Nigel, who had pulled Pommers on to his
very haunches at the instant that his opponent turned, saluted
with his lance and trotted back to the bridge-head, where he
awaited his next assailant.
"The ladies would say that a judgment hath fallen upon our good
Sir Hubert for his impious words," said the King.
"Let us hope that his charger may be broken in ere they venture to
ride out between two armies," remarked the Prince. "They might
mistake the hardness of his horse's mouth for a softness of the
rider's heart. See where he rides, still clearing every bush upon
his path."
"By the rood!" said the King, "if the bold Hubert has not
increased his repute as a jouster he has gained great honor as a
horseman. But the bridge is still closed, Walter. How say you
now? Is this young Squire never to be unhorsed, or is your King
himself to lay lance in rest ere his way can be cleared? By the
head of Saint Thomas! I am in the very mood to run a course with
this gentle youth."
"Nay, nay, sire, too much honor hath already been done him!" said
Manny, looking angrily at the motionless horseman. "That this
untried boy should be able to say that in one evening he has
unhorsed my Squire, and seen the back of one of the bravest
knights in England is surely enough to turn his foolish head.
Fetch me a spear, Robert! I will see what I can make of him.
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