"Iknownotthatheisamean—heartedcaitiff，Myles，"saidheatlast，hesitatingly。"TheEarlhathmanyenemies，andIhaveheardthathehathstoodmorethanonceinperil，havingbeenaccusedofdealingswiththeKing’sfoes。HewascousintotheEarlofKent，andIdorememberhearingthathehadanarrowescapeatthattimefromruin。Therebemorereasonsthanthouwottestofwhyheshouldnothavedealingswiththyfather。"
"Ihadnotthought，"saidMyles，bitterly，afteralittlepause，"thatthouwouldststandupforhimandagainstmeinthisquarrel，Gascoyne。HimwillIneverforgivesolongasImaylive，andIhadthoughtthatthouwouldsthavestoodbyme。"
"SoIdo，"saidGascoyne，hastily，"anddolovetheemorethananyoneinalltheworld，Myles；butIhadthoughtthatitwouldmaketheefeelmoreeasy，tothinkthattheEarlwasnotagainstthee。And，indeed，fromallthouhastoldme，IdosoothlythinkthatheandSirJamesmeantobefriendtheeandholdtheeprivilyinkindregard。"
"Thenwhydothhenotstandforthlikeamanandbefriendmeandmyfatheropenly，evenifitbetohisownperil？"saidMyles，revertingstubbornlytowhathehadfirstspoken。
Gascoynedidnotanswer，butlayforalongwhileinsilence。
"Knowestthou，"hesuddenlyasked，afterawhile，"whoisthisgreatenemyofwhomSirJamesspeaketh，andwhoseekethsotodrivethyfathertoruin？"
"Nay，"saidMyles，"Iknownot，formyfatherhathneverspokenofthesethings，andSirJameswouldnottellme。ButthisI
know，"saidhe，suddenly，grindinghisteethtogether，"anIdonothunthimoutsomedayandslayhimlikeadog——"Hestoppedabruptly，andGascoyne，lookingaskanceathim，sawthathiseyeswerefulloftears，whereuponheturnedhislooksawayagainquickly，andfelltoshootingpebblesoutthroughtheopenwindowwithhisfingerandthumb。
"ThouwilttellnooneofthesethingsthatIhavesaid？"saidMyles，afterawhile。
"NotI，"saidGascoyne。"ThinkestthouIcoulddosuchathing？"
"Nay，"saidMyles，briefly。
Perhapsthistalkmorethananythingelsethathadeverpassedbetweenthemknitthetwofriendstheclosertogether，for，asI
havesaid，Mylesfelteasiernowthathehadpouredouthisbitterthoughtsandwords；andasforGascoyne，Ithinkthatthereisnothingsoflatteringtoone’ssoulastobemadetheconfidantofastrongernature。
Buttheoldtowerservedanotherpurposethanthatofaspotinwhichtopassawayafewidlehours，orinwhichtoindulgetheconfidencesoffriendship，foritwastherethatMylesgatheredabackingofstrengthforresistanceagainstthetyrannyofthebachelors，anditisforthatmorethanforanyotherreasonthatithasbeentoldhowtheyfoundtheplaceandofwhattheydidthere，feelingsecureagainstinterruption。
MylesFalworthwasnotofakindthatforgetsorneglectsathinguponwhichthemindhasoncebeenset。PerhapshischiefobjectivesincethetalkwithSirJamesfollowinghisfightinthedormitoryhadbeensuccessfulresistancetotheexactionsoftheheadofthebodyofsquires。Hewasnow（morethanamonthhadpassed）lookeduponbynearlyifnotalloftheyoungerladsasanacknowledgedleaderinhisownclass。SoonedayhebroachedamattertoGascoynethathadforsometimebeendigestinginhismind。Itwastheformationofasecretorder，callingthemselvesthe"KnightsoftheRose，"theirmeeting—placetobethechapeloftheBrutusTower，andtheirobjecttobetherightingofwrongs，"asthey，"saidMyles，ofArthurhisRound—tabledidrightwrongs。"
"But，prithee，whatwrongsaretheretorightinthisplace？"
quothGascoyne，afterlisteningintentlytotheplanwhichMylessetforth。
"Why，firstofall，this，"saidMyles，clinchinghisfists，ashehadahabitofdoingwhenanythingstirredhimdeeply，"thatwesetthosevilebachelorstotheirrightplace；andthatis，thattheybenolongerourmasters，butourfellows。"
Gascoyneshookhishead。Hehatedclashingandconflictaboveallthings，andwasforpeace。Whyshouldtheythusrushtothrustthemselvesintotrouble？Letmattersabideastheywerealittlelonger；surelylifewaspleasantenoughwithoutturningitalltopsy—turvy。Then，withasortofindignation，whyshouldMyles，whohadonlycomeamongthemamonth，takesuchservicemoretoheartthantheywhohadendureditforyears？And，finally，withthehopefulnessofsomanyoftherestofus，headvisedMylestoletmattersalone，andtheywouldrightthemselvesintime。
ButMyles’smindwasdetermined；hisactivespiritcouldnotbrookrestingpassivelyunderawrong；hewouldendurenolonger，andnowornevertheymustmaketheirstand。
"Butlookthee，MylesFalworth，"saidGascoyne，"allthisisnottobedonewithoutenfightingshrewdly。Wiltthoutakethatfightinguponthineownself？Asforme，ItelltheeIloveitnot。"
"Why，aye，"saidMyles；"IasknomantodowhatIwillnotdomyself。"
Gascoyneshruggedhisshoulders。"Sobeit，"saidhe。"Anthouhastappetitetorunthyheadagainsthardknocks，doiti’
mercy’sname！Iforonewillstandtheebackwhilethouarttakingthyraps。"
TherewasaspiritofdrolleryinGascoyne’sspeechthatrubbedagainstMyles’searnestness。
"Outuponit！"criedhe，hispatiencegivingway。"SeestnotthatIaminseriousearnest？WhythendostthoustilljestlikeMadNoll，myLord’sfool？Anthouwiltnotlendmethineaidinthismatter，saysoandha’donewithit，andIwillbethinkmeofsomewhereelsetoturn。"
