o much lament. It will become
his son to vindicate his name, and revenge his death. I will be the
challenger, and no other."

"And do you think he will answer the challenge of an unknown youth, with
nothing but his pretensions to his name and title? Certainly not. Leave
this matter to me; I think of a way that will oblige him to meet me at
the house of a third person who is known to all the parties concerned,
and where we will have authentic witnesses of all that passes between
him and me. I will devise the time, place, and manner, and satisfy all
your scruples."

Edmund offered to reply; but Sir Philip bad him be silent, and let him
proceed in his own way.

He then led him over his estate, and shewed him every thing deserving
his notice; he told him all the particulars of his domestic economy, and
they returned home in time to meet their friends at dinner.

They spent several days in consulting how to bring Sir Walter to
account, and in improving their friendship and confidence in each
other. Edmund endeared himself so much to his friend and patron, that
he declared him his adopted son and heir before all his friends and
servants, and ordered them to respect him as such. He every day improved
their love and regard for him, and became the darling of the whole
family.

After much consideration, Sir Philip fixed his resolutions, and began
to execute his purposes. He set out for the seat of the Lord Clifford,
attended by Edmund, M. Zadisky, and two servants. Lord Clifford received
them with kindness and hospitality.

Sir Philip presented Edmund to Lord Clifford and his family, as his near
relation and presumptive heir; They spent the evening in the pleasures
of convivial mirth and hospitable entertainment. The next day Sir Philip
began to open his mind to Lord Clifford, informing him that both his
young friend and himself had received great injuries from the present
Lord Lovel, for which they were resolved to call him to account; but
that, for many reasons, they were desirous to have proper witnesses
of all that should pass between them, and begging the favour of his
Lordship to be the principal one. Lord Clifford acknowledged the
confidence placed in him; and besought Sir Philip to let him be the
arbitrator between them. Sir Philip assured him, that their wrongs would
not admit of arbitration, as he should hereafter judge; but that he was
unwilling to explain them further till he knew certainly whether or not
the