iority of arms, Dick more than made it up
by his greater agility on foot. Neither at first gained any obvious
advantage; but the older man was still insensibly profiting by the
ardour of the younger to lead him where he would; and presently Dick
found that they had crossed the whole width of the beach, and were now
fighting above the knees in the spume and bubble of the breakers. Here
his own superior activity was rendered useless; he found himself more or
less at the discretion of his foe; yet a little, and he had his back
turned upon his own men, and saw that this adroit and skilful adversary
was bent upon drawing him farther and farther away.

Dick ground his teeth. He determined to decide the combat instantly; and
when the wash of the next wave had ebbed and left them dry, he rushed
in, caught a blow upon his bill, and leaped right at the throat of his
opponent. The man went down backwards, with Dick still upon the top of
him; and the next wave, speedily succeeding the last, buried him below
a rush of water.

While he was still submerged, Dick forced his dagger from his grasp, and
rose to his feet victorious.

"Yield ye!" he said. "I give you life."

"I yield me," said the other, getting to his knees. "Ye fight, like a
young man, ignorantly and foolhardily; but, by the array of the saints,
ye fight bravely!"

Dick turned to the beach. The combat was still raging doubtfully in the
night; over the hoarse roar of the breakers steel clanged upon steel,
and cries of pain and the shout of battle resounded.

"Lead me to your captain, youth," said the conquered knight. "It is fit
this butchery should cease."

"Sir," replied Dick, "so far as these brave fellows have a captain, the
poor gentleman who here addresses you is he."

"Call off your dogs, then, and I will bid my villains hold," returned
the other.

There was something noble both in the voice and manner of his late
opponent, and Dick instantly dismissed all fears of treachery.

"Lay down your arms, men!" cried the stranger knight. "I have yielded
me, upon promise of life."

The tone of the stranger was one of absolute command, and almost
instantly the din and confusion of the mellay ceased.

"Lawless," cried Dick, "are ye safe?"

"Ay," cried Lawless, "safe and hearty."

"Light me the lantern," cried Dick.

"Is not Sir Daniel here?" inquired the knight.

"Sir Daniel?" echoed Dick. "Now, by the rood, I pray not. It would go
ill with me if he were."