"If he ever chooses the stronger side, sure he has
strong reasons for so doing. He will oblige me by telling his
principal that I ever thought sunrise a pleasant hour for dying, and
that there could be no fitter place than the field behind the church,
convenient as it is to the graveyard. As for weapons, I have heard
that he is a good swordsman, but I have some little reputation that
way myself. If he prefers pistols or daggers, so be it."
"I think we may assume the sword," said Master Pory.
I bowed.
"You'll bring a friend?" he asked.
"I do not despair of finding one," I answered, "though my second,
Master Secretary, will put himself in some jeopardy."
"It is combat … outrance, I believe?"
"I understand it so."
"Then we'd better have Bohun. The survivor may need his
services."
"As you please," I replied, "though my man Diccon dresses my
scratches well enough."
He bit his lip, but could not hide the twinkle in his eye.
"You are cocksure," he said. "Curiously enough, so is my lord.
There are no further formalities to adjust, I believe? To-morrow at
sunrise, behind the church, and with rapiers?"
"Precisely."
He slapped his blade back into its sheath. "Then that's over and
done with, for the nonce at least! Sufficient unto the day, etcetera.
'S life! I'm hot and dry! You've sacked cities, Ralph Percy; now
sack me the minister's closet and bring out his sherris I'll be at
charges for the next communion.
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