Mylesdidnotanswer。
\"Nomatter，\"addedLordMackworth。\"Iwillnotasktheewhotoldtheesuchathing。Asforthyquestion——well，sinthouaskitfrankly，Iwillbefrankwiththee。Yea，IhavecertainendstogaininhavingtheEarlofAlbanoverthrown。\"
Mylesbowed。\"Sir，\"saidhe，\"haplythineendsareasmuchbeyondaughtthatIcancomprehendasthoughIwerealittlechild；onlythisIknow，thattheymustbeverygreat。ThouknowestwellthatinanycaseIwouldfightmethisbattleformyfather’ssakeandforthehonorofmyhouse；nevertheless，inreturnforallthatitwillsogreatlyadvantagethee，wiltthounotgrantmeabooninreturnshouldIovercomemineenemy？\"
\"Whatisthyboon，SirMyles？\"
\"ThatthouwiltgrantmethyfavortoseektheLadyAlicedeMowbrayformywife。\"
TheEarlofMackworthstartedupfromhisseat。\"SirMylesFalworth\"——hebegan，violently，andthenstoppedshort，drawinghisbushyeyebrowstogetherintoafrownstern，ifnotsinister。
Myleswithstoodhislookcalmlyandimpassively，andpresentlytheEarlturnedonhisheel，andstrodetotheopenwindow。A
longtimepassedinsilencewhilehestoodthere，gazingoutofthewindowintothegardenbeyondwithhisbacktotheyoungman。
Suddenlyheswungaroundagain。\"SirMyles，\"saidhe，\"thefamilyofFalworthisasgoodasanyinDerbyshire。Justnowitispoorandfalleninestate，butifitisagainplacedincreditandhonor，thou，whoartthesonofthehouse，shalthavethysuitweighedwithasmuchrespectandconsiderationasthoughthouwertmypeerinallthings，Suchismyanswer。Artthousatisfied？\"
\"Icouldasknomore，\"answeredMyles。
CHAPTER29
ThatnightMyleslodgedatMackworthHouse。Thenextmorning，assoonashehadbrokenhisfast，whichhedidintheprivacyofhisownapartments，theEarlbadehimandGascoynetomakereadyforthebarge，whichwasthenwaitingattheriverstairstotakethemtoScotlandYard。
TheEarlhimselfaccompaniedthem，andastheheavysnub—nosedboat，rowedbythesixoarsmeninMackworthlivery，slidslowlyandheavilyupagainstthestream，theEarl，leaningbackinhiscushionedseat，pointedoutthevariousinnsofthegreatpriestsornobles；palatialtownresidencesstandingmostlyalittledistancebackfromthewaterbehindterracedhigh—walledgardensandlawns。YonwastheBishopofExeter’sClose；yonwastheBishopofBath’s；thatwasYorkHouse；andthatChesterInn。Sopassingbygardensandlawnsandpalaces，theycameatlasttoScotlandYardstairs，abroadflightofmarblestepsthatledupwardtoastoneplatformabove，uponwhichopenedthegate—wayofthegardenbeyond。
TheScotlandYardofMylesFalworth’sdaywasoneofthemorepretentiousandcommodiousofthepalacesoftheStrand。IttookitsnamefromhavingbeenfromancienttimestheLondoninnwhichthetributaryKingsofScotlandoccupiedwhenontheirperiodicalvisitsofhomagetoEngland。Now，duringthistimeofScotland’sindependence，thePrinceofWaleshadtakenuphislodgingintheoldpalace，andmadeitnoisywiththemad，boisterousmirthofhiscourt。
Asthewatermendrewthebargeclosetothelanding—placeofthestairs，theEarlsteppedashore，andfollowedbyMylesandGascoyne，ascendedtothebroadgate—wayoftheriverwallofthegarden。Threemen—at—armswholoungeduponabenchundertheshadeofthelittlepentroofofaguard—housebesidethewall，aroseandsalutedasthewell—knownfigureoftheEarlmountedthesteps。TheEarlnoddedacoolanswer，andpassingunchallengedthroughthegate，ledthewayupapleachedwalk，beyondwhich，asMylescouldsee，therestretchedalittlegrassylawnandastone—pavedterrace。AstheEarlandthetwoyoungmenapproachedtheendofthewalk，theyweremetbythesoundofvoicesandlaughter，theclinkingofglassesandtherattleofdishes。Turningacorner，theycamesuddenlyuponapartyofyounggentlemen，whosatatalatebreakfastundertheshadeofawide—spreadinglime—tree。Theyhadevidentlyjustleftthetilt—yard，fortwooftheguests——sturdy，thick—setyoungknights——yetworeapartoftheirtiltingarmor。
Behindthemerryscenestoodthegray，hoaryoldpalace，asteepflightofstonesteps，andalong，open，stone—archedgallery，whichevidentlyledtothekitchenbeyond，foralongithurriedserving—men，runningupanddownthetallflightofsteps，andbearingtraysanddishesandcupsandflagons。Itwasamerrysightandapleasantone。Thedaywaswarmandbalmy，andtheyellowsunlightfellinwavinguncertainpatchesoflight，dapplingthetable—cloth，andtwinklingandsparklinguponthedishes，cups，andflagons。
AttheheadofthetablesatayoungmansomethreeorfouryearsolderthanMyles，dressedinafullsuitofrichbluebrocadedvelvet，embroideredwithgold—threadandtrimmedwithblackfur。
Hisface，whichwasturnedtowardsthemastheymountedfromthelawntothelittlestone—flaggedterrace，wasfrankandopen；thecheekssmoothandfair；theeyesdarkandblue。Hewastallandratherslight，andworehisthickyellowhairhangingtohisshoulders，whereitwascutsquareacross，afterthemannerofthetimes。MylesdidnotneedtobetoldthatitwasthePrinceofWales。
\"Ho，GafferFox！\"hecried，assoonashecaughtsightoftheEarlofMackworth，\"whatwindblowstheehitheramonguswildmallarddrakes？Iwarrantitisnotforloveofus，butonlytofillthineownlarderafterthemannerofSirFoxamongthedrakes。Whomhastthouwiththee？Somegoslingthouartabouttopluck？\"
Asuddenhushfelluponthecompany，andallfaceswereturnedtowardsthevisitors。
TheEarlbowedwithasoftsmile。\"YourHighness，\"saidhe，smoothly，\"ispleasedtobepleasant。Sir，IbringyoutheyoungknightofwhomIspoketoyousometimesince——SirMylesFalworth。Youmaybepleasedtobringtomindthatyousocondescendedastopromisetotakehimintoyourtrainuntilthefittingtimearrivedforthatcertainmatterofwhichwespoke。\"
\"SirMyles，\"saidthePrinceofWales，withafrank，pleasantsmile，\"IhaveheardgreatreportsofthyskillandprowessinFrance，bothfromMackworthandfromothers。Itwillpleasuremegreatlytohavetheeinmyhousehold；moreespecially，\"headded，\"asitwillgetthee，callowasthouart，outofmyLordFox’sclutches。OurfactioncannotdowithouttheEarlofMackworth’scunningwits，SirMyles；ne’thelessIwouldnotliketoputallmyfateandfortuneintohishandswithoutbond。Ihopethatthoudostnotrestthyfortunesentirelyuponhisaidandcountenance。\"
AllwhowerepresentfeltthediscomfortofthePrince’sspeech，Itwasevidentthatoneofhismad，wildhumorswasuponhim。Inanothercasethehare—brainedyoungcourtiersaroundmighthavetakentheircuefromhim，buttheEarlofMackworthwasnosubjectfortheirgibesandwitticisms。Aconstrainedsilencefell，inwhichtheEarlalonemaintainedaperfecteaseofmanner。
Mylesbowedtohidehisownembarrassment。\"YourHighness，\"saidhe，evasively，\"Irestmyfortune，firstofall，uponGod，Hisstrengthandjustice。\"
\"ThouwiltfindsaferdependencetherethanupontheLordofMackworth，\"saidthePrince，dryly。\"Butcome，\"headded，withasuddenchangeofvoiceandmanner，\"thesebejeststhatbordertoocloselyuponbitterearnestforamerrybreakfast。Itisilltoidlewithedgedtools。Wiltthounotstayandbreakthyfastwithus，myLord？\"
\"Pardonme，yourHighness，\"saidtheEarl，bowing，andsmilingthesamesmoothsmilehislipshadwornfromthefirst——suchasmileasMyleshadneverthoughttohaveseenuponhishaughtyface；\"Icraveyourgoodleavetodecline。Imustreturnhomepresently，forevennow，haply，youruncle，hisGraceofWinchester，isawaitingmycominguponthebusinessyouwotof。
