He was full of foul words of me and you and all whoever bore our name.

He struck me with the flat of his blade and threatened to run me through as I stood unless I drew to defend myself.

What choice had I?
I did not mean to kill him--as God's my witness, I did not, Noll." Without a word Oliver turned to a side-table, where stood a metal basin and ewer.

He poured water, then came in the same silence to treat his brother's wound.

The tale that Lionel told made blame impossible, at least from Oliver.