it not been for the insolence and insults I had to bear from others
amongst his servants, and from one youth in particular, who seemed
to me to be trying to oust me from my place, and to get himself the
foremost place in his master's favour. That made my hot blood boil
again and again, until at last the thing I believe they had long
planned happened, and I had to fly for my life."

The man paused, and Bertram, who was drinking in this story, asked
eagerly: "And what was that?"

"It was four days ago now, in the hall where we had supped. We had
drunk much wine in honour of our master's birthday, and then we
began playing and dicing to pass the time till we retired to bed.
My adversary was this youth whom I so greatly distrust. As we
played I detected him in unfair practices. He vowed I lied, and
called upon me to prove my words at the sword's point; but in my
fury and rage I sprang upon him with my bare hands, and would have
wrung his neck--the insolent popinjay--had I been able. As it was,
we struggled and swayed together till my greater weight caused him
to fall over backwards against one of the tables, and I verily
believe his back is broken. I know not whether he is living yet.
But as he is not only a great favourite with the Lord of Mortimer,
but a distant kinsman to boot, no sooner was the deed done than all
in the hall called to me to save myself by flight, for that the
master would revenge such a death upon the perpetrator of it
without mercy, and that if I wished to spare my neck I must fly
without an instant's delay.

"I knew this but too well myself. The baron was a fearful man to
meet in his rage. Where to fly I knew not, but stay I could not. I