HaplyyourHighnesswillfindmorejoyanceinalustyyoungknightlikeSirMylesthaninanoldfoxlikemyself。SoIleavehimwithyou，inyourgoodcare。\"
SuchwasMyles’sintroductiontothewildyoungmadcapPrinceofWales，afterwardsthefamousHenryV，theconquerorofFrance。
Foramonthormorethereafterhewasamemberoftheprincelyhousehold，and，afteralittlewhile，atrustedandhonoredmember。Perhapsitwasthecalmsturdystrength，thecourageoftheyoungknight，thatfirstappealedtothePrince’sroyalheart；perhapsafterwardsitwasthemoresterlingqualitiesthatunderlaidthatcouragethatdrewhimtotheyoungman；certainitwasthatintwoweeksMyleswastheacknowledgedfavorite。Hemadenoprotestationofvirtue；healwaysaccompaniedthePrinceinthosemadcapventurestoLondon，wherehebeheldallmannerofwildrevelry；heneverheldhimselfalooffromhisgaycomrades，buthelookeduponalltheirmadsportswiththesamecalmgazethathadcarriedhimwithouttaintthroughthecourtsofBurgundyandtheDauphin。Thegay，roisteringyounglordsandgentlemendubbedhimSaintMyles，andjestedwithhimabouthair—clothshirtsandflagellations，butwitticismandjestalikefailedtomoveMyles’spatientvirtue；hewenthisowngaitinthehabitsofhislife，andinsogoingknewaslittleastheothersofthemadcourtthatthePrince’sgrowinglikingforhimwas，perhaps，morethanallelse，onaccountofthatverytemperance。
Then，by—and—by，thePrincebegantoconfideinhimashedidinnoneoftheothers。TherewasnogreatlovebetwixttheKingandhisson；ithashappenedveryoftenthattheKingsofEnglandhavefeltbitterjealousytowardstheheirs—apparentastheyhavegrowninpower，andsuchwasthecasewiththegreatKingHenryIV。ThePrinceoftenspoketoMylesoftheclashingandjarringbetweenhimselfandhisfather，andthethoughtbegantocometoMyles’smindbydegreesthatmaybetheKing’sjealousyaccountednotalittleforthePrince’srecklessintemperance。
Once，forinstance，asthePrinceleanedupon，hisshoulderwaiting，whilsttheattendantsmadereadythebargethatwastocarrythemdowntherivertothecity，hesaid，abruptly：\"Myles，whatthinkestthouofusall？Dothnotthyhonestyholdusincontempt？\"
\"Nay，Highness，\"saidMyles。\"HowcouldIholdcontempt？\"
\"Marry，\"saidthePrince，\"Imyselfholdcontempt，andamnotashonestamanasthou。But，prithee，havepatiencewithme，Myles。
Someday，perhaps，Itoowillliveacleanlife。Now，anIliveseriously，theKingwillbemorejealousofmethanever，andthatisnotalittle。MaybeIlivethussothathemaynotknowwhatIreallyaminsoothlyearnest。\"
ThePrincealsooftentalkedtoMylesconcerninghisownaffairs；
ofthebattlehewastofightforhisfather’shonor，ofhowtheEarlofMackworthhadplottedandplannedtobringhimfacetofacewiththeEarlofAlban。HespoketoMylesmorethanonceofthemanygreatchangesofstateandpartythathunguponthedownfalloftheenemyofthehouseofFalworth，andshowedhimhownohandbuthisowncouldstrikethatenemydown；ifhefell，itmustbethroughthesonofFalworth。SometimesitseemedtoMylesasthoughheandhisblindfatherwerethecentreofagreatwebofplotandintrigue，stretchingfarandwide，thatincludednotonlythegreatesthousesofEngland，butroyaltyandthepoliticalbalanceofthecountryaswell，andevenbeforethegreatnessofitallhedidnotflinch。
Then，atlast，camethebeginningofthetimeforaction。ItwasintheearlypartofMay，andMyleshadbeenamemberofthePrince’shouseholdforalittleoveramonth。OnemorninghewasorderedtoattendthePrinceinhisprivycabinet，and，obeyingthesummons，hefoundthePrince，hisyoungerbrother，theDukeofBedford，andhisuncle，theBishopofWinchester，seatedatatable，wheretheyhadjustbeenrefreshingthemselveswithaflagonofwineandaplateofwafers。
\"MypoorMyles，\"saidthePrince，smiling，astheyoungknightbowedtothethree，andthenstooderect，asthoughonduty。\"Itshamesmyheart，brother——andthou，uncle——itshamesmyhearttobeoneprivytothisthingwhichwearesetupontodo。Herebewe，thegreatestLordsofEngland，makingacat’s—pawofthislad——forheisonlyyetaboy——andofhisblindfather，fortoachieveourendsagainstAlban’sfaction。Itseemethnotover—honorabletomymind。\"
\"Pardonme，yourHighness，\"saidMyles，blushingtotherootsofhishair；\"but，anImaybesoboldastospeak，Irecknothingofwhatyouraimsmaybe；Ionlylooktorestoringmyfather’shonorandthehonorofourhouse。\"
\"Truly，\"saidthePrince，smiling，\"thatistheonlymatterthatmakethmewillingtolaymyhandstothisbusiness。DostthouknowwhyIhavesentforthee？ItisbecausethisdaythoumustchallengetheDukeofAlbanbeforetheKing。TheEarlofMackworthhaslaidallhisplansandthetimeisnowripe。
KnowestthatthyfatherisatMackworthHouse？\"
\"Nay，\"saidMyles；\"Iknewitnot。\"
\"Hehathbeentherefornearlytwodays，\"saidthePrince。\"JustnowtheEarlhathsentforustocomefirsttoMackworthHouse。
Thentogotothepalace，forhehathgainedaudiencewiththeKing，andhathsoarrangeditthattheEarlofAlbanistobethereaswell。Weallgostraightway；sogetthyselfreadyassoonasmaybe。\"
PerhapsMyles’sheartbeganbeatingmorequicklywithinhimatthenearnessofthatgreathappeningwhichhehadlookedforwardtoforsolong。Ifitdid，hemadenosignofhisemotion，butonlyasked，\"HowmustIclothemyself，yourHighness？\"
\"Wearthylightarmor，\"saidthePrince，\"butnohelmet，ajupponbearingthearmsandcolorsthattheEarlgavetheewhenthouwertknighted，andcarrythyright—handgauntletunderthybeltforthychallenge。Nowmakehaste，fortimepasses。\"
CHAPTER30
AdjoiningtheancientpalaceofWestminster，whereKingHenryIV
wasthenholdinghiscourt，wasanolessancientstonebuildingknownasthePaintedRoom。Uponthewallsweredepictedaseriesofbattlescenesinlongbandsreachingaroundthisroom，oneaboveanother。SomeofthesepictureshadbeenpaintedasfarbackasthedaysofHenryIII，othershadbeenaddedsincehistime。TheychronicledthevariouswarsoftheKingofEngland，anditwasfromthemthatthelittlehalltookitsnameofthePaintedRoom。
Thisancientwing，oroffshoot，ofthemainbuildingswasmoreretiredfromthehurly—burlyofouterlifethanotherpartsofthepalace，andthitherthesickKingwasveryfondofretiringfromthebusinessofState，whicheverrestedmoreandmoreheavilyuponhisshoulders，sometimestosquanderinquietnessasparehourortwo；sometimestoidleoverafavoritebook；
sometimestoplayagameofchesswithafavoritecourtier。Thecoldpaintedwallshadbeenhungwithtapestry，anditsfloorhadbeenspreadwitharrascarpet。Theseandthecushionedcouchesandchairsthatstoodaroundgaveitsgloomyantiquityanairofcomfort——anairevenofluxury。
ItwastothisfavoriteretreatoftheKing’sthatMyleswasbroughtthatmorningwithhisfathertofacethegreatEarlofAlban。
IntheanteroomthelittlepartyofPrincesandnobleswhoescortedthefatherandsonhadheldabriefconsultation。Thentheothershadentered，leavingMylesandhisblindfatherinchargeofLordLumleyandtwoknightsofthecourt，SirReginaldHallowellandSirPiersAverell。
