strict surveillance exercised by its authorities.

They were just crossing the road leading north from Aldersgate when they
heard a scream and a clashing of swords a short distance away.

"Come, Albert, some evil deed is being done!" Edgar exclaimed, and,
drawing his sword, ran at the top of his speed in the direction of the
sound, accompanied by Albert. They soon arrived at the top of a street
leading off the main road. A short distance down it a number of men were
engaged in conflict; two of these, hearing the footsteps, turned round,
and with a savage oath, seeing that the new-comers were but lads, fell
upon them, thinking to cut them down without difficulty. Their over-
confidence proved their ruin. Edgar caught the descending blow on his
sword, close up to the hilt, and as his opponent raised his arm to repeat
the stroke, ran him through the body.

"Do you want help, Albert?" Edgar cried, as the man fell.

"No, I think that I can manage him," Albert said, quietly, and a moment
later slashed his opponent deeply across the cheek. The fellow turned and
took to his heels, roaring lustily. One of the other men, who was stooping
over a prostrate figure, with his dagger raised, paused for a moment to
look round on hearing the howl of his comrade, and as he did so Edgar's
sword fell on his wrist with such force that hand and dagger both fell to
the ground. The remaining ruffian, who was roughly endeavouring to stifle
the shrieks of a young girl, seeing himself alone with two adversaries,
also darted off and plunged into a narrow alley a few yards away.

Edgar paid no more attention to them, but exclaimed to the girl: "Cease
your cries, I pray you, maiden, and help me to see what has happened to