fair field and let the best man win.

DEVENISH (_going across to and slapping the astonished_ BAXTER
_on the back_). Aye, let the best man win! Well spoken, Baxter.
(BAXTER _is very annoyed. To_ BELINDA _and going back to her_
L.) Send us out into the world upon some knightly quest, lady, and let
the victor be rewarded.

BAXTER. I--er--ought to say that I should be unable to go very far. I
have an engagement to speak at Newcastle on the 2lst.

DEVENISH. Baxter, I will take no unfair advantage of you. Let the beard
of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle be the talisman that my lady demands; I
am satisfied.

BAXTER. This sort of thing is entirely contrary to my usual mode of
life, but I will not be outfaced by a mere boy. (_Rising_.) I am
prepared. (_Going to her_.)

DEVENISH. Speak, lady.

BELINDA (_speaking in a deep, mysterious voice_). Gentlemen, ye put
wild thoughts into my head. In sooth, I _am_ minded to send ye
forth upon a quest that is passing strange. Know ye that there is a maid
journeyed hither, hight Robinson--whose--(_in her natural voice_)
what's the old for aunt?

BAXTER (_hopefully_). Mother's sister.

BELINDA. You know, I think I shall have to explain this in ordinary