Myles，ashestoodpatientlywaiting，withhisfather’sarmrestinginhis，couldhearthemuffledsoundofvoicesfrombeyondthearras。Amongothers，herecognizedthewell—rememberedtonesoftheKing。Hefanciedthatheheardhisownnamementionedmorethanonce，andthenthesoundoftalkingceased。
Thenextmomentthearraswasdrawnaside，andtheEarlenteredtheantechamberagain。
\"Allisready，cousin，\"saidhetoLordFalworth，inasuppressedvoice。\"Essexhathdoneashepromised，andAlbaniswithintherenow。\"Then，turningtoMyles，speakinginthesamelowvoice，andbetrayingmoreagitationthanMyleshadthoughtitpossibleforhimtoshow，\"SirMyles，\"saidhe，\"rememberallthathathbeentoldthee。Thouknowestwhatthouhasttosayanddo。\"Then，withoutfurtherword，hetookLordFalworthbythehand，andledthewayintotheroom，Mylesfollowingclosebehind。
TheKinghalfsat，halfinclined，uponacushionedseatclosetowhichstoodthetwoPrinces。Thereweresomedozenotherspresent，mostlypriestsandnoblemenofhighqualitywhoclusteredinagroupatalittledistance。MylesknewmostofthemataglancehavingseenthemcomeandgoatScotlandYard。
Butamongthemall，hesingledoutonlyone——theEarlofAlban。
Hehadnotseenthatfacesincehewasalittlechildeightyearsold，butnowthathebehelditagain，itfittedinstantlyandvividlyintotheremembranceofthetimeofthatterriblesceneatFalworthCastle，whenhehadbeheldthethenLordBrookhurststandingabovethedeadbodyofSirJohnDale，withthebloodymaceclinchedinhishand。Therewerethesameheavyblackbrows，sinisterandgloomy，thesamehookednose，thesameswarthycheeks。Heevenrememberedthedeepdentintheforehead，wherethebrowsmetinperpetualfrown。Soitwasthatuponthatfacehislookscentredandrested。
TheEarlofAlbanhadjustbeenspeakingtosomeLordwhostoodbesidehim，andahalf—smilestillhungaboutthecornersofhislips。Atfirst，ashelookedupattheentranceofthenewcomers，therewasnootherexpression；thensuddenlycameaflashofrecognition，alookofwide—eyedamazement；thenthebloodleftthecheeksandthelips，andthefacegrewverypale。Nodoubthesawataflashthatsomegreatdangeroverhunghiminthissuddencomingofhisoldenemy，forhewasaskeenandasastuteapoliticianashewasafamouswarrior。Atleastheknewthattheeyesofmostofthosepresentwerefixedkeenlyandsearchinglyuponhim。Afterthefirststartofrecognition，hislefthand，hangingathisside，graduallyclosedaroundthescabbardofhissword，clutchingitinavice—likegrip。
MeantimetheEarlofMackworthhadledtheblindLordtotheKing，wherebothkneeled。
\"Why，hownow，myLord？\"saidtheKing。\"MethoughtitwasouryoungPaladinwhomweknightedatDevlenthatwastobepresented，andherethoubringestthisoldman。Ablindman，ha！
Whatisthemeaningofthis？\"
\"Majesty，\"saidtheEarl，\"Ihavetakenthischancetobringtothymercifulconsiderationonewhohathmostwofullyandunjustlysufferedfromthineanger。Yonderstandstheyoungknightofwhomwespake；thisishisfather，GilbertReginald，whilomLordFalworth，whocravesmercyandjusticeatthyhands。\"
\"Falworth，\"saidtheKing，placinghishandtohishead。\"Thenameisnotstrangetomineears，butIcannotplaceit。Myheadhathtroubledmesorelyto—day，andIcannotremember。\"
AtthispointtheEarlofAlbancamequietlyanddeliberatelyforward。\"Sire，\"saidhe，\"pardonmyboldnessinsoventuringtoaddressyou，buthaplyImaybringthenamemoreclearlytoyourmind。Heis，asmyLordofMackworthsaid，thewhilomBaronFalworth，theoutlawed，attaintedtraitor；sodeclaredfortheharboringofSirJohnDale，whowasoneofthosewhosoughtyourMajesty’slifeatWindsorelevenyearsago。Sire，heismineenemyaswell，andisbroughthitherbymyproclaimedenemies。
Shouldaughtoccurtomyharm，Irestmycaseinyourgracioushands。\"
ThedustyredflamedintotheKing’spale，sicklyfaceinanswer，andherosehastilyfromhisseat。
\"Aye，\"saidhe，\"Iremembermenow——Iremembermethemanandthename！Whohathdaredbringhimherebeforeus？\"Allthedullheavinessofsicknesswasgoneforthemoment，andKingHenrywastheKingHenryoftenyearsagoasherolledhiseyesbalefullyfromonetoanotherofthecourtierswhostoodsilentlyaround。
TheEarlofMackworthshotacovertglanceattheBishopofWinchester，whocameforwardinanswer。
\"YourMajesty，\"saidhe，\"hereamI，yourbrother，whobeseechyouasyourbrothernottojudgeover—hastilyinthismatter。Itistruethatthismanhasbeenadjudgedatraitor，buthehasbeensoadjudgedwithoutahearing。Ibeseechtheetolistenpatientlytowhatsoeverhemayhavetosay。
TheKingfixedtheBishopwithalookofthebitterest，deepestanger，holdinghisnetherliptightlyunderhisteeth——atrickhehadwhenstronglymovedwithanger——andtheBishop’seyesfellunderthelook。MeantimetheEarlofAlbanstoodcalmandsilent。
NodoubthesawthattheKing’sangerwaslikelytobefriendhimmorethananywordsthathehimselfcouldsay，andheperilledhiscasewithnomorespeechwhichcouldonlyprovesuperfluous。
AtlasttheKingturnedafaceredandswollenwithangertotheblindLord，whostillkneeledbeforehim。
\"Whathastthoutosay？\"hesaid，inadeepandsullenvoice。
\"GraciousandmercifulLord，\"saidtheblindnobleman，\"Icometothee，thefountain—headofjustice，cravingjustice。Sire，Idonowandheredenymytreason，whichdenialIcouldnotbeforemake，beingblindandhelpless，andmineenemiesstrongandmalignant。Butnow，sire，Heavenhathsentmehelp，andthereforeIdoacclaimbeforetheethatmyaccuser，WilliamBushyBrookhurst，EarlofAlban，isafoulandanattaintedliarinallthathehathaccusedmeof。Toupholdwhichallegation，andtodefendme，whoamblindedbyhisunknightliness，IdoofferachampiontoproveallthatIsaywithhisbodyincombat。\"
TheEarlofMackworthdartedaquicklookatMyles，whocameforwardthemomenthisfatherhadended，andkneeledbesidehim。
TheKingofferednointerruptiontohisspeech，buthebentalookheavywithangerupontheyoungman。
\"MygraciousLordandKing，\"saidMyles，\"I，thesonoftheaccused，dooffermyselfashischampioninthiscause，beseechingtheeofthygraceleavetoprovethetruthofthesame，beingabeltedknightbythygraceandofthycreationandthepeerofanywhowearethspurs。\"Thereupon，rising，hedrewhisirongauntletfromhisgirdle，andflungitclashingdownuponthefloor，andwithhisheartswellingwithinhimwithangerandindignationandpityofhisblindfather，hecried，inaloudvoice，\"Idoaccusethee，WilliamofAlban，thatthouliestvilelyasaforesaid，andherecastdownmygage，daringtheetotakeitup。
TheEarlofAlbanmadeasthoughhewouldacceptthechallenge，buttheKingstoppedhimhastily。
\"Stop！\"hecried，harshly。\"Touchnotthegage！Letitlie——letitlie，Itellthee，myLord！Nowthen，\"saidhe，turningtotheothers，\"tellmewhatmeanethallthiscoil？Whobroughtthismanhither？\"
Helookedfromonetoanotherofthosewhostoodsilentlyaround，butnooneanswered。
\"Isee，\"saidhe，\"yeallhavehadtodowithit。ItisasmyLordofAlbansayeth；yearehisenemies，andyearemyenemiesaswell。InthisIdosmellavileplot。IcannotundowhatI
havedone，andsinceIhavemadethisyoungmanaknightwithmineownhands，IcannotdenythatheisfittochallengemyLordofAlban。Ne’theless，theHighCourtofChivalryshalladjudgethiscase。Meantime，\"saidhe，turningtotheEarlMarshal，whowaspresent，\"IgivetheethisattaintedLordincharge。ConveyhimpresentlytotheTower，andlethimabideourpleasurethere。
