Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-01

twenty-five men who were left to their
original station where they opened their
vizors and threw themselves down upon
the grass, painting like weary dogs, and
wipng the sweat from their bloodshot eyes. A
pitcher of wine of Anjou was carried round by
a page, and each IN turn drained cup, save
only Beaumanor, who kept his Lent with such
strictness that neither food drink might
pass his lips before sunset. He paced slowly
amongst his men, croaking forth encouragement
from his parched lips and pointing out to them
that among the English there scarce a
who not wounded and some SO sorey
that they could hardly stand 1t the fight SO
far had gone against them, there were still
five hours of daylight, and much might
happen before the last of them laid upon
Varlets had rushed forth to draw away the
two dead Bretons, and a brace of English archers
hands Awkward had unlaced the crushed helmet
and had wept to the bloodless and
scious face of his young master, He still breathed
however, and stretched upon the grass by the
surgery, until the water upon his brow and the
wind upon his face had coaxed back the life
heavy gasps, and some tinge of blood crept
back into his cheeks; but still he lay uncon-
scious of the roar of the crowd and of that great
struggle which his comrades were now waging once
again.
The English had laid for a space bleeding and
breathlesS, better than their rivals, save
that they still Twenty-Five in number. But
of this muster there were not nine who were hale
men, and some were so weak from loss of blood
that they could scarce keep standing. Yet, when
the signal was at last given to reengage there
was not man upon either side who did not
totter to his feet and stagger forward toward his
enemies.
But the opening of this second phase of the COM
bat brought one great misfortune and discourage
Tnent to the English Bambro' like the Others had
undone his vizor, but with his mind full of many
cares he had neglected to make it fast again There
opening inch broad betwixt it and the
beaver. AS the two lines met, the 1eft-handed
Breton Squire Alan de Karanais caught sight of
Bambro's face, and in instant thrust his short
spear through the opening. The English leader
gave cry of pain and fell on his knees, but stag
gered to his feet again. too weak to raise his shield
As he stood exposed the Breton knight Godfrey
Dubois the Strong struck him such blow with his
that he beat in the whole breastplate, with the
breast behind it. Banbro' fell dead upon the
ground and for few minutes fierce fight ragged
round his body.
Then the English drew back, sullen and logged
bearing BAN bro with them, and the Bretons,
breathing hard, gathered again in their quarter
AT the same instant the three prisoners picked up
such weapons scattered upon the grass and
to join their own party.
Nay. nay!' cried Knolles, raising his vizor and
advancing. This may not be. You have been
held to mercy when might have slain you and
by the Virgin will hold you dishonored all three
If you stand not back"
Say not SO, Robert Knolles" Evan Cheruel
answered Never yet has the word dishonor been
breathed with my name; but | should count myself
faineant if did not fight beside my comrades
when chance has made it right and proper that |
should do So
By Saint Cadoc! he speaks truly" said Beau
manor, advancing in front of his men. You are
well aware Robert that it is the law of and the
usage of chiva1ry that if the knight to whom YOU
have surrendered is himself slain the prisoners
thereby become released"
There answer to this, and Kno1les weary
and spent, returned to his comrades. Il would
our leader, and they have gained three by the
same stroke.