I accuse this lord of the three names of black treachery to his august liege, Edward, all details of which treason I am prepared to furnish, and on behalf of that most puissant monarch I challenge him to single combat, as I am empowered and commissioned to do." "Why should I fight the King of England's bravoes ?" inquired Acour in a languid voice of those who stood about him, a question at which they laughed.
"If the charge of treason is not sufficient," went on Hugh, "I'll add to it one of cowardice.

At the battle of Crecy, as a man here will bear me witness," and he pointed to Dick, "I overcame in single combat a knight who wore upon his shield the cognizance of a wolf and on his helm a wolf's head, which were the arms of Sir Pierre de la Roche.

At this knight's prayer I spared his life, for that day we took no prisoners, and let him go.

Afterward I fought with another knight carrying the cognizance of a white swan, the arms of the Count de Noyon, and slew him in fair and single fight.

But before he died he told me that he bore that armour by command of his lord, the Count de Noyon, and that the said Count fought that day in his mail because he feared the vengeance of the King of England and my own.