eclining the combat was interpreted into fear by Mr. Sycamore, who now
became more insolent and ferocious, on the supposition of our knight's
timidity. Sir Launcelot meanwhile went to breakfast with his friends,
and, having put on his armour, ordered the horses to be brought forth.
Then he paid the bill, and walking deliberately to the gate, in presence
of Squire Sycamore and his attendants, vaulted at one spring into the
saddle of Bronzomarte, whose neighing and curveting proclaimed the joy he
felt in being mounted by his accomplished master.

Though the knight of the Griffin did not think proper to insult his rival
personally, his friend Dawdle did not fail to crack some jokes on the
figure and horsemanship of Crowe, who again declared he should be glad to
fall in with him upon the voyage. Nor did Mr. Clarke's black patch and
rueful countenance pass unnoticed and unridiculed. As for Timothy
Crabshaw, he beheld his brother squire with the contempt of a veteran;
and Gilbert paid him his compliments with his heels at parting. But when
our adventurer and his retinue were clear of the inn, Mr. Sycamore
ordered his trumpeter to sound a retreat, by way of triumph over his
antagonist.

Perhaps he would have contented himself with this kind of victory, had
not Dawdle further inflamed his envy and ambition, by launching out in
praise of Sir Launcelot. He observed that his countenance was open and
manly; his joints strong knit, and his form unexceptionable; that he trod
like Hercules, and vaulted into the saddle like a winged Mercury. Nay,
he even hinted it was lucky for Sycamore that the knight of the Crescent
happened to be so pacifically disposed. His patron sickened at these
praises, and took fire at the last observation. He affected to
undervalue personal beauty, though the opinion of the world had been
favourable to himself in that particular. He said he was at least two
inches taller than Greaves; and as to shape and air, he would make no
comparisons; but with respect to riding, he was sure he had a better seat
than Sir Launcelot, and would wager five hundred to fifty guineas, that
he would unhorse him at the first encounter. "There is no occasion for
laying wagers," replied Mr. Dawdle; "the doubt may be determined in half
an hour--Sir Launcelot is not a man to avoid you at full gallop."
Sycamore, after some hesitation, declared he would follow and provoke him
to battle, on condition that Dawdle would engage Cro