Also，thoumaysttakeupyongage，andkeepittillitisredeemedaccordingtoourpleasure。\"
Hestoodthoughtfullyforamoment，andthenraisinghiseyes，lookedfixedlyattheEarlofMackworth。\"Iknow，\"hesaid，\"thatIbearightsickman，andtherebesomewhoarealreadyplottingtooverthrowthosewhohaveheldupmyhandwiththeirownstrengthforalltheseyears。\"Thenspeakingmoredirectly：\"MyLordEarlofMackworth，Iseeyourhandinthisbeforeallothers。Itwasthouwhosoplayeduponmeastogetmetoknightthisyoungman，andthusmakehimworthytochallengemyLordofAlban。Itwasthydoingsthatbroughthimhereto—day，backedbymineownsonsandmybrotherandbythesenoblemen。\"ThenturningsuddenlytotheEarlofAlban：\"Come，myLord，\"saidhe；\"Iamawearywithallthiscoil。Lendmethinearmtoleavethisplace。\"Soitwasthathelefttheroom，leaningupontheEarlofAlban’sarm，andfollowedbythetwoorthreeoftheAlbanfactionwhowerepresent。
\"YourRoyalHighness，\"saidtheEarlMarshal，\"Imuste’endotheKing’sbidding，andtakethisgentlemanintoarrest。\"
\"Dothyduty，\"saidthePrince。\"Weknewitmustcometothis。
Meanwhileheistobeaprisonerofhonor，andseethathebewelllodgedandcaredfor。Thouwiltfindmybargeatthestairstoconveyhimdowntheriver，andImyselfwillcomethisafternoontovisithim。\"
CHAPTER31
ItwasnotuntiltheendofJulythattheHighCourtofChivalryrendereditsjudgment。Thereweremanyunusualpointsinthecase，someofwhichboreheavilyagainstLordFalworth，someofwhichwereinhisfavor。HewasveryablydefendedbythelawyerswhomtheEarlofMackworthhadengageduponhisside；
nevertheless，underordinarycircumstances，thejudgment，nodoubt，wouldhavebeenquicklyrenderedagainsthim。Asitwas，however，thecircumstanceswerenotordinary，anditwasrenderedinhisfavor。TheCourtbesoughttheKingtogranttheordealbybattle，toacceptLordFalworth’schampion，andtoappointthetimeandplaceforthemeeting。
Thedecisionmusthavebeenamostbitter，gallingoneforthesickKing。Hewasnaturallyofagenerous，forgivingnature，butLordFalworthinhistimeofpowerhadbeenanunrelentingandfearlessopponent，andhisMajestywho，likemostgenerousmen，couldonoccasionsbeverycruelandintolerant，hadneverforgivenhim。HehadsteadilythrownthemightofhisinfluencewiththeCourtagainsttheFalworths’case，butthatinfluencewasnolongerall—powerfulforgoodorill。Hewasfailinginhealth，anditcouldonlybeamatterofafewyears，probablyofonlyafewmonths，beforehissuccessorsatuponthethrone。
Upontheotherhand，thePrinceofWales’sfactionhadbeensteadily，andoflaterapidly，increasinginpower，andintheEarlofMackworth，itsvirtualhead，itpossessedoneofthemostcapablepoliticiansandastuteintriguersinEurope。So，astheoutcomeofalltheplottingandcounter—plotting，schemingandcounter—scheming，thecasewasdecidedinLordFalworth’sfavor。
TheknowledgeoftheultimateresultwasknowntothePrinceofWales’scirclealmostaweekbeforeitwasfinallydecided。
Indeed，theEarlofMackworthhadmadeprettysureofthatresultbeforehehadsummonedMylesfromFrance，butupontheKingitfellliketheshockofasuddenblow。Allthatdayhekepthimselfinmoodyseclusion，nursinghissilent，bitteranger，andmakingonlyoneoutbreak，inwhichhesworebytheHolyRoodthatshouldMylesbeworstedintheencounter，hewouldnottakethebattleintohisownhands，butwouldsufferhimtobeslain，andfurthermore，thatshouldtheEarlshowsignsoffailingatanytime，hewoulddoallinhispowertosavehim。Oneofthecourtierswhohadbeenpresent，andwhowassecretlyinclinedtothePrinceofWales’sfaction，hadrepeatedthisspeechatScotlandYard，andthePrincehadsaid，\"Thatmeaneth，Myles，thatthoumusteitherwinordie。\"
\"AndsoIwouldhaveittobe，myLord，\"Myleshadanswered。
ItwasnotuntilnearlyafortnightafterthedecisionoftheCourtofChivalryhadbeenrenderedthattheKingannouncedthetimeandplaceofbattle——thetimetobethe3dofSeptember，theplacetobeSmithfield——aspotmuchusedforsuchencounters。
Duringthethreeweeksorsothatintervenedbetweenthisannouncementandthetimeofcombat，Myleswentnearlyeverydaytovisitthelistsincourseoferection。OftenthePrincewentwithhim；alwaystwoorthreeofhisfriendsoftheScotlandYardcourtaccompaniedhim。
Thelistswerelaidoutintheusualform。Thetrueorprincipallistinwhichthecombatantsweretoengagewassixtyyardslongandfortyyardswide；thisrectangularspacebeingsurroundedbyafenceaboutsixfeethigh，paintedvermilion。BetweenthefenceandthestandwheretheKingandthespectatorssat，andsurroundingthecentralspace，wastheouterorfalselist，alsosurroundedbyafence。InthefalselisttheConstableandtheMarshalandtheirfollowersandattendantsweretobestationedatthetimeofbattletopreservethegeneralpeaceduringthecontestbetweentheprincipals。
OnedayasMyles，hisprincelypatron，andhisfriendsenteredthebarriers，leavingtheirhorsesattheoutergate，theymettheEarlofAlbanandhisfollowers，whowerejustquittingthelists，whichtheyalsowereinthehabitofvisitingnearlyeveryday。Asthetwopartiespassedoneanother，theEarlspoketoagentlemanwalkingbesidehimandinavoiceloudenoughtobeclearlyoverheardbytheothers：\"YonderistheyoungsprigofFalworth，\"saidhe。\"Hisfather，myLords，isnotcontentwithforfeitinghisownlifeforhistreason，butmust，forsooth，throwawayhisson’salso。Ihavefacedandoverthrownmanyabetterknightthanthatboy。\"
Mylesheardthespeech，andknewthatitwasintendedforhimtohearit；buthepaidnoattentiontoit，walkingcomposedlyatthePrince’sside。ThePrincehadalsooverheardit，andafteralittlespaceofsilenceasked，\"Dostthounotfeelanxietyforthycomingbattle，Myles？\"
\"Yea，myLord，\"saidMyles；\"sometimesIdofeelanxiety，butnotsuchasmyLordofAlbanwouldhavemefeelinutteringthespeechthathespakeanon。Itisanxietyformyfather’ssakeandmymother’ssakethatIfeel，fortrulytherearegreatmattersforthempendinguponthisfight。Ne’theless，IdoknowthatGodwillnotdesertmeinmycause，forverilymyfatherisnotraitor。\"
\"ButtheEarlofAlban，\"saidthePrince，gravely，\"isreputedoneofthebest—skilledknightsinallEngland；moreover，heismercilessandwithoutgenerosity，sothatanhegainaughtadvantageoverthee，hewillsurelyslaythee。\"
\"Iamnotafraid，myLord，\"saidMyles，stillcalmlyandcomposedly。
\"NoramIafraidforthee，Myles，\"saidthePrince，heartily，puttinghisarm，ashespoke，aroundtheyoungman’sshoulder；
\"fortruly，wertthouaknightoffortyyears，insteadofoneoftwenty，thoucouldstnotbearthyselfwithmorecourage。\"
Asthetimefortheduelapproached，thedaysseemedtodragthemselvesalonguponleadenfeet；nevertheless，thedayscameandwent，asalldaysdo，bringingwiththem，atlast，thefateful3dofSeptember。
Earlyinthemorning，whilethesunwasstilllevelandred，thePrincehimself，unattended，cametoMyles’sapartment，intheouterroomofwhichGascoynewasbustlingbusilyaboutarrangingthearmorpiecebypiece；renewingstrapsandthongs，butnotwhistlingoverhisworkasheusuallydid。ThePrincenoddedtohim，andthenpassedsilentlythroughtotheinnerchamber。Myleswasuponhisknees，andFatherAmbrose，thePrince’schaplain，wasbesidehim。ThePrincestoodsilentlyatthedoor，untilMyles，havingtoldhislastbead，roseandturnedtowardshim。
