Loud and trembling blew the trumpets to arouse the lazy sleepers and warn them that the second and last day of the grand tournament had dawned. Then, had one but had the heads of Ægeon, and had he been able to place heads in separate parts of the field, among the tents of knights and squires, his numerous ears had heard low-muttered curses issue from each tent, as the inmates awakened, protested, turned to the other side, shrugged up their each particular pair of shoulders and again sank into sleep. Another hour passed, and again rang out the trumpets, with their unwelcome sound. This time they must not be denied, as the sun was well started on his circling journey. Michael was busy superintending the preparing of our morning meal. Harleston, as ever, did not rise until the last moment; and then he hurriedly arose and joined me at breakfast. "Well, Michael," said Frederick, "whom dost thou think it was last night, that thou didst handle so roughly? Thinkst thou that it was Catesby?" "Sure, sor, Oi know not fer a surety, but methinks it must ha' bin anither." "And why?" "Because, sor, he seemed to lack the stringth that Catesby doth possiss." "Methinks that it had been all one to thee had he been possessed of twice the power of Catesby. I doubt me much that thou had noticed any difference," laughed Frederick. At this compliment to his strength Michael blushed like a maiden, and returned no answer. "Come, Walter, what wilt thou wager that the would-be assassin of last night was or was not Catesby?" asked my friend. "Truly, my wish is so strong that it was mine old enemy that I will make it father of the thought, and for the wager,--say--a new cloak, of Paris's latest fashion." "Done, by Heaven! That cloak will suit me well. I'll lay on Michael's judgment." When we were fully armed we strolled forth from our tent to watch the spectators arrive in one continuous stream, like a sluggish, winding river, and well nigh as unceasing. Michael again did ask permission to be absent for a little while, that he might escort the old ladies unto their seats, and protect them in the enormous crowd. In a short time we saw his head moving towards the rows of seats, as he brushed aside, as though they had been reeds, the groups of angry tradesmen, that he might make way for those which he did escort. "What friends of Michael's are those same old ladies, to which he showeth such faithful attention and care?" asked Frederick. "Thou knowest them as well as I." "Nay, but hast thou never asked him?" "No; I thought it of but little moment until now. But methinks that I have seen those same figures somewhere ere this; though where, I cannot now recall," said I, as Michael and his charge appeared from out the crowd. "I will ask Michael when he returns."