The event justified the Prince of Wales's confidence; at the commencement
of the struggle Ralph Smith tried to beat down his opponent by sheer
strength as he had done his prior opponents, but to his surprise he found
that all his efforts could not break down his opponent's guard. Walter
indeed did not appear to take advantage of his superior lightness and
activity, but to prefer to prove that in strength as well as skill he was
equal to his antagonist. In the latter respect there was no comparison, for
as soon as the smith began to relax his rain of blows Walter took the
offensive and with a sweeping blow given with all his strength broke down
his opponent's guard and smote him with such force upon his steel cap that,
blunted as the sword was, it clove through the iron, and stretched the
smith senseless on the ground. A loud shout broke from the assemblage. The
marshal came up to Walter, and removing his helmet, led him to the royal
pavilion, while Ralph was carried to a tent near, where a leech attended
his wound.



CHAPTER VI: THE MELEE



You have won your prize stoutly and well, sir 'prentice," the king said. "I
should not have deemed it possible that one of your age could have smitten
such a blow, and right glad should I be of a few hundred lads of your
mettle to follow me against the French. What is your calling?"

"I am an armourer, my liege," Walter answered.