ThenGascoyneyieldedatonce，ashealwaysdidwhenhisfriendlosthistemper，andhavingonceassentedtoit，enteredintotheschemeheartandsoul。Threeotherlads——oneofthemthattallthinsquireEdmundWilkes，beforespokenof——weresoundeduponthesubject。TheyalsoenteredintotheplanofthesecretorganizationwithanenthusiasmwhichmightperhapsnothavebeenquitesoglowinghadtheyrealizedhowverysoonMylesdesignedembarkinguponactivepracticaloperations。OnedayMylesandGascoyneshowedthemthestrangethingsthattheyhaddiscoveredintheoldtower——theinnerstaircases，thewindingpassage—ways，thequeernichesandcupboard，andtheblackshaftofawellthatpierceddownintothesolidwall，andwhence，perhaps，theoldcastlefolkhadonetimedrawntheirsupplyofwaterintimeofsiege，andwitheverynewwonderofthemarvellousplacetheenthusiasmofthethreerecruitsrosehigherandhigher。TheyrummagedthroughthelumberpileinthegreatcircularroomasMylesandGascoynehaddone，andatlast，tiredout，theyascendedtotheairychapel，andtheresatcoolingthemselvesintherustlingfreshnessofthebreezethatcameblowingbrisklyinthroughthearchedwindows。
Itwasthenandtherethatthefivediscussedandfinallydetermineduponthedetailedplansoftheirorganization，canvassingthenamesofthesquirehood，andselectingfromitasufficientnumberofboldanddaringspiritstomakeuparolloftwentynamesinall。
Gascoynehad，asIsaid，enteredintothematterwithspirit，andperhapsitwasowingmoretohimthantoanyotherthattheprojectcaughtitsdelightfulflavorofromance。
"Perchance，"saidhe，asthefiveladslayintherustlingstillnessthroughwhichsoundedthemonotonousandceaselesscooingofthepigeons——"perchancetheremaybedwarfsandgiantsanddragonsandenchantersandevilknightsandwhatnotevennowadays。AndwhoknowsbutthatifweKnightsoftheRoseholdtogetherwemaygoforthintotheworld，anddobattlewiththem，andsavebeautifulladies，andhavetalesandgesteswrittenaboutusastheyarewritabouttheSevenChampionsandArthurhisRound—table。"
PerhapsMyles，wholaysilentlylisteningtoallthatwassaid，wastheonlyonewholookedupontheschemeatallinthelightofrealutility，butIthinkthatevenwithhimthefunofthematteroutweighedtheseriouspartofthebusiness。
SoitwasthattheSacredOrderoftheTwentyKnightsoftheRosecametobeinitiated。Theyappointedacodeofsecretpasswordsandcountersignswhichwereverydifficulttoremember，andwhichwereonlyusedwhentheymightexcitethecuriosityoftheotheranduninitiatedboysbytheirmysterioussound。TheyelectedMylesastheirGrandHighCommander，andheldsecretmeetingsintheancienttower，wheremanymysteriesweresoberlyenacted。
OfcourseinadayortwoallthebodyofsquiresknewnearlyeverythingconcerningtheKnightsoftheRose，andoftheirsecretmeetingsintheoldtower。Theluckytwentyweretheobjectsofenvyofallnotsofortunateastobeincludedinthisnumber，andtherewasamarkedairofsecrecyabouteverythingtheydidthatappealedtoeveryromanticnotionoftheyoungsterslookingon。Whatwasthestormyoutcomeofitallisnowpresentlytobetold。
CHAPTER12
ThusitwasthatMyles，withaneyetoopenwarwiththebachelors，gatheredafollowingtohissupport。Itwassomelittlewhilebeforematterswerebroughttoacrisis——aweekortendays。PerhapsevenMyleshadnogreatdesiretohastenmatters。Heknewthatwheneverwarwasdeclared，hehimselfwouldhavetobearthebruntofthebattle，andeventhebravestmanhesitatesbeforedeliberatelythrustinghimselfintoafight。
OnemorningMylesandGascoyneandWilkessatundertheshadeoftwotrees，betweenwhichwasaboardnailedtothetrunks，makingarudebench——alwaysafavoritelounging—placefortheladsinidlemoments。Myleswaspolishinghisbascinetwithlardandwood—ashes，rubbingthemetalwithapieceofleather，andwipingitcleanwithafustianrag。Theothertwo，whohadjustbeenrelievedfromhouseholdduty，layatlengthidlylookingon。
Justthenoneofthesmallerpages，aboyoftwelveorthirteen，bynameRobinIngoldsby，crossedthecourt。Hehadbeencrying；
hisfacewasredandblubbered，andhisbodywasstillshakenwithconvulsivesniffs。
Myleslookedup。"Comehither，Robin，"hecalledfromwherehesat。"Whatistodo？"
Thelittlefellowcameslowlyuptowherethethreerestedintheshade。"Mowbraybeatmewithastrap，"saidhe，rubbinghissleeveacrosshiseyes，andcatchinghisbreathattherecollection。
"Beatthee，didstsay？"saidMyles，drawinghisbrowstogether。
"Whydidhebeatthee？"
"Because，"saidRobin，"ItarriedoverlonginfetchingapotofbeerfromthebutteryforhimandWyatt。"Then，withaboy’ssuddenandeasyquicknessinforgettingpasttroubles，"Tellme，Falworth，"saidhe，"whenwiltthougivemethatknifethoupromisedme——theonethoubreakthebladeofyesterday？"
"Iknownot，"saidMyles，bluntly，vexedthattheboydidnottakethedisgraceofhisbeatingmoretoheart。"Sometimesoon，mayhap。Methinksthoushouldstthinkmoreofthybeatingthanofabrokenknife。Nowgettheegonetothybusiness。"
TheyoungsterlingeredforamomentortwowatchingMylesathiswork。"Whatisthatontheleatherscrap，Falworth？"saidhe，curiously。
"Lardandashes，"saidMyles，testily。"Gettheegone，Isay，orIwillcrackthyheadforthee；"andhepickedupablockofwood，withathreateninggesture。
Theyoungstermadeahideousgrimace，andthenscurriedaway，duckinghishead，lestinspiteofMyles’swell—knowngood—naturetheblockshouldcomewhizzingafterhim。
"Hearyethatnow！"criedMyles，flingingdowntheblockagainandturningtohistwofriends。"Beatenwithstrapsbecause，forsooth，hewouldnotfetchandcarryquicklyenoughtopleasethehasteofthesebachelors。Oh，thispassethpatience，andI
foronewillbearitnolonger。"
"Nay，Myles，"saidGascoyne，soothingly，"thelittleimpisaslazyasadormouseandasmischievousasamonkey。I’llwarrantthehidingwashisdue，andthatmoreofthelikewoulddohimgood。"
"Why，howdostthoutalk，Francis！"saidMyles，turninguponhimindignantly。"ThouknowestthatthoulikesttoseetheboybeatennomorethanI。"Then，afterameditativepause，"Howmany，thinkye，wemusterofourcompanyoftheRosetoday？"
