Marsden
defended himself well against all his attacks, until his breath failed
him, and he was dealt a downright blow on his helm, on which I see it
has made a shrewd dent. As for his blows, they fell upon air, for the
lad was ever out of reach before the ripostes came. In his own style of
fighting, I would wager on him against any man-at-arms in the castle."
"I am glad to hear it," Hotspur said. "I shall feel the less scruple,
in sending him on missions which are not without danger. He will need
training, to fit him for combat in the ranks. No doubt he has had no
opportunity for such teaching, and would go down before a heavy-armed
man, with a lance, like a blade of grass before a millstone."
"He thinks not, Sir Henry, at least not in a single combat, for by his
accounts his horse is as nimble as himself; but of course, in charges
he and his horse would be rolled over, as you say."
"He thinks not? Oh, well, we will try him! I have an hour to spare.
"Do you put on a suit of full armour, Sinclair, and we will ride out to
the course beyond the castle.
"What will you put on, lad?"
"I will put on only breast piece and steel cap; but I only said I
should have a chance against a lance, Sir Henry.
Pages:
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103