Lord Maxwell raised his truncheon.

The trumpets sounded again, and as their stirring _taran-tara_ rang down the wide strath of Dee, the riders spurred their horses into full career.

It so chanced that, as they had stood, James of Avondale was opposite the Earl, each being in the midst as was their right as leaders.

The Master of Avondale opposed his brother Hugh, and the Marshal de Retz couched spear against young Alan Fleming.

In this order they started to ride their course.