WAGER OF BATTLE The knights had moved slowly out from their pavilions on either side, and now stood waiting the order to charge.

My Lord Maxwell sat by the side of the Lady Sybilla, and held the truncheon, the casting down of which was to part the combatants and end the fight.

The three knights on the southern or Earl's side were a singular contrast to their opponents.

Two of them, the Earl William and his cousin Hugh, were no more than boys in years, though already old in military exercises; the third, Alan Fleming of Cumbernauld, was a strong horseman and excellent with his lance, though also slender of body and more distinguished for dexterity than for power of arm.

Yet he was destined to lay a good lance in rest that day, and to come forth unshamed.
The Avondale party were to the eye infinitely the stronger, that is when knights only were considered.