"Our friend will overlook the matter if you do but say that you have acted in heat and haste." "I cannot say that," answered Alleyne.
"It is our custom, young sir, when new squires come amongst us from England, to test them in some such way.

Bethink you that if a man have a destrier or a new lance he will ever try it in time of peace, lest in days of need it may fail him.

How much more then is it proper to test those who are our comrades in arms." "I would draw out if it may honorably be done," murmured Norbury in Alleyne's ear.

"The man is a noted swordsman and far above your strength." Edricson came, however, of that sturdy Saxon blood which is very slowly heated, but once up not easily to be cooled.

The hint of danger which Norbury threw out was the one thing needed to harden his resolution.
"I came here at the back of my master," he said, "and I looked on every man here as an Englishman and a friend.