"By St. George!" his father exclaimed, "you do not take up a bad posture,
Albert. You have looked at Edgar often enough at his exercises to see how
you ought to place yourself. I have never seen you look so manly since the
day you were born. Now, strike in."

Sir Ralph's surprise at his son's attitude grew to amazement as the swords
clashed together, and he saw that, although Edgar was not putting out his
full strength and skill, his son, instead of being scarce able, as he had
expected, to raise the heavy sword, not only showed considerable skill,
but even managed to parry some of the tricks of the weapon to which he
himself had fallen a victim.

"Stop, stop!" he said, at last. "Am I dreaming, or has someone else taken
the place of my son? Take off your helmet. It is indeed Albert!" he said,
as they uncovered. "What magic is this?"

"It is a little surprise that we have prepared for you, Sir Ralph," Edgar
said, "and I trust that you will not be displeased. Two years ago I
persuaded Albert that there was no reason why even a priest should not
have a firm hand and a steady eye, and that this would help him to
overcome his nervousness, and would make him strong in body as well as in
arm. Since that time he has practised with me almost daily after he had
finished his studies at St. Alwyth, and my masters have done their best
for him. Though, of course, he has not my strength, as he lacks the
practice I have had, he has gained wonderfully of late, and would in a few
years match me in skill, for what he wants in strength he makes up in
activity."

"Master Ormskirk," the knight said, "I am beholden to you more than I can