WilkeslookeddoubtfullyatGascoyne。"Therebeonlyseventeenofusherenow，"saidheatlast。"BrintonandLambourneareawaytoRobyCastleinLordGeorge’strain，andwillnotbebacktillSaturdaynext。AndWattNewtonisintheinfirmary。
"Seventeenbe’stenou，"saidMyles，grimly。"Letusgettogetherthisafternoon，suchasmay，intheBrutusTower，forI，asIdidsay，willnolongersufferthesevilebachelors。"
GascoyneandWilkesexchangedlooks，andthentheformerblewalongwhistle。
SothatafternoonagloomysetofyoungfacesweregatheredtogetherintheEyry——fifteenoftheKnightsoftheRose——andallknewwhytheywereassembled。ThetalkwhichfollowedwasconductedmostlybyMyles。Headdressedtheotherswithastraightforwardvimandearnestness，buttheresponsewasonlyhalf—hearted，andwhenatlast，havingheatedhimselfupwithhisownfire，hesatdown，puffingouthisredcheeksandglaringround，aspaceofsilencefollowed，theladslookeddoubtfullyatoneanother。Mylesfeltthechilloftheirsilencestrikecoldlyonhisenthusiasm，anditvexedhim。
"Whatwouldstthoudo，Falworth？"saidoneoftheknights，atlast。"Wouldsthaveusopenaquarrelwiththebachelors？"
"Nay，"saidMyles，gruffly。"IhadthoughtthatyewouldalllendmeahandinapitchedbattlebutnowIseethatyeha’nostomachforthat。Ne’theless，ItellyeplainlyIwillnotsubmitlongertothebachelors。SonowIwillaskyenottotakeanyventureuponyourselves，butonlythis：thatyewillstandbymewhenIdomyfighting，andnotletfiveorsevenofthemfalluponmeatonce。
"ThereisWalterBlunt；heisparlousstrong，saidoneoftheothers，afteratimeofsilence。"Methinkshecouldconqueranytwoofus。"
"Nay，"saidMyles；"yedofearhimtoogreatly。ItellyeIfearnottostanduptotrybattlewithhimandwilldoso，too，iftheneedarise。Onlysayyethatyewillstandbymyback。"
"Marry，"saidGascoyne，quaintly，"anthouwiltdaretaketheheavyenduponthee，Iforoneamwillingtostandbyandseethatthouhavethyfilloffighting。"
"Itoowillstandtheeby，Myles，"saidEdmundWilkes。
"AndI，andI，andI，"saidothers，chimingin。
Thosewhowouldstillhaveheldbackwerecarriedalongbythestream，andsoitwassettledthatiftheneedshouldariseforMylestodoabitoffighting，theothersshouldstandbytoseethathehadfairplay。
"Whenthinkestthouthatthouwilttakethystandagainstthem，Myles？"askedWilkes。
Myleshesitatedamoment。"To—morrow，"saidhe，grimly。
Severaloftheladswhistledsoftly。
Gascoynewaspreparedforanearlyopeningofthewar，butperhapsnotforsuchanearlyopeningasthis。"By’rLady，Myles，thouarthungryforbrawling，"saidhe。
CHAPTER13
Afterthefirstexcitementofmeeting，discussing，anddecidinghadpassed，Mylesbegantofeeltheweightoftheloadhehadsoboldlytakenuponhimself。Hebegantoreckonwhataseriousthingitwasforhimtostandasasinglechampionagainstthetyrannythathadgrownsostrongthroughyearsofcustom。Hadhelethimselfdoso，hemightalmosthaverepented，butitwastoolatenowforrepentance。Hehadlaidhishandtotheplough，andhemustdrivethefurrow。
Somehowthenewsofimpendingbattlehadleakedoutamongtherestofthebodyofsquires，andabuzzofsuppressedexcitementhummedthroughthedormitorythatevening。Thebachelors，towhom，nodoubt，vaguerumorshadbeenblown，lookedlowering，andtalkedtogetherinlowvoices，standingapartinagroup。Someofthemmadearathermarkedshowofsecretingknivesinthestrawoftheirbeds，andnodoubtithaditseffectuponmorethanoneyoungheartthatsecretlythrilledatthesightoftheshiningblades。However，allwasundisturbedthatevening。Thelightswereputout，andtheladsretiredwithmorethanusualquietness，onlyforthemurmurofwhispering。
AllnightMyles’ssleepwasmoreorlessdisturbedbydreamsinwhichhewasnowconquering，nowbeingconquered，andbeforethedayhadfairlybrokenhewasawake。Helayuponhiscot，keyinghimselfupfortheencounterwhichhehadsetuponhimselftoface，anditwouldnotbethetruthtosaythatthesightofthosekniveshiddeninthestrawthenightbeforehadmadenoimpressionuponhim。By—and—byheknewtheotherswerebeginningtoawake，forheheardthemsoftlystirring，andasthelightgrewbroadandstrong，sawthemarise，onebyone，andbegindressinginthegraymorning。Thenhehimselfaroseandputonhisdoubletandhose，strappinghisbelttightlyabouthiswaist；
thenhesatdownonthesideofhiscot。
Presentlythathappenedforwhichhewaswaiting；twooftheyoungersquiresstartedtobringthebachelors’morningsupplyofwater。AstheycrossedtheroomMylescalledtotheminaloudvoice——alittleuneven，perhaps："Stop！Wedrawnomorewaterforanyoneinthishouse，savingonlyforourselves。Setyedownthosebuckets，andgobacktoyourplaces！"
Thetwoladsstopped，halfturned，andthenstoodstill，holdingthethreebucketsundecidedly。
Inamomentallwasuproarandconfusion，forbythistimeeveryoneoftheladshadarisen，somesittingontheedgeoftheirbeds，somenearly，othersquitedressed。Ahalf—dozenoftheKnightsoftheRosecameovertowhereMylesstood，gatheringinabodybehindhimandtheothersfollowed，oneafteranother。
Thebachelorswerehardlypreparedforsuchpromptandvigorousaction。
"Whatistodo？"criedoneofthem，whostoodnearthetwoladswiththebuckets。"Whyfetchyenotthewater？"
"Falworthsaysweshallnotfetchit，"answeredoneofthelads，aboybythenameofGosse。
"Whatmeanyebythat，Falworth？"theyoungmancalledtoMyles。
Myles’sheartwasbeatingthicklyandheavilywithinhim，butneverthelesshespokeupboldlyenough。"Imean，"saidhe，"thatfromhenceforthyeshallfetchandcarryforyourselves，"
