"Methinks it were best for thee to betake thee from the court, with all expediency, and journey in the direction of the coast of Wales, in order that thou mayest be ready there to join the Earl of Richmond when he lands," said Frederick, after a brief consideration. "I may remain at court until the last moment, and then follow thine example." "Thou knowest," said I, "that what thou dost propose is not within the bounds of possibility. How may I leave the Palace, and risk the danger of the Lady Hazel falling into that scoundrel's hands. He desires to be rid of me but that he may have her in his power. Were I to fly his purpose should then be accomplished as well as if my head had fallen on the block. No," I said, with full determination, "here must I remain and risk my fate; there is no other way." "Why not take the lady with thee, Monsieur?" "The danger should be too great," I replied. "Then, gentlemen, I can be of no further assistance," said the Count, as he arose to depart. "Tarry a moment, Sir Knight," said Harleston; "a glass of wine before thou goest." "With all my heart," replied the other. And now for the first time since he had entered the tent he opened his visor. "By Heaven and all its Saints!" cried Harleston; "I felt assured that I had seen yon suit of armour ere this day. Yes," he continued, "the last time I had the honour of meeting thee was on the field of battle; when we took Berwick from the Scots." "And art thou the knight which did so kindly cut my helm's lace, after hurling me from my steed?" "The same," laughed my friend; "and thou dost owe Sir Walter and me each a good sword in payment for those that thou didst break that day." "When I did come to my senses," said the Frenchman, "I thanked Heaven that I had fallen before a gentleman." Here we each grasped the Frenchman's hands, and we all laughed and were three good friends. And thus we sat over our wine and talked, until the trumpets of the heralds warned us that it was time to draw for the contest of the six and twenty knights. Mounting our horses we rode to the southern extremity of the lists, where the draughting was to take place. CHAPTER XXII A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE Tired were we when at length night came and the first day of the great tournament was ended. 'Twas five of the clock when King Richard threw down his truncheon, and thus put an end, until the morrow, to the jousts.