he arm outstretched, which seems to me to cripple
the movements."

"Yes, but it puts the body out of harm's way," Francois said.

"It is the arm's business to guard the body, Francois, and it is
impossible to strike a downright blow when leaning so far forward."

"We strike but little, nowadays, in single combat," the maitre
d'armes said. "The point is more effective."

"That is doubtless so, Maitre Charles," Philip agreed; "but I have
not learned fencing for the sake of fighting duels, but to be able
to take my part on a field of battle. The Spaniards are said to be
masters of the straight sword, and yet they have been roughly used
in the western seas by our sailors; who, methinks, always use the
edge."

The two now took up their position facing each other. Their
attitude was strikingly different. Francois stood on bent knees,
leaning far forward; while Philip stood erect, with his knees but
slightly bent, ready to spring either forwards or backwards, with
his arm but half extended. For a time both fought cautiously.
Francois had been well taught, having had the benefit, whenever he
was in Paris, of the best masters there. He was extremely active
and, as they warmed to their work, Philip had difficulty in
standing his ground against his impetuous rushes. Some minutes
passed without either of them succeeding in touching the other. At
length the maitre d'armes called upon them to lower their swords.

"That is enough," he said. "You are equally matched.

"I congratulate you, Monsieur Philip. You have been well taught;
and indeed, there are not many youths of his age who could hold
their own with my pupil.

"Take off your helmets. Enough has been done for one day."

"Peste, Philip!" Francois said, as he removed his helmet. "I was
not wrong when I said that, from your figure, I was sure that you
had learned fencing. Maitre Charles interfered on my behalf, and to
save me the mortification of defeat. I had nearly shot my bolt, and
you had scarcely begun.

"I own myself a convert. Your attitude is better than ours--that
is, when the hand is skilful enough to defend the body. The fatigue
of holding the arm extended, as I do, is much greater than it is as
you stand; and in the long run you must get the better of anyone
who is not sufficiently skilful to slay you before his arm becomes
fatigued.

"What do you think, Maitre Charles? My cousin is two years younger
than I am, and yet his wrist and arm are stronger tha