"Look’ee，Blunt，"calledthebachelor；"hereisFalworthsaystheysquireswillfetchnomorewaterforus。"
Theheadbachelorhadheardallthathadpassed，andwaseventhenhastilyslippingonhisdoubletandhose。"Now，then，Falworth，"saidheatlast，stridingforward，"whatistodo？Yewillfetchnomorewater，eh？By’rLady，Iwillknowthereasonwhy。"
HewasstilladvancingtowardsMyles，withtwoorthreeoftheolderbachelorsathisheels，whenGascoynespoke。
"Thouhadstbeststandback，Blunt，"saidhe，"elsethoumaystbehurt。WewillnothaveyebangFalworthagainasyeoncedid，sostandthouback！"
BluntstoppedshortandlookedupontheladsstandingbehindMyles，someofthemwithfacesatriflepaleperhaps，butallgrimanddeterminedlookingenough。Thenheturneduponhisheelsuddenly，andwalkedbacktothefarendofthedormitory，wherethebachelorswerepresentlyclusteredtogether。Afewwordspassedbetweenthem，andthenthethirteenbeganatoncearmingthemselves，somewithwoodenclogs，andsomewiththekniveswhichtheyhadsoopenlyconcealedthenightbefore。Atthesignofimminentbattle，allthosenotactivelyinterestedscuttledawaytorightandleft，climbinguponthebenchesandcots，andleavingafreefieldtothecombatants。Thenextmomentwouldhavebroughtbloodshed。
NowMyles，thankstothetrainingoftheCrosbey—Dalesmith，felttolerablysurethatinawrestlingbouthewasamatch——perhapsmorethanamatch——foranyoneofthebodyofsquires，andhehaddetermined，ifpossible，tobringthebattletoasingle—handedencounteruponthatfooting。Accordinglyhesuddenlysteppedforwardbeforetheothers。
"Look’ee，fellow，"hecalledtoBlunt，"thouarthewhostruckmewhilstIwasdownsomewhilesince。Wiltthouletthisquarrelstandbetweentheeandme，andmeetmemantomanwithoutweapon？
See，Ithrowmedownmineown，andwillmeettheewithbarehands。"Andashespoke，hetossedtheclogheheldinhishandbackuponthecot。
"Sobeit，"saidBlunt，withgreatreadiness，tossingdownasimilarweaponwhichhehimselfheld。
"Donotgo，Myles，"criedGascoyne，"heisavillainandatraitor，andwouldbetraytheetothydeath。Isawhimwhenhefirstgatfrombedhideaknifeinhisdoublet。"
"Thouliest！"saidBlunt。"Iswear，bymyfaith，Ibebarehandedasyeseeme！Thyfriendaccusesme，MylesFalworth，becauseheknoweththouartafraidofme。"
"Therethouliestmostvilely！"exclaimedMyles。"Swearthatthouhastnoknife，andIwillmeetthee。"
"HastthounotheardmesaythatIhavenoknife？"saidBlunt。
"Whatmorewouldstthouhave？"
"ThenIwillmeettheehalfway，"saidMyles。
Gascoynecaughthimbythesleeve，andwouldhavewithheldhim，assuringhimthathehadseenthebachelorconcealaknife。ButMyles，hotforthefight，brokeawayfromhisfriendwithoutlisteningtohim。
Asthetwoadvancedsteadilytowardsoneanotherabreathlesssilencefelluponthedormitoryinsharpcontrasttotheuproarandconfusionthathadfilleditamomentbefore。Thelads，standingsomeuponbenches，someuponbeds，allwatchedwithbreathlessinterestthemeetingofthetwochampions。
Astheyapproachedoneanothertheystoppedandstoodforamomentalittleapart，glaringtheoneupontheother。Theyseemedillenoughmatched；BluntwasfullyhalfaheadtallerthanMyles，andwasthick—setandclose—knitinyoungmanhood。
NothingbutMyles’sundauntedpluckcouldhaveledhimtodaretofaceanenemysomucholderandstouterthanhimself。
Thepausewasonlyforamoment。TheywholookedsawBluntslidehishandfurtivelytowardshisbosom。Mylessawtoo，andintheflashofaninstantknewwhatthegesturemeant，andsprangupontheotherbeforethehandcouldgraspwhatitsought。Asheclutchedhisenemyhefeltwhathehadinthatinstantexpectedtofeel——thehandleofadagger。Thenextmomenthecried，inaloudvoice："Oh，thouvillain！Help，Gascoyne！Hehathaknifeunderhisdoublet！"
Inanswertohiscryforhelp，Myles’sfriendsstartedtohisaid。Butthebachelorsshouted，"Standbackandletthemfightitoutalone，elsewewillknifeyetoo。"Andastheyspoke，someofthemleapedfromthebencheswhereontheystood，drawingtheirknivesandflourishingthem。
ForjustafewsecondsMyles’sfriendsstoodcowed，andinthosefewsecondsthefightcametoanendwithasuddennessunexpectedtoall。
Astrugglefierceandsilentfollowedbetweenthetwo；Bluntstrivingtodrawhisknife，andMyles，withtheenergyofdespair，holdinghimtightlybythewrist。Itwasinvaintheelderladwrithedandtwisted；hewasstrongenoughtooverbearMyles，butstillwasnotabletoclutchthehaftofhisknife。
"Thoushaltnotdrawit！"gaspedMylesatlast。"Thoushaltnotstabme！"
Thenagainsomeofhisfriendsstartedforwardtohisaid，buttheywerenotneeded，forbeforetheycame，thefightwasover。
Blunt，findingthathewasnotabletodrawtheweapon，suddenlyceasedhisendeavors，andflunghisarmsaroundMyles，tryingtobearhimdownupontheground，andinthatmomenthisbattlewaslost。
Inaninstant——soquick，sosudden，sounexpectedthatnoonecouldseehowithappened——hisfeetwerewhirledawayfromunderhim，hespunwithflyingarmsacrossMyles’sloins，andpitchedwithathuduponthestonepavement，wherehelaystill，motionless，whileMyles，hisfacewhitewithpassionandhiseyesgleaming，stoodglaringaroundlikeayoungwild—boarbesetbythedogs。
Thenextmomentthesilencewasbroken，andtheuproarbrokeforthwithredoubledviolence。Thebachelors，leapingfromthebenches，camehurryingforwardononeside，andMyles’sfriendsfromtheother。
"Thoushaltsmartforthis，Falworth，"saidoneoftheolderlads。"Belikethouhastslainhim！"
