For Ned Carrbroke had always something fresh to propose in the way of horsemanship, and often enough invited his French companion to sword-play, which was readily accepted; and to Carrbroke's wonder and delight Leoni would come to look on, and at Denis's request advise them upon questions dealing with offence and defence, and proper conduct of the rapier both in French and Italian schools. "Why, he's splendid," cried Carrbroke one day, "only I don't like him. He puts me out of heart. I used to think that I was a good fencer, but when I cross swords with him I feel quite a baby. You are lucky to have some one like that to give you lessons. Why, you must be splendid yourself." Denis laughed merrily. "Why," he said, "I always feel worse than you. Master Leoni, when I fence with him and he gives me a lesson, makes me feel as if there were magic in his blade which sends a strange aching pain all up the muscles of my arm." "Yes," cried Carrbroke, "that's something like what I feel. I say, he's your friend, isn't he?" "Well, hardly a friend. I feel more afraid of him than anything." "Yes," said Carrbroke eagerly, "that's how I feel--well, not afraid," he continued hastily, and flushing up; "but you won't mind my speaking out? You and I seem to have so taken to one another." "Well, yes," said Denis, "we do seem to like one another a bit." "Then you won't mind my speaking out quite plainly?" continued Carrbroke. "Not I. What is it?" "Only this. Do you think that there is something queer in his blade?" "Only that it is best Italian steel." "Yes, of course," said Carrbroke impatiently. "But I mean what they call magic--that there is something curious in it? You see, it turns so, and seems so strong." "Yes, that is strange," said Denis. "It is no matter how you parry; the point always seems as if it could enter your breast if it liked. I always feel that Master Leoni could kill anyone just as he pleased." "Of course you believe in magic?" said Carrbroke. "I don't know. I suppose I do," replied Denis. "I do," said Carrbroke; "and your friend seems so different from other men. Look at his eye." "Oh, I never do if I can help it," said Denis. "You've noticed it, then?" "Noticed it?" cried Carrbroke. "Who could help it? When he fixes it on me, as he always does, it makes me shiver; although he is always very kind, there is something about him I can't understand, and if he were my enemy I should be ready to give everything up and go away. There, what a bad job! I was just going to say, let's go for a long ride, or else make some of the King's rowers take us up the river, and then float down, and it's going to rain, and I don't want to get wet. It spoils one's doublet so. Here, I know; I'll take you all through the castle, if I can, into all the King's private rooms. They'll be with the ladies at this time of day. I can show you everything that there is to see."