better think of his grave of malmsey,
and so profit by the picture, and hold our peace." Methought it better
to warn him; for I began to fear that my dear friend's honesty might
lead off his better judgment, and so he might fall into disfavor with
the King, should his Majesty recover, and this was ever but the first
step in the ladder leading up the scaffold.

"Perhaps thou art right," he said. "I shall at least keep mine own
counsel so long as the King doth live; for I have no desire to have my
head decorate the walls of the Tower."

"And now, my friend," said I; "there is another matter that I wish to
speak with thee about." Then I told him of my tilt of the tongue with
Catesby, and asked him to arrange matters so that we might have a
meeting at his earliest convenience.

"I do not like to see thee fight him," said Sir Frederick, when I had
finished the asking of my request; "for he is a friend of my Lord
Hastings, and though I detest the fellow, yet do I treat him with
civility on the Chancellor's account. However, Walter, after what has
passed, there is nothing left but the swords; at which game methinks
that thou hast little to fear from any man in England."

"Thou art wrong there, my friend, for this Catesby is the pupil of a
great French swordsman, and there are few in England which dare to
stand before him. However," I continued, with some pride, "it shall
never be said of a Bradley that he quietly did rest with an insult
still hanging to his cheek, and never burning it."

"Well, thou shalt have fair play at least," said my friend, "and though
he may have studied the art of swordsmanship with a score of Frenchmen,
yet have I no doubt as to the result. I have seen thee use the foils
enough to feel satisfied that Catesby shall have no advantage over
thee; and besides, he hath not more than half thy strength."

"Yea, that is true."

"But no matter how thou mayst feel towards him be sure and do not kill
him; for he stands in great favour with Gloucester, whom we cannot now
afford to offend. Run him through the arm or shoulder and thine honour
will be satisfied."

I knew my friend was talking thus in order that he might lend mine arm
more confidence. But this was not necessary; for even though Catesby
were a skilled swordsman, yet did I account myself his match at the
game, and besides it was true what Harleston said, I had more strength,
which is not the least thing to be taken into account in these