CHAPTER XXI

THE BAILIES OF DUMFRIES


The combat of the third day was, by the will of the Earl, to be of a
peculiar kind. It was the custom at that time for the _mêlée_ to be
fought between an equal number of knights in open lists, each being at
liberty to carry assistance to his friends as soon as he had disposed
of his own man. On this occasion, however, the fight was to be between
three knights with their several squires on the one side, and an equal
number of knights and squires on the other.

As the combat of the previous day had decided, young James Douglas of
Avondale was to lead one party, being the successful tilter of the day
of single combat, while the Earl himself was to head the other.

The chances of battle must be borne, and whatever happened in the
shock of fight was to be endured without complaint. But no blow was to
be struck at either knight or squire in any way disabled by wound.

To Sholto's great and manifest joy the Earl, his master, chose the new
captain of his guard to support him in the fray, and told him to make
choice of the best battle-axe and sword he could find, as well as to
provide himself with the shield which most suited the strength of his
left arm.