\"MydearLord，\"saidtheyoungknight，\"Igiveyougramercyforthegreathonoryoudomeincomingsoearlyfortovisitme。\"
\"Nay，Myles，givemenothanks，\"saidthePrince，franklyreachinghimhishand，whichMylestookandsettohislips。\"I
laybethinkingmeoftheethismorning，whileyetinbed，andso，asIcouldnotsleepanymore，Iwasmovedtocomehithertoseethee。\"
QuiteanumberofthePrince’sfactionwereatthebreakfastatScotlandYardthatmorning；amongothers，theEarlofMackworth。
Allweremoreorlessoppressedwithanxiety，fornearlyallofthemhadstakedmuchuponthecomingbattle。IfAlbanconquered，hewouldbemorepowerfultoharmthemandtorevengehimselfuponthemthanever，andMyleswasaveryyoungchampionuponwhomtodepend。Myleshimself，perhaps，showedaslittleanxietyasany；hecertainlyatemoreheartilyofhisbreakfastthatmorningthanmanyoftheothers。
Afterthemealwasended，thePrincerose。\"Theboatisreadyatthestairs，\"saidhe；\"ifthouwouldstgototheTowertovisitthyfather，Myles，beforehearingmass，IandCholmondeleyandVereandPoinswillgowiththee，ifye，Lordsandgentlemen，willgrantmeyourpardonforleavingyou。Arethereanyothersthatthouwouldsthaveaccompanythee？\"
\"IwouldhaveSirJamesLeeandmysquire，MasterGascoyne，ifthouartsopleasedtogivethemleavetogo，\"answeredMyles。
\"Sobeit，\"saidthePrince。\"WewillstopatMackworthstairsfortheknight。\"
ThebargelandedattheweststairsoftheTowerwharf，andthewholepartywerereceivedwithmorethanusualcivilitiesbytheGovernor，whoconductedthematoncetotheTowerwhereLordFalworthwaslodged。LadyFalworthmetthemattheheadofthestairs；hereyeswereveryredandherfacepale，andasMylesraisedherhandandsetalongkissuponit，herlipstrembled，andsheturnedherfacequicklyaway，pressingherhandkerchiefforonemomenttohereyes。Poorlady！Whatagonyofanxietyanddreaddidshenotsufferforherboy’ssakethatday！Myleshadnothiddenbothfromherandhisfatherthathemusteitherwinordie。
AsMylesturnedfromhismother，PriorEdwardcameoutfromtheinnerchamber，andwasgreetedwarmlybyhim。TheoldpriesthadarrivedinLondononlythedaybefore，havingcomedownfromCrosbeyPriorytobewithhisfriend’sfamilyduringthistheirtimeofterribleanxiety。
Afteralittlewhileofgeneraltalk，thePrinceandhisattendantsretired，leavingthefamilytogether，onlySirJamesLeeandGascoyneremainingbehind。
Manymattersthathadbeendiscussedbeforewerenowfinallysettled，thechiefofwhichwasthedispositionofLadyFalworthincasethebattleshouldgoagainstthem。ThenMylestookhisleave，kissinghismother，whobegancrying，andcomfortingherwithbraveassurances。PriorEdwardaccompaniedhimasfarastheheadoftheTowerstairs，whereMyleskneeleduponthestonesteps，whilethegoodpriestblessedhimandsignedthecrossuponhisforehead。ThePrincewaswaitinginthewalledgardenadjoining，andastheyrowedbackagainuptherivertoScotlandYard，allwerethoughtfulandserious，evenPoins’andVere’smerrytonguesbeingstilledfromtheirusualquipsandjesting。
Itwas。aboutthequarterofthehourbeforeeleveno’clockwhenMyles，withGascoyne，setforthforthelists。ThePrinceofWales，togetherwithmostofhiscourt，hadalreadygoneontoSmithfield，leavingbehindhimsixyoungknightsofhishouseholdtoactasescorttotheyoungchampion。Thenatlasttheordertohorsewasgiven；thegreatgateswungopen，andouttheyrode，clatteringandjingling，thesunlightgleamingandflamingandflashingupontheirpolishedarmor。Theydrewreintotheright，andsorodeinalittlecloudofdustalongtheStrandStreettowardsLondontown，withthebreezeblowingmerrily，andthesunlightshiningassweetlyandblithesomelyasthoughtheywereridingtoaweddingratherthantoagrimanddreadfulordealthatmeanteithervictoryordeath。
CHAPTER32
InthedaysofKingEdwardIIIacodeoflawsrelatingtotrialbybattlehadbeencompiledforoneofhissons，ThomasofWoodstock。Inthisworkeachandeverydetail，tothemostminute，hadbeenarrangedandfixed，andfromthattimejudicialcombatshadbeenregulatedinaccordancewithitsmandates。
ItwasinobediencetothiscodethatMylesFalworthappearedattheeastgateofthelists（theeastgatebeingassignedbylawtothechallenger），cladinfullarmorofproof，attendedbyGascoyne，andaccompaniedbytwooftheyoungknightswhohadactedashisescortfromScotlandYard。
AtthebarriershewasmetbytheattorneyWillingwood，thechieflawyerwhohadconductedtheFalworthcasebeforetheHighCourtofChivalry，andwhowastoattendhimduringtheadministrationoftheoathsbeforetheKing。
AsMylespresentedhimselfatthegatehewasmetbytheConstable，theMarshal，andtheirimmediateattendants。TheConstable，layinghishanduponthebridle—rein，said，inaloudvoice：\"Stand，SirKnight，andtellmewhythouartcomethusarmedtothegatesofthelists。Whatisthyname？Whereforeartthoucome？\"
Mylesanswered，\"IamMylesFalworth，aKnightoftheBathbygraceofhisMajestyKingHenryIVandbyhiscreation，anddocomehithertodefendmychallengeuponthebodyofWilliamBushyBrookhurst，EarlofAlban，proclaiminghimanunknightlyknightandafalseandperjuredliar，inthathehathaccusedGilbertReginald，LordFalworth，oftreasonagainstourbelovedLord，hisMajestytheKing，andmayGoddefendtheright！\"
Asheendedspeaking，theConstableadvancedclosetohisside，andformallyraisingtheumbrilofthehelmet，lookedhimintheface。Thereupon，havingapprovedhisidentity，heorderedthegatestobeopened，andbadeMylesenterthelistswithhissquireandhisfriends。
AtthesouthsideofthelistsaraisedscaffoldinghadbeenbuiltfortheKingandthosewholookedon。ItwasnotunlikethatwhichhadbeenerectedatDevlenCastlewhenMyleshadfirstjoustedasbeltedknight——herewerethesameraisedseatfortheKing，thetapestries，thehangings，theflutteringpennons，andtheroyalstandardfloatingabove；onlyherewerenofair—facedladieslookingdownuponhim，butinstead，stern—browedLordsandknightsinarmorandsquires，andherewerenomerrylaughingandbuzzoftalkandflutteroffansandkerchiefs，butallwasveryquietandserious。
Mylesridinguponhishorse，withGascoyneholdingthebridle—rein，andhisattorneywalkingbesidehimwithhishanduponthestirrups，followedtheConstableacrosstheliststoanopenspaceinfrontoftheseatwheretheKingsat。Then，havingreachedhisappointedstation，hestopped，andtheConstable，advancingtothefootofthestair—waythatledtothedaisabove，announcedinaloudvoicethatthechallengerhadenteredthelists。
\"Thencalledthedefendantstraightway，\"saidtheKing，\"fornoondrawethnigh。\"
Thedaywasverywarm，andthesun，brightandunclouded，shonefiercelydownupontheopenlists。PerhapsfewmennowadayscouldbearthescorchingheatofironplatessuchasMyleswore，fromwhichthebodywasonlyprotectedbyaleathernjacketandhose。
Butmen’sbodiesinthosedaysweretougherandmoreseasonedtohardshipsofweatherthantheyareintheseourtimes。Mylesthoughtnomoreoftheburningironplatesthatincasedhimthanamodernsoldierthinksofhisdressuniforminwarmweather。
