of Mackworth,
its virtual head, it possessed one of the most capable politicians and
astute intriguers in Europe. So, as the outcome of all the plotting and
counter-plotting, scheming and counter-scheming, the case was decided in
Lord Falworth's favor. The knowledge of the ultimate result was known
to the Prince of Wales's circle almost a week before it was finally
decided. Indeed, the Earl of Mackworth had made pretty sure of that
result before he had summoned Myles from France, but upon the King it
fell like the shock of a sudden blow. All that day he kept himself in
moody seclusion, nursing his silent, bitter anger, and making only
one outbreak, in which he swore by the Holy Rood that should Myles be
worsted in the encounter, he would not take the battle into his own
hands, but would suffer him to be slain, and furthermore, that should
the Earl show signs of failing at any time, he would do all in his power
to save him. One of the courtiers who had been present, and who was
secretly inclined to the Prince of Wales's faction, had repeated this
speech at Scotland Yard, and the Prince had said, "That meaneth, Myles,
that thou must either win or die."

"And so I would have it to be, my Lord," Myles had answered.

It was not until nearly a fortnight after the decision of the Court of
Chivalry had been rendered that the King announced the time and place
of battle--the time to be the 3d of September, the place to be
Smithfield--a spot much used for such encounters.

During the three weeks or so that intervened between this announcement
and the time of combat, Myles went nearly every day to visit the lists
in course of erection. Often the Prince went with him; always two or
three of his friends of the Scotland Yard court accompanied him.

The lists were laid out in the usual form. The true or principal list in
which the combatants were to engage was sixty yards long and forty yards
wide; this rectangular space being surrounded by a fence about six feet
high, painted vermilion. Between the fence and the stand where the King
and the spectators sat, and surrounding the central space, was the
outer or false list, also surrounded by a fence. In the false list the
Constable and the Marshal and their followers and attendants were to be
stationed at the time of battle to preserve the general peace during the
contest between the principals.

One day as Myles, his princely patron, and his friends entered the
barriers, leaving th