Digby and Wilmot being thus disposed of, there remained Percy with whom the Prince had yet to deal. Of this duel Rupert was resolved not to be cheated, and he therefore dispensed with formality. Seizing his opportunity on a hunting expedition, he rode up to Percy, and laying a hand on his bridle, abruptly demanded "satisfaction." Percy retorted angrily that he was quite ready to give it, and that the Prince's hold on his bridle was unnecessary. Both then sprang from their horses and drew their swords. Rupert "being as skilful with his weapon as valiant," ran Percy through the side, at the second pass; they closed, and both fell to the ground, Percy's hand being wounded in the fall. Upon this, one of Prince Charles's gentlemen came in and separated them, and so the affair ended, with advantage to Rupert. Report said, afterwards, that the Prince had had the longer sword, but as in French duelling law there was no rule about length of weapon, that fact could not be held to affect the case in any way.[16] This was the last of Rupert's adventures in France. Within a few weeks an event occurred which recalled him to Holland, and gave him, once more, the opportunity of serving his uncle, King Charles. [1] Letters of Charles I. p. 58. Camden Society. 1st Series. King to Queen, 5 Aug. 1646. [2] Warburton, III. p. 236. [3] Hist. MSS. Com. Rept 13. Portland MSS III. p. 150. [4] Benett MSS. Warburton, III. pp. 238-9. [5] Ibid. p. 240. [6] Benett MSS. Warburton, III. p. 241. [7] Benett MSS. Warburton, III. p. 243. [8] Benett MSS. Warburton, III. pp. 244-247. [9] Warburton. III. p. 246. [10] Ibid. III. p. 248. King to Rupert, Sept. 27, 1647. [11] Memoires de Mademoiselle de Montpensier. Michaud's Collections. Vol. IV. p. 57. [12] Ibid. pp. 35, 37. [13] Carte's Letters, I. 152-156, 9 Oct. 1647. [14] Carte Letters, I. 152-156. 9 Oct. 1647. [15] Carte Letters. I. 152-156. 9 Oct. 1647. [16] Hamilton Papers, p. 178. Camden Soc. New Series. {222} CHAPTER XIII RUPERT'S CARE OF THE FLEET. NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SCOTS. RUPERT'S VOYAGE TO IRELAND. THE EXECUTION OF THE KING. LETTERS OF SOPHIE TO RUPERT AND MAURICE