Leicester then spurred his horse, and galloped without stopping until

he reached a sequestered spot, environed by lofty oaks, about a mile's

distance from the Castle, and in an opposite direction from the scene to

which curiosity was drawing every spectator. He there dismounted, bound

his horse to a tree, and only pronouncing the words, "Here there is no

risk of interruption," laid his cloak across his saddle, and drew his

sword.

Tressilian imitated his example punctually, yet could not forbear

saying, as he drew his weapon, "My lord, as I have been known to many as

one who does not fear death when placed in balance with honour, methinks

I may, without derogation, ask wherefore, in the name of all that is

honourable, your lordship has dared to offer me such a mark of disgrace

as places us on these terms with respect to each other?"

"If you like not such marks of my scorn," replied the Earl, "betake

yourself instantly to your weapon, lest I repeat the usage you complain

of."

"It shall not need, my lord," said Tressilian. "God judge betwixt us!

and your blood, if you fall, be on your own head."

He had scarce completed the sentence when they instantly closed in

combat.

But Leicester, who was a perfect master of defence among all other

exterior accomplishments of the time, had seen on the preceding night

enough of Tressilian's strength and skill to make him fight with more

caution than heretofore, and prefer a secure revenge to a hasty one.

For some minutes they fought with equal skill and fortune, till, in

a desperate lunge which Leicester successfully put aside, Tressilian

exposed himself at disadvantage; and in a subsequent attempt to close,

the Earl forced his sword from his hand, and stretched him on the

ground. With a grim smile he held the point of his rapier within two

inches of the throat of his fallen adversary, and placing his foot at

the same time upon his breast, bid him confess his villainous wrongs

towards him, and prepare for death.

"I have no villainy nor wrong towards thee to confess," answered

Tressilian, "and am better prepared for death than thou. Use thine

advantage as thou wilt, and may God forgive you! I have given you no

cause for this."

"No cause!" exclaimed the Earl, "no cause!--but why parley with such a

slave? Die a liar, as thou hast lived!"

He had withdrawn his arm for the purpose of striking the fatal blow,

when it was suddenly seized from behind.




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