You have not fenced much, then?'

'Scarce at all,' said I.

'It is as well. With an old and tried swordsman like myself, knowledge
of the use of his weapon is everything; but with a young Hotspur of your
temper, strength and energy go for much. I have oft remarked that those
who are most skilled at the shooting of the popinjay, the cleaving of
the Turk's head, and other such sports, are ever laggards in the field.
Had the popinjay a crossbow as well, and an arrow on the string, or had
the Turk a fist as well as a head, our young gallant's nerves would
scarce be as steady over the business. I make no doubt, Master Clarke,
that we shall make trusty comrades. What saith old Butler?

"Never did trusty squire with knight,
Or knight with squire ere jump more right."

I have scarce dared to quote "Hudibras" for these weeks past, lest I
should set the Covenant fermenting in the old man's veins.'

'If we are indeed to be comrades,' said I sternly, 'you must learn to
speak with more reverence and less flippancy of my father, who would
assuredly never have harboured you had he heard the tale which you have
told me even now.'

'Belike not,' the adventurer answered, chuckling to himself. 'It is a
long stride from a mosque to a conventicle. But be not so hot-headed,
my friend. You lack that repose of character which will come to you, no
doubt, in your more mature years. What, man! within five minutes of