Mylesturneduponthespeakerlikeaflash，andwithsuchapassionoffuryinhisfacethattheother，afellownearlyaheadtallerthanhe，shrankback，cowedinspiteofhimself。ThenGascoynecameandlaidhishandonhisfriend’sshoulder，"Whotouchesme？"criedMyles，hoarsely，turningsharplyuponhim；andthen，seeingwhoitwas，"Oh，Francis，theywouldha’
killedme！"
"Comeaway，Myles，"saidGascoyne；"thouknowestnotwhatthoudoest；thouartmad；comeaway。Whatifthouhadstkilledhim？"
ThewordscalledMylessomewhattohimself。"Icarenot！"saidhe，butsullenlyandnotpassionately，andthenhesufferedGascoyneandWilkestoleadhimaway。
MeantimeBlunt’sfriendshadturnedhimover，and，afterfeelinghistemples，hiswrist，andhisheart，borehimawaytoabenchatthefarendoftheroom。Theretheyfelltochafinghishandsandsprinklingwaterinhisface，acrowdoftheothersgatheringabout。BluntwashiddenfromMylesbythosewhostoodaround，andtheladlistenedtothebrokentalkthatfilledtheroomwithitsconfusion，hisanxietygrowingkeenerashebecamecooler。Butatlast，withaheartfeltjoy，hegatheredfromtheconfusedbuzzofwordsthattheotherladhadopenedhiseyesand，afterawhile，hesawhimsitup，leaninghisheadupontheshoulderofoneofhisfellow—bachelors，whiteandfaintandsickasdeath。
"ThankHeaventhatthoudidstnotkillhim！"saidEdmundWilkes，whohadbeenstandingwiththecrowdlookingonattheeffortsofBlunt’sfriendstorevivehim，andwhohadnowcomeandsatdownuponthebednotfarfromMyles。
"Aye，"saidMyles，gruffly，"IdothankHeavenforthat。"
CHAPTER14
IfMylesfanciedthatonesinglevictoryoverhisenemywouldcuretheevilagainstwhichhefought，hewasgrievouslymistaken；wrongsarenotrightedsoeasilyasthat。Itwasonlythebeginning。Otherandfarmorebitterbattleslaybeforehimerehecouldlookaroundhimandsay，"Ihavewonthevictory。"
Foraday——fortwodays——thebachelorsweredemoralizedatthefalloftheirleader，andtheKnightsoftheRosewereproportionatelyuplifted。
ThedaythatBluntmethisfall，thewoodentankinwhichthewaterhadbeenpouredeverymorningwasfoundtohavebeentakenaway。Thebachelorsmadeagreatshowofindignationandinquiry。
Whowasitstoletheirtank？Iftheydidbutknow，heshouldsmartforit。
"Ho！ho！"roaredEdmundWilkes，sothatthewholedormitoryheardhim，"smokeyenottheirtricks，lads？Seeyenotthattheyhavestolentheirownwater—tank，sothattheymighthavenoneedforanotherfightoverthecarryingofthewater？"
Thebachelorsmadeanobviousshowofnothavingheardwhathesaid，andagenerallaughwentaround。NoonedoubtedthatWilkeshadspokenthetruthinhistaunt，andthatthebachelorshadindeedstolentheirowntank。Sonomorewaterwasevercarriedfortheheadsquires，butitwasplaintoseethatthewarfortheupperhandwasnotyetover。
EvenifMyleshadentertainedcomfortingthoughtstothecontrary，hewasspeedilyundeceived。Onemorning，aboutaweekafterthefight，asheandGascoynewerecrossingthearmorycourt，theywerehailedbyagroupofthebachelorsstandingatthestonestepsofthegreatbuilding。
"Holloa，Falworth！"theycried。"KnowestthouthatBluntisnighwellagain？"
"Nay，"saidMyles，"Iknewitnot。ButIamrightgladtohearit。"
"Thouwiltsingadifferentsonganon，"saidoneofthebachelors。"Itelltheeheishotagainstthee，andswearswhenhecomethagainhewillcarvetheesoothly。"
"Aye，marry！"saidanother。"Iwouldnotbeinthyskinaweekhenceforaducat！OnlythismorninghetoldPhilipMowbraythathewouldhavethybloodforthefallthougavesthim。Looktothyself，Falworth；hecomethagainWednesdayorThursdaynext；
thoustandestinaparlousstate。"
"Myles，"saidGascoyne，astheyenteredthegreatquadrangle，"I
doindeedfearmethathemeanethtodotheeevil。"
"Iknownot，"saidMyles，boldly；"butIfearhimnot。"
Neverthelesshisheartwasheavywiththeweightofimpendingill。
Oneeveningthebachelorsweremorethanusuallynoisyintheirendofthedormitory，laughingandtalkingandshoutingtooneanother。
"Holloa，yousirrah，Falworth！"calledoneofthemalongthelengthoftheroom。"Bluntcomethagainto—morrowday。"
MylessawGascoynedirectasharpglanceathim；butheanswerednothingeithertohisenemy’swordsorhisfriend’slook。
Asthebachelorhadsaid，Bluntcamethenextmorning。Itwasjustafterchapel，andthewholebodyofsquireswasgatheredinthearmorywaitingfortheordersofthedayandthecallingoftherollofthosechosenforhouseholdduty。Myleswassittingonabenchalongthewall，talkingandjestingwithsomewhostoodby，whenofasuddenhisheartgaveagreatleapwithinhim。
ItwasWalterBlunt。Hecamewalkinginatthedoorasifnothinghadpassed，andathisunexpectedcomingthehubbuboftalkandlaughterwassuddenlychecked。EvenMylesstoppedinhisspeechforamoment，andthencontinuedwithabeatingheartandacarelessnessofmannerthatwasaltogetherassumed。InhishandBluntcarriedthehouseordersfortheday，andwithoutseemingtonoticeMyles，heopeneditandreadthelistofthosecalleduponforhouseholdservice。
Myleshadrisen，andwasnowstandinglisteningwiththeothers。
WhenBlunthadendedreadingthelistofnames，herolleduptheparchment，andthrustitintohisbelt；thenswingingsuddenlyonhisheel，hestrodestraightuptoMyles，facinghimfronttofront。Amomentortwoofdeepsilencefollowed；notasoundbrokethestillness。WhenBluntspokeeveryoneinthearmoryheardhiswords。
"Sirrah！"saidhe，"thoudidstputfoulshameuponmesometimesin。NeverwillIforgetorforgivethatoffence，andwillhaveareckoningwiththeerightsoonthatthouwiltnotforgettothelastdayofthylife。"
