But that I might have borne, for he was my master, had it not been for the insolence and insults I had to bear from others amongst his servants, and from one youth in particular, who seemed to me to be trying to oust me from my place, and to get himself the foremost place in his master's favour.

That made my hot blood boil again and again, until at last the thing I believe they had long planned happened, and I had to fly for my life." The man paused, and Bertram, who was drinking in this story, asked eagerly: "And what was that ?" "It was four days ago now, in the hall where we had supped.

We had drunk much wine in honour of our master's birthday, and then we began playing and dicing to pass the time till we retired to bed.
My adversary was this youth whom I so greatly distrust.

As we played I detected him in unfair practices.

He vowed I lied, and called upon me to prove my words at the sword's point; but in my fury and rage I sprang upon him with my bare hands, and would have wrung his neck--the insolent popinjay--had I been able.