And by my faith, if any German Ritter or French swordsman should challenge the British dragoons to a trial of the sword, we shall put you forth as our David." "I trust that that may not be," Rupert said; "for though in battle I hope that I shall not be found wanting, yet I trust that I shall have nought to do in private quarrels, but be looked upon as one of a peaceful disposition." "Very peaceful, doubtless!" laughed Lord Fairholm.

"Tell me, Master Rupert, honestly now, didst ever use in earnest that sword that you have just shown that you know so well how to wield ?" Rupert flushed up crimson.
"Yes," he said, with a shame-faced look, "I have twice used my sword in self defence." "Ha, ha! Our peaceful friend!" laughed Lord Fairholm.

"And tell me, didst put an end to both unfortunates ?" Rupert coloured still more deeply.
"I had the misfortune to slay one, my lord; but there are good hopes that the other will recover." A general shout of laughter greeted the announcement, which together with Rupert's evident shame-faced look, was altogether too much for their gravity.
Just at this moment a diversion was caused by a young man dressed in the extreme of fashion who entered the school.

He had a dissipated and jaded air.
"Fulke, where hast been ?" one of the group standing round Rupert asked.

"We have missed you these two weeks.