Twice one of his opponents essayed it, and twice did Galliard's deadly point repel him.

But at the third attempt the man got through, another stepped into his place in front, and thus from two, Crispin's immediate assailants became increased to three.
He realized that the end was at hand, and wildly did he lay about him, but to no purpose.

And presently, he who had gained the stairs leaped suddenly upon him sideways, and clung to his swordarm.

Before he could make a move to shake himself free, the two that faced him had caught at his other arm.
Like one possessed he struggled then, for the sheer lust of striving; but they that held him gripped effectively.
Thrice they bore him struggling to the ground, and thrice he rose again and sought to shake them from him as a bull shakes off a pack of dogs.
But they held fast, and again they forced him down; others sprang to their aid, and the Tavern Knight could rise no more.
"Disarm the dog!" cried Pride.

"Disarm and truss him hand and foot." "Sirs, you need not," he answered, gasping.