WhenMyleshadseenhisenemyturnuponhim，hedidnotknowatfirstwhattoexpect；hewouldnothavebeensurprisedhadtheycometoblowsthereandthen，andheheldhimselfpreparedforanyevent。Hefacedtheotherpluckilyenoughandwithoutflinching，andspokeupboldlyinanswer。"Sobeit，WalterBlunt；Ifeartheenotinwhateverwaythoumaystencounterme。"
"Dostthounot？"saidBlunt。"By’rLady，thou’lthavecausetofearmeereIamthroughwiththee。"Hesmiledabaleful，lingeringsmile，andthenturnedslowlyandwalkedaway。
"Whatthinkestthou，Myles？"saidGascoyne，asthetwoleftthearmorytogether。
"Ithinknaught，"saidMylesgruffly。"Hewillnotdaretotouchmetoharmme。Ifearhimnot。"Nevertheless，hedidnotspeakthefullfeelingsofhisheart。
"Iknownot，Myles，"saidGascoyne，shakinghisheaddoubtfully。
"WalterBluntisaparlousevil—mindedknave，andmethinkswilldowhateverevilhepromiseth。"
"Ifearhimnot，"saidMylesagain；buthisheartforebodedtrouble。
Thecomingoftheheadsquiremadeaverygreatchangeintheconditionofaffairs。Evenbeforethatcomingthebachelorshadsomewhatrecoveredfromtheirdemoralization，andnowagaintheybegantopluckuptheirconfidenceandtoordertheyoungersquiresandpagesuponthispersonalserviceoruponthat。
"Seeyenot，"saidMylesoneday，whentheKnightsoftheRoseweregatheredintheBrutusTower——"seeyenotthattheygrowasbadasever？Anweputnotastoptothisovermasterynow，itwillneverstop。"
"Bestletitbe，Myles，"saidWilkes。"Theywillkilltheeanthouceasenottroublingthem。Thouhastbredmischiefenowforthyselfalready。"
"Nomatterforthat，"saidMyles；"itisnottobebornethattheyorderothersofusaboutastheydo。Imeantospeaktothemto—night，andtellthemitshallnotbe。"
Hewasasgoodashisword。Thatnight，astheyoungsterswereshoutingandrompingandskylarking，astheyalwaysdidbeforeturningin，hestooduponhiscotandshouted："Silence！Listtomealittle！"Andthen，inthehushthatfollowed——"Iwantthosebachelorstohearthis：thatwesquiresservethemnolonger，andiftheywouldha’sometowaituponthem，theymustgetthemotherwheresthanhere。Therebetwentyofustostandagainstthemandhaplymore，andwemeanthattheyshallha’serviceofusnomore。"
Thenhejumpeddownagainfromhiselevatedstand，andanuproarofconfusioninstantlyfilledtheplace。Whatwastheeffectofhiswordsuponthebachelorshecouldnotsee。Whatwastheresulthewasnotslowindiscovering。
ThenextdayMylesandGascoynewerethrowingtheirdaggersforawageratawoodentargetagainstthewallbackofthearmorer’ssmithy。Wilkes，Gosse，andoneortwoothersofthesquiresweresittingonabenchlookingon，andnowandthenapplaudingamorethanusuallywell—aimedcastoftheknife。Suddenlythatimpishlittlepagespokenofbefore，RobinIngoldsby，thrusthisshockheadaroundthecornerofthesmithy，andsaid："Ho，Falworth！
Bluntisgoingtoservetheeoutto—day，andImyselfheardhimsayso。Hesaysheisgoingtoslitthineears。"Andthenhewasgoneassuddenlyashehadappeared。
Mylesdartedafterhim，caughthimmidwayinthequadrangle，andbroughthimbackbythescuffoftheneck，squallingandstruggling。
"There！"saidhe，stillpantingfromthechaseandseatingtheboybynomeansgentlyuponthebenchbesideWilkes。"Sitthouthere，thouimpofevil！Andnowtellmewhatthoudidstmeanbythywordsanon——anthoustopnotthineoutcry，Iwillcutthythroatforthee，"andhemadeaferociousgesturewithhisdagger。
Itwasbynomeanseasytowormthestoryfromthemischievouslittlemonkey；heknewMylestoowelltobeintheleastafraidofhisthreats。Butatlast，bydintofbribingandcoaxing，Mylesandhisfriendsmanagedtogetatthefacts。Theyoungsterhadbeensenttocleantheriding—bootsofoneofthebachelors，insteadofwhichhehadlolledidlyonacotinthedormitory，untilhehadatlastfallenasleep。Hehadbeenawakenedbytheopeningofthedormitorydoorandbythesoundofvoices——amongthemwasthatofhistaskmaster。Fearingpunishmentforhisneglectedduty，hehadslippedoutofthecot，andhiddenhimselfbeneathit。
ThosewhohadenteredwereWalterBluntandthreeoftheolderbachelors。Blunt’scompanionsweretryingtopersuadehimagainstsomething，butwithoutavail。Itwas——Myles’sheartthrilledandhisbloodboiled——tolieinwaitforhim，tooverpowerhimbynumbers，andtomutilatehimbyslittinghisears——adisgracefulpunishmentadministered，asarule，onlyforthievingandpoaching。
"Hewouldnotdaretodosuchathing！"criedMyles，withheavingbreastandflashingeyes。
"Aye，buthewould，"saidGascoyne。"Hisfather，LordReginaldBlunt，isagreatmanoverNottinghamway，andmyLordwouldnotdaretopunishhimevenforsuchamatterasthat。Buttellme，RobinIngoldsby，dostknowaughtmoreofthismatter？Pritheetellitme，Robin。WheredotheyproposetolieinwaitforFalworth？"
"Inthegate—wayoftheButteryCourt，soastocatchhimwhenhepassesbytothearmory，"answeredtheboy。
"Aretheytherenow？"saidWilkes。
"Aye，nineofthem，"saidRobin。"IheardBlunttellMowbraytogoandgathertheothers。HeheardtheetellGosse，Falworth，thatthouwertgoingthitherforthyarbalistthismorntoshootattherookswithal。"
"Thatwilldo，Robin，"saidMyles。"Thoumaystgo。"
Andtherewiththelittleimpscurriedoff，pullingthelobesofhisearssuggestivelyashedartedaroundthecorner。
Theotherslookedatoneanotherforawhileinsilence。
"So，comrades，"saidMylesatlast，"whatshallwedonow？"
"Go，andtellSirJames，"saidGascoyne，promptly。
"Nay，"saidMyles，"Itakenosuchcoward’spartasthat。Isayantheyhungertofight，givethemtheirstomachful。"
Theotherswereveryreluctantforsuchextrememeasures，butMyles，asusual，carriedhisway，andsoapitchedbattlewasdecidedupon。ItwasGascoynewhosuggestedtheplanwhichtheyafterwardsfollowed。
