ept thy gage, and whichever of thy steeds thou rejectest, in
God's name bring it hither, and let us waste no words before action."

Adrian, who felt that hitherto the Romans had been more favoured by
fortune than merit, vainly endeavoured to prevent this second hazard.
But Annibaldi was greatly chafed, and his high rank rendered it
impolitic in Adrian to offend him by peremptory prohibition; the
Colonna reluctantly, therefore, yielded his assent to the engagement.
Annibaldi's steeds were led to the spot, the one a noble roan, the other
a bay, of somewhat less breeding and bone, but still of great strength
and price. Montreal finding the choice pressed upon him, gallantly
selected the latter and less excellent.

Annibaldi was soon arrayed for the encounter, and Adrian gave the word
to the trumpeters. The Roman was of a stature almost equal to that of
Montreal, and though some years younger, seemed, in his armour, nearly
of the same thews and girth, so that the present antagonists appeared
at the first glance more evenly matched than the last. But this time
Montreal, well horsed, inspired to the utmost by shame and pride,
felt himself a match for an army; and he met the young Baron with
such prowess, that while the very plume on his casque seemed scarcely
stirred, the Italian was thrown several paces from his steed, and it was
not till some moments after his visor was removed by his squires that
he recovered his senses. This event restored Montreal to all his natural
gaiety of humour, and effectually raised the spirits of his followers,
who had felt much humbled by the previous encounter.

He himself assisted Annibaldi to rise with great courtesy, and a
profusion of compliments, which the proud Roman took in stern silence,
and then led the way to the pavilion, loudly ordering the banquet to be
spread. Annibaldi, however, loitered behind, and Adrian, who penetrated
his thoughts, and who saw that over their cups a quarrel between
the Provencal and his friend was likely to ensue, drawing him aside,
said:--"Methinks, dear Annibaldi, it would be better if you, with the
chief of our following, were to proceed onward to Fondi, where I will
join you at sunset. My squires, and some eight lances, will suffice for
my safeguard here; and, to say truth, I desire a few private words
with our strange host, in the hope that he may be peaceably induced
to withdraw from hence without the help of our Roman troops, who have
enough elsewher