you."

Edgar stood on the defence, but, strong as his arm was from constant
exercise, he had some difficulty to save his head from the sweeping blows
that Sir Ralph rained upon it.

"By my faith, young fellow," Sir Ralph said as, after three or four
minutes, he drew back breathless from his exertions, "your muscles seem to
be made of iron, and you are fit to hold your own in a serious _melee_.
You were wrong not to strike, for I know that more than once there was an
opening had you been quick."

Edgar was well aware of the fact, but he had not taken advantage of it,
for he felt that at his age it was best to abstain from trying to gain a
success that could not be pleasant for the good knight.

"Well, well, we will fight no more," the latter said.

When Albert had unbuckled his father's armour and hung it up, Edgar said:
"Now, Albert, let us have a bout."

The lad coloured hotly, and the knight burst into a hearty laugh.

"You might as soon challenge my daughter Aline. Well, put on the jerkin,
Albert; it were well that you should feel what a poor creature a man is
who has never had a sword in his hand."

Albert silently obeyed his father's orders and stood up facing Edgar. They
were about the same height, though Albert looked slim and delicate by the
side of his friend.