Nevertheless，heraisedtheumbrilofhishelmettocoolhisfaceashewaitedthecomingofhisopponent。Heturnedhiseyesupwardtotherowofseatsonthescaffoldingabove，andevenintherestless，bewilderingmultitudeofstrangefacesturnedtowardshimrecognizedthosethatheknew：thePrinceofWales，hiscompanionsoftheScotlandYardhousehold，theDukeofClarence，theBishopofWinchester，andsomeofthenoblemenoftheEarlofMackworth’sparty，whohadbeenbuzzingaboutthePrinceforthepastmonthorso。Buthisglancesweptoverallthese，ratherperceivingthanseeingthem，andthenresteduponasquarebox—likecompartmentnotunlikeaprisoner’sdockinthecourtroomofourday，forintheboxsathisfather，withtheEarlofMackworthupononesideandSirJamesLeeupontheother。
Theblindman’sfacewasverypale，butstillworeitsusualexpressionofcalmserenity——thecalmserenityofablindface。
TheEarlwasalsoverypale，andhekepthiseyesfixedsteadfastlyuponMyleswithakeenandsearchinglook，asthoughtopiercetotheverybottomoftheyoungman’sheart，anddiscoverifindeednotonelittlefragmentofdryrotoffearoruncertaintytaintedthesolidcourageofhisknighthood。
Thenheheardthecrierscallingthedefendantatthefourcornersofthelist：\"Oyez！Oyez！Oyez！WilliamBushyBrookhurst，EarlofAlban，cometothiscombat，inwhichyoubeenterprisedthisdaytodischargeyoursuretiesbeforetheKing，theConstable，andtheMarshal，andtoencounterinyourdefenceMylesFalworth，knight，theacceptedchampionuponbehalfofGilbertReginaldFalworth，thechallenger！Oyez！Oyez！Oyez！Letthedefendantcome！\"
Sotheycontinuedcalling，until，bythesuddenturningofallfaces，Mylesknewthathisenemywasathand。
ThenpresentlyhesawtheEarlandhisattendantsentertheoutergateatthewestendofthebarrier；hesawtheConstableandMarshalmeethim；hesawtheformalwordsofgreetingpass；hesawtheConstableraisetheumbrilofthehelmet。Thenthegateopened，andtheEarlofAlbanentered，cladcap—a—pieinafullsuitofmagnificentMilanarmorwithoutjupponoradornmentofanykind。Asheapproachedacrossthelists，Mylesclosedtheumbrilofhishelmet，andthensatquitestillandmotionless，forthetimewascome。
Sohesat，erectandmotionlessasastatueofiron，halfhearingthereadingofthelongintricately—wordedbills，absorbedinmanythoughtsofpastandpresentthings。Atlastthereadingended，andthenhecalmlyandcomposedlyobeyed，underthedirectionofhisattorney，theseveralformsandceremoniesthatfollowed；answeredthevariousofficialquestions，tookthevariousoaths。ThenGascoyne，leadingthehorsebythebridle—
rein，conductedhimbacktohisstationattheeastendofthelists。
Asthefaithfulfriendandsquiremadeonelastandsearchingexaminationofarmsandarmor，theMarshalandtheclerkcametotheyoungchampionandadministeredthefinaloathbywhichhesworethathecarriednoconcealedweapons。
TheweaponsallowedbytheHighCourtwerethenmeasuredandattested。Theyconsistedofthelongsword，theshortsword，thedagger，themace，andaweaponknownasthehand—gisarm，orglave—lot——aheavyswordlikebladeeightpalmslong，apalminbreadth，andrivetedtoastouthandleofwoodthreefeetlong。
Theusuallancehadnotbeenincludedinthelistofarms，thehand—gisarmbeingsubstitutedinitsplace。Itwasafearfulandmurderousweapon，thoughcumbersome，Unhandy，andilladaptedforquickordexterousstroke；nevertheless，theEarlofAlbanhadpetitionedtheKingtohaveitincludedinthelist，andinanswertotheKing’sexpresseddesiretheCourthadadopteditinthesteadofthelance，yieldingthusmuchtotheroyalwishes。
Norwasitasmallconcession。Thehand—gisarmhadbeenaweaponverymuchinvogueinKingRichard’sday，andwasnownearlyifnotentirelyoutoffashionwiththeyoungergenerationofwarriors。TheEarlofAlbanwas，ofcourse，wellusedtotheblade；withMylesitwasstrangeandnew，eitherforattackorindefence。
Withtheadministrationofthefinaloathandtheexaminationoftheweapons，thepreliminaryceremoniescametoanend，andpresentlyMylesheardthecrierscallingtoclearthelists。Asthosearoundhimmovedtowithdraw，theyoungknightdrewoffhismailedgauntlet，andgaveGascoyne’shandonelastfinalclasp，strong，earnest，andintensewiththeclosefriendshipofyoungmanhood，andpoorGascoynelookedupathimwithafaceghastlywhite。
Thenallweregone；thegatesoftheprincipallistandthatofthefalselistwereclosedclashing，andMyleswasalone，facetoface，withhismortalenemy。
CHAPTER33
Therewasalittlewhileofrestless，rustlingsilence，duringwhichtheConstabletookhisplaceintheseatappointedforhimdirectlyinfrontofandbelowtheKing’sthrone。Amomentortwowheneventherestlessnessandtherustlingwerequieted，andthentheKingleanedforwardandspoketotheConstable，whoimmediatelycalledout，inaloud，clearvoice。
\"Letthemgo！\"Thenagain，\"Letthemgo！\"Then，forthethirdandlasttime，\"Letthemgoanddotheirendeavor，inGod’sname！\"
Atthisthirdcommandthecombatants，eachofwhomhadtillthatmomentbeensittingasmotionlessasastatueofiron，tightenedrein，androdeslowlyanddeliberatelyforwardwithouthaste，yetwithouthesitation，untiltheymetintheverymiddleofthelists。
Inthebattlewhichfollowed，Mylesfoughtwiththelongsword，theEarlwiththehand—gisarmforwhichhehadasked。Themomenttheymet，thecombatwasopened，andforatimenothingwasheardbutthethunderousclashingandclamorofblows，nowandthenbeatingintermittently，nowandthenpausing。Occasionally，asthecombatantsspurredtogether，checked，wheeled，andrecovered，theywouldbehiddenforamomentinamistyveilofdust，which，againdriftingdownthewind，perhapsrevealedthemdrawnalittleapart，restingtheirpantinghorses。Then，again，theywouldspurtogether，strikingastheypassed，wheelingandstrikingagain。
Uponthescaffoldingallwasstill，onlynowandthenforthebuzzofmuffledexclamationsorapplauseofthosewholookedon。
MostlytheapplausewasfromMyles’sfriends，forfromtheveryfirstheshowedandsteadilymaintainedhisadvantageovertheolderman。\"Hah！wellstruck！wellrecovered！\"\"Lookye！theswordbitthattime！\"\"Nay，look，sawyehimpassthepointofthegisarm？\"Then，\"Falworth！Falworth！\"assomemorethanusuallyskilfulstrokeorparryoccurred。
MeantimeMyles’sfathersatstraininghissightlesseyeballs，asthoughtopiercehisbody’sdarknesswithonerayoflightthatwouldshowhimhowhisboyheldhisowninthefight，andLordMackworth，leaningwithhislipsclosetotheblindman’sear，toldhimpointbypointhowthebattlestood。
\"Fearnot，Gilbert，\"saidheateachpauseinthefight。\"Heholdethhisownrightwell。\"Then，afterawhile：\"Godiswithus，Gilbert。Albanistwicewoundedandhishorsefaileth。Onelittlewhilelongerandthevictoryisours！\"
Alongerandmorecontinuousintervalofcombatfollowedthislastassurance，duringwhichMylesdrovetheassaultfiercelyandunrelentinglyasthoughtooverbearhisenemybytheverypowerandviolenceoftheblowshedelivered。TheEarldefendedhimselfdesperately，butwasborneback，back，back，fartherandfarther。
Everynerveofthosewholookedonwasstretchedtobreathlesstensity，when，almostashisenemywasagainstthebarriers，Mylespausedandrested。
