more tightly, till it seemed that the unequal
strife could not last another second. Whether the final result was
brought about by my last desperate effort, or was due to chance, I
could not tell, but suddenly both of us, locked as we were in each
other's arms, fell. I was underneath, but, strangely enough, the
pressure relaxed, and my assailant uttered a deep groan.

Presently the heavy weight lying across my body was removed; I began to
breathe, and to wonder what had happened. Very slowly I opened my eyes
and gazed in astonishment at the altered scene.

The street was in possession of the Queen's Guards, at whose approach
the rioters, acting on instructions from their leaders, had fled,
carrying their wounded comrades with them. In the middle of the
roadway stood a group of young gallants--all of whom had borne a part
in the fray, and several Black Mantles, attending to a slightly injured
man! Raoul and Armand d'Arcy were wiping the blood from my face, while
the Englishman was forcing some liquid between my teeth.

"How do you feel?" he asked. "Can you stand?"

"Yes, there is nothing much wrong; only I have had a bear's hug, which
was by no means pleasant. What has become of my opponent?"

"His friends carried him off. He was insensible; one of the frightened
horses kicked him. He was a savage customer."

"You had a narrow escape, my boy," said Raoul, smiling cheerfully; "you
were black in the face when we removed the fellow. Now, lean on me,
you must pay your respects to the ladies."

"Salute the hero!" laughed D'Arcy. "Bring flowers and wreathe a
garland for his brow. Let the conqueror be crowned on the tented
field."

"Be still, D'Arcy," said Raoul, "your tongue runs like a woman's," and
he conducted me to Marie and her aunt, who, between them, made a pretty
speech in my honour. They wished me to enter the carriage, which,
though badly damaged, remained fit for use; but to this I would not
agree, preferring to walk beside it.

While the coachman put his harness straight, and quietened his
frightened horses, the ladies spoke a few kind words to the wounded
Black Mantle who had fought for them so bravely. Fortunately he had
not been seriously hurt, and was able, with the assistance of his
friends, to walk home.

Suddenly young D'Arcy, who could never remain long in a serious humour,
requested us to wait a few minutes, and without staying for answer
darted off to his friends, who immediately