\"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。