s
thinnest there."

"God above us, what a grim man!" exclaimed Sir Geoffrey, and so thought
all in that boat and in those around them. At least they looked at Dick
askance as he whetted and whetted, and then, plucking out one of the
pale hairs from his head, drew it along the edge of the steel, which
severed it in twain.

"There! That'll do," said Grey Dick cheerfully, as he returned the long
sword to its sheath, "and God help this Cattrina, I say, for he comes
to his last battle. That is, unless he runs away," he added after
reflection.

Now they landed and were received by heralds blowing trumpets, and
conducted through a great multitude of people with much pomp and
ceremony to a pavilion which had been pitched for them, where they must
arm and make ready.

This then they did, helped or hindered by bowing squires whose language
they could not understand.

At length, when it lacked but a quarter to the hour of nine, David Day
led Hugh's horse into the wide entrance of the pavilion, where they
examined its armour, bridle, selle and trappings.

"The beast sweats already," said Hugh, "and so do I, who, to tell truth,
dread this heat more than Cattrina's sword. Pray that they get to the
business quickly, or I shall melt like butter on a hot plate."

Then his lance was given to him, a lance that was sharp and strong.
When they had been tested by them both, Hugh mounted the grey and at the
agreed signal of a single blast upon a trumpet, walked it slowly from
the pavilion, Dick going at his side on foot.

At their coming a shout went up from the assembled thousands, for in
truth it seemed, as Sir Geoffrey had said, as though all the folk in
Venice were gathered on that place. When they had finished shouting the
people began to criticise, finding much in the appearance of this pair
that moved their ready wit. Indeed there was little show about them, for
Hugh's plain armour, which lacked all ornament or inlay, was worn with
war and travel, and his horse came along as soberly as if it were going
out to plough. Nor was there anything fine about the apparel of Grey
Dick, who wore a loose chain shirt much out of fashion--it was that
which Sir Andrew had given to Hugh--an iron cap with ear-pieces, and
leather buskins on his legs. In his hand was his axe, heavy but not
over large; at his side hung a great knife, and on his back was the long
black bow and a quiver of arrows.

Thus arrayed, taking no heed of the jests and c