them seemed to be considerably damped by their continued success.
Three knights only appeared on the fourth entry, who, avoiding the
shields of Bois-Guilbert and Front-de-Boeuf, contented themselves with
touching those of the three other knights who had not altogether
manifested the same strength and dexterity. This politic selection did
not alter the fortune of the field: the challengers were still
successful. One of their antagonists was overthrown; and both the others
failed in the _attaint_, that is, in striking the helmet and shield of
their antagonist firmly and strongly, with the lance held in a direct
line, so that the weapon might break unless the champion was overthrown.

After this fourth encounter, there was a considerable pause; nor did it
appear that any one was very desirous of renewing the contest. The
spectators murmured among themselves; for, among the challengers,
Malvoisin and Front-de-Boeuf were unpopular from their characters, and
the others, except Grantmesnil, were disliked as strangers and
foreigners.

But none shared the general feeling of dissatisfaction so keenly as
Cedric the Saxon, who saw, in each advantage gained by the Norman
challengers, a repeated triumph over the honor of England. His own
education had taught him no skill in the games of chivalry, although,
with the arms of his Saxon ancestors, he had manifested himself, on many
occasions, a brave and determined soldier.

He looked anxiously to Athelstane, who had learned the accomplishments
of the age, as if desiring that he should make some personal effort to
recover the victory which was passing into the hands of the Templar and
his associates. But, though both stout of heart and strong of person,
Athelstane had a disposition too inert and unambitious to make the
exertions which Cedric seemed to expect from him.

"The day is against England, my lord," said Cedric, in a marked tone;
"are you not tempted to take the lance?"

"I shall tilt to-morrow," answered Athelstane, "in the _melee_; it is
not worth while for me to arm myself to-day."

Two things displeased Cedric in this speech. It contained the Norman
word _melee_ (to express the general conflict), and it evinced some
indifference to the honor of the country; but it was spoken by
Athelstane, whom he held in such profound respect that he would not
trust himself to canvass his motives or his foibles. Moreover, he had no
time to make any remark, for Wamba thrust in his word