\"Outuponit！\"exclaimedtheEarlofMackworth，almostshrillyinhisexcitement，asthesuddenlullfollowedthecrashingofblows。\"Whydoththeboysparehim？Thatisthricehehathgivenhimgracetorecover；anhehadpushedthebattlethattimehehaddrivenhimbackagainstthebarriers。\"
ItwasastheEarlhadsaid；Myleshadthreetimesgivenhisenemygracewhenvictorywasalmostinhisverygrasp。Hehadthreetimessparedhim，inspiteofallheandthosedeartohimmustsuffershouldhiscruelandmercilessenemygainthevictory。Itwasafalseandfoolishgenerosity，partlythefaultofhisimpulsiveyouth——morelargelyofhisromantictrainingintheartificialcodeofFrenchchivalry。Hefeltthatthebattlewashis，andsohegavehisenemythesethreechancestorecover，assomechevalierorknight—errantofromancemighthavedone，insteadofpushingthecombattoamercifullyspeedyend——andhisfoolishgenerositycosthimdear。
InthemomentarypausethathadthusstirredtheEarlofMackworthtoasuddenoutbreak，theEarlofAlbansatuponhispanting，sweatingwar—horse，facinghispowerfulyoungenemyatabouttwelvepacesdistant。Hesatasstillasarock，holdinghisgisarmpoisedinfrontofhim。Hehad，astheEarlofMackworthhadsaid，beenwoundedtwice，andeachtimewiththepointofthesword，somuchmoredangerousthanadirectcutwiththeweapon。Onewoundwasbeneathhisarmor，andnoonebutheknewhowseriousitmightbe；theotherwasundertheoverlappingoftheepauhere，andfromitafinger’s—breadthofbloodranstraightdownhissideandoverthehousingsofhishorse。Fromwithout，thestillmotionlessironfigureappearedcalmandexpressionless；within，whoknowswhatconsumingblastsofhate，rage，anddespairswepthisheartaswithafierywhirlwind。
AsMyleslookedatthemotionless，bleedingfigure，hisbreastswelledwithpity。\"MyLord，\"saidhe，\"thouartsorewoundedandthefightisagainstthee；wiltthounotyieldthee？\"
Noonebutthatotherheardthespeech，andnoonebutMylesheardtheanswerthatcameback，hollow，cavernous，\"Never，thoudog！Never！\"
Theninaninstant，asquickasaflash，hisenemyspurredstraightuponMyles，andashespurredhestruckalastdesperate，swingingblow，inwhichhethrewinonefinaleffortallthestrengthofhate，offury，andofdespair。Myleswhirledhishorsebackward，wardingtheblowwithhisshieldashedidso。Thebladeglancedfromthesmoothfaceoftheshield，and，whetherbymistakeornot，fellstraightandtrue，andwithalmostundiminishedforce，upontheneckofMyles’swar—horse，andjustbehindtheears。Theanimalstaggeredforward，andthenfelluponitsknees，andatthesameinstanttheother，asthoughbytheimpetusoftherush，dashedfulluponitwithallthemomentumlentbytheweightofironitcarried。Theshockwasirresistible，andthestunnedandwoundedhorsewasflungupontheground，rollingoverandover。Ashishorsefell，Myleswrenchedoneofhisfeetoutofthestirrup；theothercaughtforaninstant，andhewasflungheadlongwithstunningviolence，hisarmorcrashingashefell。Inthecloudofdustthatarosenoonecouldseejustwhathappened，butthatwhatwasdonewasdonedeliberatelynoonedoubted。Theearl，atoncecheckingandspurringhisfoamingcharger，drovetheiron—shodwar—horsedirectlyoverMyles’sprostratebody。Then，checkinghimfiercelywiththecurb，reinedhimback，thehoofsclashingandcrashing，overthefigurebeneath。SohehadriddenoverthefatheratYork，andsoherodeoverthesonatSmithfield。
Myles，ashelayprostrateandhalfstunnedbyhisfall，hadseenhisenemythusdrivinghisrearinghorsedownuponhim，butwasnotabletodefendhimself。Afallenknightinfullarmorwasutterlypowerlesstorisewithoutassistance；Myleslayhelplessintheclutchoftheveryironthatwashisdefence。Heclosedhiseyesinvoluntarily，andthenhorseandriderwereuponhim。
Therewasadeafening，sparklingcrash，aglimmeringfaintness，thenanothercrashasthehorsewasreinedfuriouslybackagain，andthenahummingstillness。
Inamoment，uponthescaffoldingallwasatumultofuproarandconfusion，shoutingandgesticulation；onlytheKingsatcalm，sullen，impassive。TheEarlwheeledhishorseandsatforamomentortwoasthoughtomakequitesurethatheknewtheKing’smind。Theblowthathadbeengivenwasfoul，unknightly，buttheKinggavenosigneitherofacquiescenceorrebuke；hehadwilledthatMyleswastodie。
ThentheEarlturnedagain，androdedeliberatelyuptohisprostrateenemy。
WhenMylesopenedhiseyesafterthatmomentofstunningsilence，itwastoseetheotherloomingabovehimonhiswar—horse，swinginghisgisarmforonelastmortalblow——pitiless，merciless。
ThesightofthatloomingperilbroughtbackMyles’swanderingsenseslikeaflashoflightning。Heflunguphisshield，andmettheblowevenasitdescended，turningitaside。Itonlyprotractedtheend。
OncemoretheEarlofAlbanraisedthegisarm，swingingittwicearoundhisheadbeforehestruck。Thistime，thoughtheshieldglancedit，theblowfellupontheshoulder—piece，bitingthroughthesteelplateandleathernjackbeneatheventothebone。ThenMylescoveredhisheadwithhisshieldasalastprotectingchanceforlife。
ForthethirdtimetheEarlswungthebladeflashing，andthenitfell，straightandtrue，uponthedefencelessbody，justbelowtheleftarm，bitingdeepthroughthearmorplates。Foraninstantthebladestuckfast，andthatinstantwasMyles’ssalvation。Undertheagonyoftheblowhegaveamuffledcry，andalmostinstinctivelygraspedtheshaftoftheweaponwithbothhands。HadtheEarlletgohisendoftheweapon，hewouldhavewonthebattleathisleisureandmosteasily；asitwas，hestruggledviolentlytowrenchthegisarmawayfromMyles。Inthatshort，fiercestruggleMyleswasdraggedtohisknees，andthen，stillholdingtheweaponwithonehand，heclutchedthetrappingsoftheEarl’shorsewiththeother。Thenextmomenthewasuponhisfeet。Theotherstruggledtothrusthimaway，butMyles，lettinggothegisarm，whichheheldwithhislefthand，clutchedhimtightlybythesword—beltintheintense，vise—likegripofdespair。InvaintheEarlstrovetobeathimloosewiththeshaftofthegisarm，invainhespurredandrearedhishorsetoshakehimoff；Mylesheldhimtight，inspiteofallhisstruggles。
Hefeltneitherthestreamingbloodnorthethrobbingagonyofhiswounds；everyfacultyofsoul，mind，body，everypoweroflife，wascenteredinoneintense，burningeffort。Heneitherfelt，thought，norreasoned，butclutching，withtheblindnessofinstinct，theheavy，spiked，iron—headedmacethathungattheEarl’ssaddle—bow，hegaveitonetremendouswrenchthatsnappedtheplaitedleathernthongsthathelditasthoughtheywereskeinsofthread。Then，grindinghisteethaswithaspasm，hestruckashehadneverstruckbefore——once，twice，thricefulluponthefrontofthehelmet。Crash！crash！Andthen，evenastheEarltoppledsidelong，crash！Andtheironplatessplitandcrackledunderthethirdblow。Myleshadoneflashingglimpseofanawfulface，andthenthesaddlewasempty。
