Hugh sprang back before his point.

Again he rushed and thrust and again Hugh sprang back.

A third time and Hugh fairly ran, whereon a shout went up from the Claverings.
"The chapman's afraid!" cried one.

"Give him a yard measure," shouted another; "he cannot handle steel!" Eve turned her face, and her very eyes were sick with doubt.
"Is it true ?" she gasped.
"Ay," answered Dick the Archer, "it's true that he draws him to the river bank! Those who wait will learn why.

Oh, the swan! He sees not the swan!" As he spoke, Hugh, in his retreat before another of John Clavering's rushes, struck his foot against the great dead bird, and staggered.