e the rascals before them as
doth the wind the crisp, dry leaves; ay, though we wear not our full
armour. What dost thou say, Bradley, shall we try conclusions with
them?"

Readily did I consent to the adventure; for never in my life have I
been known to require a second invitation of this sort. We concealed
ourselves behind some shrubs, and there we awaited our pursuers.
Presently we beheld them approaching at a run; and, as they neared our
hiding place, we could see what we should have to face. They were
three men, armed with swords such as are used by the Scotch, and which
they do manage more after the fashion of a club, than any other weapon
one could compare their use with. Their bows they had evidently thrown
aside, for their empty quivers still hung at their sides. However,
they also carried a small, round shield, and this did give them an
advantage over us, who had nothing but our good swords with which to
protect ourselves. When they came near the place where we were
concealed they stopped and held a short consultation.

"I saw them stop about this place," said one.

"No, methinks they went further on," said another.

"Well, we had better search here anyway," added the third, "for it will
not be safe for us to venture much more close unto the outposts."

And then they did commence to search the shrubbery all around us.
Nearer did they draw to where we waited, swords in hands. Presently
one came and thrust his sword into the bushes behind which we were
hiding. That was the last thrust he ever made. I was upon him in a
moment, and buried my sword up to its hilt in the fellow's chest. He
sank to the ground, but as he did so he uttered a gurgling yell, the
which did bring his companions unto that spot.

"Now, Harleston, we shall have some sport," I cried out, as I did
engage with the first of these new arrivals. My friend quickly met the
other, and we fell to in a lively fashion. I soon forced my man to
give ground, despite the difficulty I found in getting past his shield.

"Now, my brave Scot, I have thee in the right place," said I, as I
prepared to give him his quietus. Then, just as I did step forward, to
run the knave through, my foot slipped on one of those accursed stones,
and I sat down as nicely as I could have done in mine own rooms at the
castle. The fellow aimed a savage blow at my head, but, dropping the
point of my sword to the ground and raising the hilt, I caught the
stroke up