the Hospitaller's shield; he has
the least sure seat, he is your cheapest bargain."

The champion, moving onward amid these well-meant hints, ascended the
platform by the sloping alley which led to it from the lists, and, to
the astonishment of all present, riding straight up to the central
pavilion, struck with the sharp end of his spear the shield of Brian de
Bois-Guilbert until it rang again. All stood astonished at his
presumption, but none more than the redoubted Knight whom he had thus
defied to mortal combat, and who, little expecting so rude a challenge,
was standing carelessly at the door of the pavilion.

"Have you confessed yourself, brother," said the Templar, "and have you
heard mass this morning, that you peril your life so frankly?"

"I am fitter to meet death than thou art," answered the Disinherited
Knight; for by this name the stranger had recorded himself in the books
of the tourney.

"Then take your place in the lists," said Bois-Guilbert, "and look your
last upon the sun; for this night thou shalt sleep in paradise."

"Gramercy for thy courtesy," replied the Disinherited Knight, "and to
requite it, I advise thee to take a fresh horse and a new lance, for by
my honor you will need both."

Having expressed himself thus confidently, he reined his horse backward
down the slope which he had ascended, and compelled him in the same
manner to move backward through the lists, till he reached the northern
extremity, where he remained stationary, in expectation of his
antagonist. This feat of horsemanship again attracted the applause of
the multitude.

However incensed at his adversary for the precautions he recommended,
Brian de Bois-Guilbert did not neglect his advice; for his honor was too
nearly concerned to permit his neglecting any means which might insure
victory over his presumptuous opponent. He changed his horse for a
proved and fresh one of great strength and spirit. He chose a new and
tough spear, lest the wood of the former might have been strained in the
previous encounters he had sustained. Lastly he laid aside his shield,
which had received some little damage, and received another from his
squires. His first had only borne the general device of his order,
representing two knights riding upon one horse, an emblem expressive of
the original humility and poverty of the Templars, qualities which they
had since exchanged for the arrogance and wealth that finally occasioned
their suppression.