attired in helmet, vambrace rere-brace, gauntlets, and greaves out of the
armoury, where many such suits were stored, I met him in a certain quiet
court behind the castle, where quarrels were usually voided. And now my
practice of the sword at home and the lessons of our smith came handily
to my need. After much clashing of steel and smiting out of sparks, I
chanced, by an art known to me, to strike his sword out of his hand.
Then, having him at an avail, I threw down my own blade, and so plainly
told him the plain truth, and how to his mistress I owed my life, which I
would rather lose now at his hand than hear her honour blamed, that he
forgave me, and we embraced as friends. Neither was this jest anew cast
up against either of us, men fearing to laugh, as we say, with the wrong
side of their mouths.

After this friendly bout at point and edge, Robin and Randal Rutherford,
being off duty, must needs carry me to the Tennis Court, where Tremouille
and the King were playing two young lords, and that for such a stake as
would have helped to arm a hundred men for the aid of Orleans. It was
pretty to see the ball fly about basted from the walls, and the players
bounding and striking; and, little as I understood the game, so eager was
I over the sport, that a gentleman within the "dedans" touched me twice
on the shoulder before I was aware of him.

"I would have a word with you, sir, if your grace can spare me the
leisure."

"May it not be spoken here?" I asked, for I was sorry to lose the
spectacle of the tennis, which was new to me, and is a pastime wherein
France beats the world. Pity it is that many players should so curse and
blaspheme God and His saints!

"My business," replied the stranger, "is of a kind that will hardly
endure waiting."

With that I rose and followed him out into the open courtyard, much
marvelling what might be toward.

"You are that young gentleman," said my man, "for a gentleman I take you
to be, from your aspect and common report, who yesterday were the death
of Gilles de Puiseux?"

"Sir, to my sorrow, and not by my will, I am he, and but now I was going
forth to have certain masses said for his soul's welfare": which was
true, Randal Rutherford having filled my purse against pay-day.

"I thank you, sir, for your courtesy, and perchance may have occasion to
do the like gentle service for you. Gilles de Puiseux was of my blood
and kin; he has none other to take up his feud for him i