on it. Then, reaching swiftly forward, I grasped him by the
ankle and hurled him to the ground. Ere he could move I was upon him
and, seizing his own dagger, I stabbed him to the heart.

When I had done for my man I turned to see how my friend was
progressing with his. They were still at it for dear life and Sir
Frederick did seem to be bothered with the way the Scotchman used the
little shield. This fellow was much larger and more thick of frame
than the one with which I had been engaged, and did seem to be giving
Harleston all he could do to hold his ground. Still would I not
interfere, for well did I know that my friend would rather die than
have assistance when fighting against a single foe. At length the
Scotchman made a swinging, backhand stroke, full at Sir Frederick's
neck. It was a savage blow, and I did greatly fear me that I had lost
a good comrade. Harleston, however, dropped quickly to one knee, and
as his opponent's blade whistled harmlessly over his head he plunged
his sword into his adversary's side.

"Well done!" cried I. "A pretty piece of work, upon my soul, was that
fall of thine."

"I see that thou hast settled with thy man," said he; "but this one did
compel me to use mine artifice."

With this we took their swords, as remembrances of this night's work,
and walked slowly back to camp, glad at having been the first to draw
blood, and for having found something to relieve the monotony, after
our long and tedious journey.

When we reached camp we learned that the messenger had returned with an
answer from the Scots, which message was evidently a refusal to comply
with the Duke's demand; for we did at once receive orders to be in
readiness to commence the attack at sunrise.

When we retired, Frederick and I occupied--as was our wont--the same
tent; and the last thing I heard, as I fell into a peaceful sleep, was
the sounds of the anvils of the armourers, as they worked, getting
everything ready for a day of battle.

CHAPTER IV

THE TAKING OF BERWICK

The next morning, just as day was breaking, we were aroused by our
squires, who, after bringing us our breakfasts, of which we ate
heartily, got our armour and laid it out and ready. So soon as we had
finished with our repast, we were buckled and laced into our harness,
and then, as everything was ready for the march, we did set forth.

We had not travelled above a mile when our advance guard sent us word
that a strong force of