"A truce to words!" cried their leader; "at them, my lads!" and he
himself led the way.

Jacques met him boldly, while I found myself furiously engaged with his
followers. They were sturdy fellows, both, and fearless of danger; but
fortunately for me without trick of fence, and almost in the first blush
of the fight I had pricked one in the side. The misadventure taught them
caution, and they renewed the attack more warily.

Jacques was on my left, but I dared not look to see how he fared, though
fearing that in the unknown cavalier he had met his equal, if not his
master.

Thrust and parry--thrust and parry; now a lunge in front, now a
half-turn to the right, till my arm ached, and my eyes became dazzled
with watching the movements of the flashing steel. A laugh of triumph
from the leader of our foes warned me that some misfortune had happened
to my comrade, but whatever the mishap the gallant fellow continued to
keep his adversary fully employed.

"Ride him down!" cried the leader, and once more the two ruffians
attacked me furiously. One of them paid the penalty of his recklessness.
With a rapid lunge I got beneath his guard, and my sword passed between
his ribs. He fell forward on his horse's neck, groaning, and I cried
exultingly, "Courage, Jacques! Two to two!"

But disaster followed swiftly on the heels of my triumph. A
half-suppressed cry of pain came from my comrade, and I saw his horse
roll over. Warding off a blow from my opponent, I turned and attacked
the cavalier so hotly that he was forced back several paces, and Jacques