ThenWilkesstartedawaytogathertogetherthoseoftheKnightsoftheRosenotuponhouseholdduty，andMyles，withtheothers，wenttothearmorsmithtohavehimmakeforthemasetofkniveswithwhichtomeettheirenemies——kniveswithbladesafootlong，pointedanddouble—edged。
Thesmith，leaningwithhishammerupontheanvil，listenedtothemastheydescribedtheweapons。
"Nay，nay，MasterMyles，"saidhe，whenMyleshadendedbytellingtheusetowhichheintendedputtingthem。"Thouartgoingallwronginthismatter。Withsuchblades，erethisbattleisended，someonewouldbeslain，andsomurderdone。Thenthefamilyofhimwhowaskilledwouldhaplyhaveyecited，andmayhapitmighte’encometothehanging，forsomeoftheyboysha’greatfolkeysbehindthem。GoyetoTomFletcher，MasterMyles，andbuyofhimgoodyewstaves，suchasonemightbreakaheadwithal，andwiththem，ginyekeepyourwits，yemayholdyourownagainstknivesorshortswords。Itellthee，e’enthoughmytradebemakingofblades，ratherwouldIha’agoodstoutcudgelinmyhandthanthebestdaggerthateverwasforged。"
Mylesstoodthoughtfullyforamomentortwo；then，lookingup，"Methinksthouspeakethtruly，Robin，"saidhe；"anditwereilldonetohaveblooduponourhands。"
CHAPTER15
Fromthelong，narrowstone—pavedArmoryCourt，andconnectingitwiththeinnerButteryCourt，rananarrowarchedpassage—way，inwhichwasapicket—gate，closedatnightandlockedfromwithin。
Itwasinthisarchedpassage—waythat，accordingtolittleRobertIngoldsby’sreport，thebachelorswerelyinginwaitforMyles。Gascoyne’splanwasthatMylesshouldenterthecourtalone，theKnightsoftheRoselyingambushedbehindtheangleofthearmorybuildinguntilthebachelorsshouldshowthemselves。
ItwasnotwithouttrepidationthatMyleswalkedaloneintothecourt，whichhappenedthentobesilentandempty。Hisheartbeatmorequicklythanitwaswont，andhegrippedhiscudgelbehindhisback，lookingsharplythiswayandthat，soasnottobetakenunawaresbyaflankmovementofhisenemies。Midwayinthecourthestoppedandhesitatedforamoment；thenheturnedasthoughtoenterthearmory。Thenextmomenthesawthebachelorscomepouringoutfromthearchway。
Instantlyheturnedandrushedbacktowardswherehisfriendslayhidden，shouting："Totherescue！Totherescue！"
"Stonehim！"roaredBlunt。"Thevillainescapes！
Hestoppedandpickedupacobble—stoneashespoke，flingingitafterhisescapingprey。ItnarrowlymissedMyles’shead；haditstruckhim，theremighthavebeennomoreofthisstorytotell。
"Totherescue！Totherescue！"shoutedMyles’sfriendsinanswer，andthenextmomenthewassurroundedbythem。Thenheturned，andswinginghiscudgel，rushedbackuponhisfoes。
Thebachelorsstoppedshortattheunexpectedsightoftheladswiththeircudgels。Foramomenttheyralliedanddrewtheirknives；thentheyturnedandfledtowardstheirformerplaceofhiding。
Oneofthemturnedforamoment，andflunghisknifeatMyleswithadeadlyaim；butMyles，quickasacat，duckedhisbody，andtheweaponflewclatteringacrossthestonycourt。Thenhewhohadflungitturnedagaintofly，butinhisattempthehaddelayedoneinstanttoolong。Mylesreachedhimwithalong—armstrokeofhiscudgeljustasheenteredthepassage—way，knockinghimoverlikeabottle，stunnedandsenseless。
Thenextmomentthepicket—gatewasbangedintheirfacesandtheboltshotinthestaples，andtheKnightsoftheRosewereleftshoutingandbatteringwiththeircudgelsagainstthepalings。
BythistimetheuproaroffighthadarousedthoseintheroomsandofficesfrontingupontheArmoryCourt；headswerethrustfrommanyofthewindowswiththeeagerinterestthatafightalwaysevokes。
"Beware！"shoutedMyles。"Heretheycomeagain！"Heborebacktowardstheentranceofthealley—wayashespoke，thosebehindhimscatteringtorightandleft，forthebachelorshadrallied，andwerecomingagaintotheattack，shouting。
Theywerenotamomenttoosooninthisretreat，either，forthenextinstantthepicketsflewopen，andavolleyofstonesflewaftertheretreatingKnightsoftheRose。OnesmoteWilkesuponthehead，knockinghimdownheadlong。AnotherstruckMylesuponhisleftshoulder，benumbinghisarmfromthefinger—tipstothearmpit，sothathethoughtatfirstthelimbwasbroken。
"Getyebehindthebuttresses！"shoutedthosewholookeddownuponthefightfromthewindows——"getyebehindthebuttresses！"
Andinanswerthelads，scatteringlikeanewly—flushedcoveyofpartridges，fledtoandcrouchedintheshelteringanglesofmasonrytoescapefromtheflyingstones。
Andnowfollowedalullinthebattle，thebachelorsfearingtoleavetheprotectionofthearchedpassage—waylesttheirretreatshouldbecutoff，andtheKnightsoftheRosenotdaringtoquittheshelterofthebuttressesandanglesofthewalllesttheyshouldbeknockeddownbythestones。
ThebachelorwhomMyleshadstruckdownwithhiscudgelwassittinguprubbingthebackofhishead，andWilkeshadgatheredhiswitsenoughtocrawltotheshelterofthenearestbuttress。
Myles，peepingaroundthecornerbehindwhichhestood，couldseethatthebachelorsweregatheredintoalittlegroupconsultingtogether。Suddenlyitbrokeasunder，andBluntturnedaround。
"Ho，Falworth！"hecried。"Wiltthouholdtrucewhilesweparleywithye？"
"Aye，"answeredMyles。
"Wiltthougivemethinehonorthatyewillholdyourhandsfromharminguswhileswetalktogether？"
"Yea，"saidMyles，"Iwillpledgetheeminehonor。"
"Iacceptthypledge。See！herewethrowasideourstonesandlaydownourknives。Layyebyyourclubs，andmeetusinparleyatthehorse—blockyonder。"
