should commence
about the hour of ten; therefore it was necessary to rise early, in
order that we might have ample time in which to look over the ground
and judge its character, previous to our arming for the fray.

Cool and fresh was the morning; but the cloudless sky and bright-faced
sun were indications of a greater warmth when the day should be further
advanced.

Shortly after we had breakfasted the King, who had spent the night upon
the field instead of at his Palace, rode around the lists, attended by
Buckingham, Stanley, Lovell, Ratcliffe and Catesby. Richard wore not
his armour; but all of the others were fully armed, but for the lack of
their helms; instead of which they wore caps of velvet.

"Ah! Walter, thou art at last to have an opportunity to slake thy
thirst for vengeance; for Catesby seemeth ready to take to the field at
once," said Harleston, as we stood at the opening of our tent and
watched them as they made their tour of inspection.

I smiled my satisfaction.

"Wilt thou ride with headless spear, or wilt thou use the point, and
make thy prize his blood, as well as arms?"

"I desire not his steed nor arms," I answered. "No, Frederick, I would
rather have the last red drop that now is in his heart than wear King
Richard's crown. Long have I kept me quiet, and but little have I
spoken of the insulting cur since first mine ears did hear of his
black-coward's act. Well dost thou know the human heart, my friend,
and mine the best of all. It must be plain to thee that when the coals
are left upon the hearth, withouten wood to cause a showy flame, they
burn with greater, though more quiet, heat. I made a promise to the
Lady Hazel that I would not challenge him to meet me in a duel.
Therefore have I held my peace, and waited for such an opportunity as
this for working my revenge upon him. If I can kill the knave upon
this field I'll do so with as light a heart as any ever worn by man."

"Right, right! my friend," cried Frederick. "I wondered how thou, for
this long time since, didst tie down that impatient spirit of thine,
and wait with patience for thy vengeance. Thou art a true knight, Sir
Walter. Mild when not roused; but when thy spleen is stirred thou art
as fiery as the devil," and he grasped my hand and slapped me on the
shoulder, as was his familiar custom.

The people from the city commenced now to arrive. Some were mounted,
but the majority either rode in carts or came in the le