dead, mine she will remain. As for your fine knightly honour, Sir Edmund
Acour, Count de Noyon, Seigneur of Cattrina, what has a traitor to his
King to do with honour, one who is here as a spy of Philip of France, as
the poor merchant's lad knows well? Oh, take you hand from your sword,
of which you say I am not worthy, and, since you say also that I have so
many enemies, let me begin with a squire of my own degree."

Now at these bold words arose a clamour of voices speaking in French and
English.

"What say you to this, Sir Edmund?" shouted Sir John Clavering above
them all. "You are a great lord and a wealthy, beloved by me also as the
affianced of my daughter, but I am a loyal Englishman who have no truck
with traitors to my King."

"What say I?" asked Sir Edmund calmly. "I say that if this fellow can
fight as well as he can lie, your son has but a poor chance with him.
As you know well, I came hither from France to visit my estates, not to
learn what strength his Grace of England, my liege lord, gathers for the
new war with Philip."

"Enough," said Sir John; "though this is the first I have heard of such
a war, for it would seem that you know more of King Edward's mind than
I do. The light begins to fail, there is no time for talk. Stand clear,
all men, and let these two settle it."

"Ay," croaked Grey Dick, "stand clear, all men, while my master cuts
the throat of his cousin Clavering, since he who stands not clear shall
presently lie straight!" and he tapped his terrible bow with his right
hand, then instantly seized the string again.