"Sobeit，"saidMyles，andthereupon，standinghiscudgelintheangleofthewall，hesteppedboldlyoutintotheopencourt—yard。Thoseofhispartycamescatteringlyfromrightandleft，gatheringabouthim；andthebachelorsadvancedinabody，ledbytheheadsquire。
"Nowwhatisitthouwouldsthave，WalterBlunt？"saidMyles，whenbothpartieshadmetatthehorse—block。
"Itistosaythistothee，MylesFalworth，"saidtheother。"Onetime，notlongsin，thoudidstchallengemetomeettheehandtohandinthedormitory。Thenthoudidstputavileaffrontuponme，forthewhichIha’broughtonthisbattleto—day，forIknewnotthenthatthouwertgoingtotrythypeasanttricksofwrestling，andso，withoutguardingmyself，Imettheeasthoudidstdesire。"
"Butthouhadstthyknife，andwouldhavestabbedhimcouldstthouha’doneso，"saidGascoyne。
"Thouliest！"saidBlunt。"Ihadnoknife。"Andthen，withoutgivingtimetoanswer，"ThoucanstnotdenythatImettheethenatthybidding，canstthou，Falworth？"
"Nay，"saidMyles，"norhaplycanstthoudenyiteither。"AndatthiscovertreminderofhisdefeatMyles’sfollowerslaughedscoffinglyandBluntbithislip。
"Thouhastsaidit，"saidhe。"Thensin。Imettheeatthybidding，Idaretotheetomeetmenowatmine，andtofightthisbattleoutbetweenourtwoselves，withswordandbucklerandbascinetasgentlesshould，andnotinawrestlingmatchliketwocountryhodges。"
"Thouartacowardcaitiff，WalterBlunt！"burstoutWilkes，whostoodbywithaswellinglumpuponhishead，alreadyasbigasawalnut。"WellthouknowestthatFalworthisnomatchfortheeatbroadswordplay。Ishenotfouryearsyoungerthanthou，andhastthounothadthreetimesthepracticeinarmsthathehathhad？I
saythouartacowardtoseektofightwithcuttingweapons。"
BluntmadenoanswertoWilkes’sspeech，butgazedsteadfastlyatMyles，withascornfulsmilecurlingthecornersofhislips。
Mylesstoodlookinguponthegroundwithoutonceliftinghiseyes，notknowingwhattoanswer，forhewaswellawarethathewasnomatchforBluntwiththebroadsword。
"Thouartafraidtofightme，MylesFalworth，"saidBlunt，tauntingly，andthebachelorsgaveajeeringlaughinecho。
ThenMyleslookedup，andIcannotsaythathisfacewasnotatriflewhiterthanusual。"Nay，"saidhe，"Iamnotafraid，andI
willfightthee，Blunt。"
"Sobeit，"saidBlunt。"Thenletusgoatitstraightwayinthearmoryyonder，fortheybeatdinnerintheGreatHall，andjustnowtherebe’stnoonebytostayus。"
"Thoushaltnotfighthim，Myles！"burstoutGascoyne。"Hewillmurtherthee！Thoushaltnotfighthim，Isay！"
Mylesturnedawaywithoutansweringhim。
"Whatistodo？"calledoneofthosewhowerestilllookingoutofthewindowsasthecrowdofboyspassedbeneath。
"BluntandFalwortharegoingtofightitouthandtohandinthearmory，"answeredoneofthebachelors，lookingup。
Thebrawlingofthesquireswasajesttoalltheadjoiningpartofthehouse。Sotheheadswerewithdrawnagain，somelaughingatthe"sparringofthecockerels。"
ButitwasnojestingmattertopoorMyles。
CHAPTER16
IhavenointentiontodescribethefightbetweenMylesFalworthandWalterBlunt。Fisticuffsofnowadaysarebrutalanddebasingenough，butafightwithasharp—edgedbroadswordwasnotonlybrutalanddebasing，butcruelandbloodyaswell。
FromtheveryfirstofthefightMylesFalworthwaspalpablyandobviouslyovermatched。Afterfifteenminuteshadpassed，Bluntstoodhaleandsoundasatfirst；butpoorMyleshadmorethanoneredstainofwarmbloodupondoubletandhose，andmorethanonebandagehadbeenwrappedbyGascoyneandWilkesaboutsorewounds。
Hehadreceivednoseriousinjuryasyet，fornotonlywashisbodyprotectedbyabuckler，orsmalloblongshield，whichhecarrieduponhisleftarm，andhisheadbyabascinet，orlighthelmetofsteel，butperhaps，afterall，Bluntwasnotover—anxioustodohimanydangerousharm。Nevertheless，therecouldbebutoneopinionastohowthefighttended，andMyles’sfriendsweregloomyanddowncast；thebachelorsproportionatelyexultant，shoutingwithlaughter，andtauntingMylesateveryunsuccessfulstroke。
Once，ashedrewbackpanting，leaninguponGascoyne’sshoulder，thefaithfulfriendwhispered，withtremblinglips："Oh，dearMyles，carryitnofurther。Thouhurtesthimnot，andhewillslaytheeerehehavedonewiththee。"
ThereuponBlunt，whocaughtthedriftofthespeech，putinaword。"Thouartsorehurt，MylesFalworth，"saidhe，"andIwoulddotheenogrievousharm。Yieldtheeandownthyselfbeaten，andIwillforgivethee。Thouhastfoughtagoodfight，andthereisnoshameinyieldingnow。"
"Never！"criedMyles，hoarsely——"neverwillIyieldme！Thoumaystslayme，WalterBlunt，andIrecknotifthoudostdoso，butneverelsewiltthouconquerme。"
Therewasatoneofdesperationinhisvoicethatmadealllookserious。
"Nay，"saidBlunt；"Iwillfighttheenomore，MylesFalworth；
thouhasthadenough。"
"Byheavens！"criedMyles，grindinghisteeth，"thoushaltfightme，thoucoward！Thouhastbroughtthisfightuponus，andeitherthouorIgetourquittancehere。Letgo，Gascoyne！"hecried，shakingloosehisfriend’shold；"Itelltheeheshallfightme！"
FromthatmomentBluntbegantolosehishead。Nodoubthehadnotthoughtofsuchaseriousfightasthiswhenhehadgivenhischallenge，andtherewasasavagebull—dogtenacityaboutMylesthatcouldnotbuthavehadasomewhatdemoralizingeffectuponhim。
Afewblowsweregivenandtaken，andthenMyles’sfriendsgaveashout。Bluntdrewback，andplacedhishandtohisshoulder。Whenhedrewitawayagainitwasstainedwithred，andanotherredstaingrewandspreadrapidlydownthesleeveofhisjacket。Hestaredathishandforamomentwithahalf—dazedlook，andthenglancedquicklytorightandleft。
"Iwillfightnomore，"saidhe，sullenly。
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