Then，asheheldtighttothehorse，panting，dizzy，sicktodeath，hefeltthehotbloodgushingfromhisside，fillinghisbodyarmor，andstainingthegrounduponwhichhestood。Stillheheldtightlytothesaddle—bowofthefallenman’shorseuntil，throughhisglimmeringsight，hesawtheMarshal，theLieutenant，andtheattendantsgatheraroundhim。HeheardtheMarshalaskhim，inavoicethatsoundedfaintanddistant，ifhewasdangerouslywounded。Hedidnotanswer，andoneoftheattendants，leapingfromhishorse，openedtheumbrilofhishelmet，disclosingthedull，holloweyes，theashy，colorlesslips，andthewaxyforehead，uponwhichstoodgreatbeadsofsweat。
\"Water！water！\"hecried，hoarsely；\"givemetodrink！\"Then，quittinghisholduponthehorse，hestartedblindlyacrosstheliststowardsthegateofthebarrier。Ashadowthatchilledhisheartseemedtofalluponhim。\"Itisdeath，\"hemuttered；thenhestopped，thenswayedforaninstant，andthentoppledheadlong，crashingashefell。
CONCLUSION
ButMyleswasnotdead。Thosewhohadseenhisfacewhentheumbrilofthehelmetwasraised，andthensawhimfallashetotteredacrossthelists，hadatfirstthoughtso。Buthisfaintnesswasmorefromlossofbloodandthesuddenunstringingofnerveandsensefromtheintensefuriousstrainofthelastfewmomentsofbattlethanfromthevitalnatureofthewound。
Indeed，afterMyleshadbeencarriedoutofthelistsandlaiduponthegroundintheshadebetweenthebarriers，MasterThomas，thePrince’sbarber—surgeon，havingexaminedthewounds，declaredthathemightbeevencarriedonacoveredlittertoScotlandYardwithoutseriousdanger。ThePrincewasextremelydesirousofhavinghimunderhiscare，andsotheventurewastried。MyleswascarriedtoScotlandYard，andperhapswasnonetheworsetherefore。ThePrince，theEarlofMackworth，andtwoorthreeothersstoodsilentlywatchingastheworthyshaverandleecher，assistedbyhisapprenticeandGascoyne，washedandbathedthegreatgapingwoundintheside，andbounditwithlinenbandages。
Myleslaywithclosedeyelids，still，pallid，weakasalittlechild。Presentlyheopenedhiseyesandturnedthem，dullandlanguid，tothePrince。
\"Whathathhappedmyfather，myLord？\"saidhe，inafaint，whisperingvoice。
\"Thouhathsavedhislifeandhonor，Myles，\"thePrinceanswered。
\"Heisherenow，andthymotherhathbeensentfor，andcomethanonwiththepriestwhowaswiththemthismorn。\"
Mylesdroppedhiseyelidsagain；hislipsmoved，buthemadenosound，andthentwobrighttearstrickledacrosshiswhitecheek。
\"Hemakethawomanofme，\"thePrincemutteredthroughhisteeth，andthen，swingingonhisheel，hestoodforalongtimelookingoutofthewindowintothegardenbeneath。
\"MayIseemyfather？\"saidMyles，presently，withoutopeninghiseyes。
ThePrinceturnedaroundandlookedinquiringlyatthesurgeon。
Thegoodmanshookhishead。\"Notto—day，\"saidhe；\"haplyto—morrowhemayseehimandhismother。Thebleedingisbutnewstanched，andsuchmattersasseeinghisfatherandmothermaymakethehearttoswell，andsomaybethewoundburstafreshandhedie。Anhewouldhopetolive，hemustrestquietuntilto—morrowday。\"
ButthoughMyles’swoundwasnotmortal，itwasveryserious。Thefeverwhichfollowedlingeredlongerthancommon——perhapsbecauseofthehotweather——andthedaysstretchedtoweeks，andtheweekstomonths，andstillhelaythere，nursedbyhismotherandGascoyneandPriorEdward，andnowandagainbySirJamesLee。
Oneday，alittlebeforethegoodpriestreturnedtoSaintMary’sPriory，ashesatbyMyles’sbedside，hishandsfolded，andhissightturnedinward，theyoungmansuddenlysaid，\"Tellme，holyfather，isitalwayswrongformantoslayman？\"
ThegoodpriestsatsilentforsolongatimethatMylesbegantothinkhehadnotheardthequestion。Butby—and—byheanswered，almostwithasigh，\"Itisahardquestion，myson，butImustintruthsay，meseemsitisnotalwayswrong。\"
\"Sir，\"saidMyles，\"Ihavebeeninbattlewhenmenwereslain，butneverdidIthinkthereonasIhaveuponthismatter。DidI
sininsoslayingmyfather’senemy？\"
\"Nay，\"saidPriorEdward，quietly，\"thoudidstnotsin。Itwasforothersthoudidstfight，myson，andforothersitispardonabletodobattle。Haditbeenthineownquarrel，itmighthaplyhavebeenmorehardtohaveansweredthee。\"
Whocangainsay，eveninthesedaysoflight，thetruthofthisthatthegoodpriestsaidtothesickladsofarawayinthepast？
OnedaytheEarlofMackworthcametovisitMyles。Atthattimetheyoungknightwasmending，andwassittingproppedupwithpillows，andwaswrappedinSirJamesLee’scloak，forthedaywaschilly。Afteralittletimeoftalk，apauseofsilencefell。
\"MyLord，\"saidMyles，suddenly，\"dostthourememberonepartofamatterwespokeofwhenIfirstcamefromFrance？\"
TheEarlmadenopretenceofignorance。\"Iremember，\"saidhe，quietly，lookingstraightintotheyoungman’sthinwhiteface。
\"AndhaveIyetwontherighttoaskfortheLadyAlicedeMowbraytowife？\"saidMyles，theredrisingfaintlytohischeeks。
\"Thouhastwonit，\"saidtheEarl，withasmile。
Myles’seyesshoneandhislipstrembledwiththepangofsuddenjoyandtriumph，forhewasstillveryweak。\"MyLord，\"saidhe，presently\"belikethoucamestheretoseemeforthisverymatter？\"
TheEarlsmiledagainwithoutanswering，andMylesknewthathehadguessedaright。Hereachedoutoneofhisweak，pallidhandsfrombeneaththecloak。TheEarlofMackworthtookitwithafirmpressure，theninstantlyquittingitagain，rose，asifashamedofhisemotion，stampedhisfeet，asthoughinpretenceofbeingchilled，andthencrossedtheroomtowherethefirecrackledbrightlyinthegreatstonefireplace。
Littleelseremainstobetold；onlyafewloosestrandstotie，andthestoryiscomplete。
ThoughLordFalworthwassavedfromdeathattheblock，thoughhishonorwascleansedfromstain，hewasyetaspoorandneedyasever。TheKing，inspiteofallthepressurebroughttobearuponhim，refusedtorestoretheestatesofFalworthandEasterbridge——thelatterofwhichhadagainrevertedtothecrownuponthedeathoftheEarlofAlbanwithoutissue——uponthegroundsthattheyhadbeenforfeitednotbecauseoftheattaintoftreason，butbecauseofLordFalworthhavingrefusedtorespondtothecitationofthecourts。Sothebusinessdraggedalongformonthaftermonth，untilinJanuarytheKingdiedsuddenlyintheJerusalemChamberatWestminster。Thenmatterswentsmoothlyenough，andFalworthandMackworthswamupontheflood—tideoffortune。
SoMyleswasmarried，forhowelseshouldthestoryend？AndonedayhebroughthisbeautifulyoungwifehometoFalworthCastle，whichhisfatherhadgivenhimforhisown，andatthegatewayofwhichhewasmetbySirJamesLeeandbythenewly—knightedSirFrancisGascoyne。
Oneday，soonafterthishome—coming，ashestoodwithheratanopenwindowintowhichcameblowingthepleasantMay—timebreeze，hesuddenlysaid，\"WhatdidstthouthinkofmewhenIfirstfellalmostintothylap，likeanapplefromheaven？\"
\"Ithoughtthouwertagreat，good—heartedboy，asIthinkthouartnow，\"saidshe，twistinghisstrong，sinewyfingersinandout。
\"Ifthouthoughtstmesothen，whataveryfoolImusthavelookedtotheewhenIsoclumsilybesoughttheeforthyfavorformyjoustingatDevlen。DidInotso？\"
\"Thoudidstlooktomethemostnoble，handsomeyoungknightthatdideverlive；thoudidstlooktomeSirGalahad，astheydidcallthee，withoutentaintorstain。\"
Mylesdidnotevensmileinanswer，butlookedathiswifewithsuchalookthatsheblushedarosyred。Then，laughing，sheslippedfromhishold，andbeforehecouldcatchheragainwasgone。
Iamgladthathewastoberichandhappyandhonoredandbelovedafterallhishardandnoblefighting。