aliant man. Therefore, I will
pledge you on jeopardy of my soul that I will accept him as leader if
you fall."

"So will I also, Richard," said Calverly.

"And I too!" cried Belford. "But surely I hear music, and yonder are
their pennons amid the trees."

They all turned, leaning upon their short spears, and watched the
advance of the men of Josselin, as their troop wound its way out from
the woodlands. In front rode three heralds with tabards of the ermine of
Brittany, blowing loudly upon silver trumpets. Behind them a great man
upon a white horse bore the banner of Josselin which carries nine golden
torteaus upon a scarlet field. Then came the champions riding two
and two, fifteen knights and fifteen squires, each with his pennon
displayed. Behind them on a litter was borne an aged priest, the Bishop
of Rennes, carrying in his hands the viaticum and the holy oils that
he might give the last aid and comfort of the Church to those who were
dying. The procession was terminated by hundreds of men and women
from Josselin, Guegon, and Helleon, and by the entire garrison of the
fortress, who came, as the English had done, without their arms. The
head of this long column had reached the field before the rear were
clear of the wood, but as they arrived the champions picketed their
horses on the farther side, behind which their banner was planted and
the people lined up until they had inclosed the whole lists with a dense
wall of spectators.

With keen eyes the English party had watched the armorial blazonry of
their antagonists, for those fluttering pennons and brilliant surcoats
carried a language which all men could read. In front was the banner of
Beaumanoir, blue with silver frets. His motto "J'ayme qui m'ayme" was
carried on a second flag by a little page.

"Whose is the shield behind him--silver with scarlet drops?" asked
Knolles.

"It is his Squire, William of Montaubon," Calverly answered. "And there
are the golden lion of Rochefort and the silver cross of Du Bois the
Strong. I would not wish to meet a better company than are before us
this day. See, there are the blue rings of young Tintiniac, who slew
my Squire Hubert last Lammastide. With the aid of Saint George I will
avenge him ere nightfall."

"By the three kings of Almain," growled Croquart, "we will need to fight
hard this day, for never have I seen so many good soldiers gathered
together. Yonder is Yves Cheruel, whom they call the man of iron, Caro
d