Knight was able for a short interval, by skilful play, to sweep
aside their points and to parry their blows. But it forced him to
fight wholly on the defensive, and his age and wounds left no doubt as
to the ultimate result. His arm grew tired, and the grip on his sword
hilt weakened. . . His enemies pressed him closer and closer. . . A
blow got past his guard and pierced his thigh. He had strength for
only one more stroke; and he gathered it for a final rush and balanced
himself for the opportunity. So fierce was the conflict that no one
noticed the approach of De Lacy until, with a shout of "_Au secours_!"
he rode down upon them. He had out-stripped all his escort, except his
squire, and even he was several lengths behind. Taken by surprise, the
assailants hesitated a moment, and so lost their only opportunity for
escape. With a sweep of his long sword he shore a head clean from its
shoulders, another man went down before his horse's rush; and then,
swinging in a demi-volte, he split a third through collar-bone and deep
into the breast. Meanwhile, the old Knight had slain one and Giles
Dauvrey had stopped the flight of another. But one escaped, and he, in
the confusion, had darted into the forest and was quickly lost amid its
shadows.

"By St. Luke, sir!" said the old Knight, as he leaned heavily on his
sword, "your coming was most opportune. My strength was almost spent."

"It was a gallant fight," said Aymer. "I feared every instant they
would close ere I could reach you. . . But you are wounded!"

"Nay, they are only scratches and will heal shortly--yet the leg grows
heavy and I would best rest it," and he seated himself on the turf at
the foot of the tree. "This comes of riding in silk instead of
steel--certes, I am old enough to know better."

De Lacy dismounted and aided him to examine his wounds. The only one
of any consequence was in the leg; it had been made by a sword thrust;
and the point having penetrated only the fleshy part of the thigh, no
material damage was inflicted.

"Were you alone when assaulted?" asked De Lacy, the while he was
binding a scarf around the injury.

"Yes--and another piece of childishness. I had despatched my squire on
a sudden errand, a short ways back, and had no notion of danger, when
these rogues suddenly set upon me. I made short work of two of them
and would have got through, without difficulty, but for the death of my
horse. They stabbed him, as you