He had not lacked training of a certain rude sort, and his wrist was strong and supple, his eye wary and keen; moreover, he had length of reach and strength of muscle.

After the first bout Lord Claud gave him an approving nod, and, looking at the man who stood by, remarked: "There is the making of a fine swordsman in the lad, is there not, when he has learnt more finesse and quickness ?" "The gentleman does well," answered the man, with a shrewd glance at Tom's tall and well-knit frame.

"He may be worsted in a sham fight, but, methinks, in sober earnest he would be an ugly customer to meet." In the next bout Lord Claud showed his antagonist some of the dexterous feats of rapid sword play, with the result that Tom was rather hard pressed; but for all that he did not lose his head, and soon began to master the tricks of attack and defence, the quick lunge and the quick recovery which perplexed him at first; and in the next bout he showed so much skill and address that his opponent and the onlooker alike applauded.
"Very good, Tom, very good," said Lord Claud.

"You will make a notable swordsman one of these days.

Now I shall leave you here for an hour with worthy Captain Raikes, and he will give you a lesson in fencing which you will not fail to profit by.