nnon longer than I ever thought
to see one of his years resist that curtal-axe of mine. The _routier_
villains burst on us, and were closing upon me, when he turned back the
weapon that was over my head, and summoned me to yield, which I did the
more willingly that so gallant a youth should have such honour as may
be acquired by my capture."

"He has it, noble Bertrand," said Edward. "Kneel down, young Squire.
Thy name is Eustace? In the name of God, St. Michael, and St. George,
I dub thee Knight. Be faithful, brave and fortunate, as on this day.
Arise, Sir Eustace Lynwood."

"Thanks, thanks, my gracious Prince," said Reginald, a light glancing
in his fading eyes. "I should die content to see my brother's spurs so
well earned."

"Die! Say not so, my faithful Reginald. Speed, Denis, and send hither
our own leech! I trust you will live to see your son win his spurs as
gallantly!"

"No, my good Lord, I am past the power of leech or surgeon; I feel that
this is my death-wound. I am glad it was in your cause. All I desire
is your protection for my wife--my boy--my brother--"

"Your brother has earned it already," said Edward. "Your child shall
be as my own. But, oh! can nought be done? Hasten the surgeon hither!
Cheer thee, Reginald!--look up! O! would that Du Guesclin were free,
the battle unfought, so that thou wert but safe, mine own dear
brother-in-arms!"

"Where is the Prince?" called a voice from behind. "My Lord, my Lord,
if you come not speedily, there will be foul slaughter made among the
prisoners by your Spanish butcher--King I would say."

"I come, I come, Chandos," answered Edward. "Fare thee well, my brave
Reginald; and you, my new-made Knight, send tidings to my tent how it
is with him."

He pressed Reginald's hand, and sighing deeply, mounted his horse, and
rode off with Sir John Chandos, leaving the wounded Knight to the care
of his own followers.

The stream of blood was flowing fast, life was ebbing away, and Sir
Reginald's breath was failing, as Eustace, relieving Gaston from his
weight, laid his head on his breast, and laved his brow with water from
the river. "You have done gallantly, my brave brother; I did wrong to
doubt your spirit. Thanks be to God that I can die in peace, sure that
Arthur has in you a true and loving guardian. You are young, Eustace,
but my trust in you is firm. You will train him in all Christian and
godly ways--"

"It shall be the most sacred charg