I prefer to show mine by leaving him prostrate on the field!" It certainly seemed as though Lord Claud's methods were good, for he slept like a child all night, better than Tom did, who had been greatly excited by the events of the day and the prospect of the morrow; and when he was dressed upon the following morning, still in his sober riding suit that became him so well, Tom thought he had never seen anybody looking so thoroughly master of himself and his circumstances.

The very glance of the eye seemed to bespeak victory, as did the quiet resolution of the grave mouth.
Breakfast over--an early meal taken by the light of candles, yet excellent of its kind--and the pair went forth together, Tom carrying the two rapiers, as it was his duty to do.
The sun was just about to rise, and the mists lying over the river and fields were growing silver in the light, as they came in sight of the group of elms which had seen so many foolish and bloody contests between angry men, some of whom scarce knew why they fought at all, save that it was the fashion.
From the opposite direction three other figures were approaching--two tall men and one little one.
"They bring a surgeon," quoth Lord Claud, with a smile on his face; "perchance they are wise.

For myself, I never trouble to do so.

I count a leech a needless encumbrance." Tom looked curiously at the two foremost men as they drew near.

One of them struck him in particular.