of death made him thus humbly submit, but a sudden revulsion, an outburst of gratitude, to a conqueror alike merciful and generous. Ere this their attendants had got upon the ground, seeming undecided whether to pitch in with their masters, or cross swords on their own account. Both had drawn them, and waited but word or sign, scowling savagely at each other. Had it come to blows between the men, the result, in all probability, would have been as with their masters; the Cavalier's lightweight varlet looking anything but a match for the stout-bodied, veteranlike individual who was henchman to his antagonist. As it was, they had not resolved themselves till the combat came to an end. Then hearing the word "quarter," and seeing signs of amity restored, they slipped their blades back into the scabbards, and sate awaiting orders. Only one of them received any just then--he the heavy one. "Dismount, Hubert," commanded his master, "and return his weapon to this young gentleman, who, as you can testify, well deserves to wear it. And now, sir," he continued to the young gentleman himself, "along with your sword let me offer you some apologies, which are owing. I admit my words were rather rough, and call for qualification, or, to speak more correctly, explanation. When I said, that the man who is not a Republican must be deficient either in head or heart, I meant one who has reached the years of discretion, and seen something of the world-- as, for instance, myself. At your age I too was a believer in kings-- even the doctrine of Divine Right--brought up to it. Possibly, when you hear my name you'll admit that."