"Thieves, I think," answered David, even more nervously than before,
adding, "but if so, we are safe from them here."
"Yes, sure enough," said Grey Dick, "for I can shoot by moonlight," and,
drawing the black bow from its case, which he threw to the lad to carry,
he strung it, after which they saw no more of their pursuers.
Having waited a while, they began to examine the spot where they found
themselves, which Day told them was that Place of Arms where they must
fight on the morrow. It was large and level, having been used as a
drilling ground for generations. Perhaps it measured four hundred yards
square, and almost in the centre of it rose a stand of painted timber
roofed with canvas, and ornamented with gilded flagstaffs, from which
hung banners. On this stand, David said, the Doge and nobles would take
their seats to see the fray, for in front of it the charging knights
must meet.
They walked up and down the course taking note of everything, and
especially of how the sun would shine upon them and the foothold of the
soil, which appeared to be formed of fine, trodden sand.
"I ask no better ground to fight on," said Hugh at length, "though it is
strange to think," he added with a sigh, "that here within a dozen hours
or so two men must bid the world farewell."
"Ay," answered Dick, who alone seemed untouched by the melancholy of
that night.
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