blood was up, and he did not stir.

"John Clavering," he said, addressing the young man, "just now, when
I lay hid in yonder hole, I heard you say that if you had five minutes
with me alone you'd beat me to a pulp and hang what was left of me on
the nearest tree. Well, here I stand, and there's a tree. Having first
tried to burn me and your sister, you have struck me in the face. Will
you make good your words, or shall I strike _you_ in the face and go my
way? Nay, keep your dogs off me! Grey Dick yonder has more arrows."

Now a tumult rose, some saying one thing and some another, but all
keeping an eye upon Grey Dick and his bent bow. At last Sir Edmund Acour
rode forward, and in his polished, stately way said to John:

"Young sir, this merchant is in the right, and whatever his trade may
be, his blood is as good as your own. After your brave words, either you
should fight him or take back the blow you gave."

Then he leaned down and whispered into John's ear:

"Your sword is longer than his. Make an end of him and of all his
trouble, lest men should laugh at you as an empty boaster."

Now John, who was brave and needed but little urging, turned to his
father and said:

"Have I your leave to whip this fellow, sir?"

"You should have asked that before you struck him in the face," replied
the knight. "You are a man grown. Do as best pleases you. Only if you
take the blow, begone from Blythburgh."

Then Eve, who all this time had been listening, called out from where
she stood above the river.

"Brother John, if you fight your cousin Hugh, who is my affianced
husband, and fall, on your own head be it, for know, your blood shall
not stand between him and me, since it was you who struck him, and not
he you. Be warned, John, and let him go, lest he should send you farther
than you wish to travel. And to you, Hugh, I say, though it is much to
ask, if he throws down his sword, forget that unknightly blow and come
thither."

"You hear," said Hugh shortly to John. "Now, because she is your sister,
if it's your will I'll begone in peace."

"Ay," answered John, setting his thin lips, "because you are a coward,
woman-thief, and seek to live that you may bring shame upon our House.
Well, that will pass when you die presently!"

"John, John, boast not," cried Eve. "Who has shown you where you will
sleep to-night?"

"Whether I shall live or die, God knows alone," said Hugh solemnly. "But
what I seek to know is, shoul