Page:The cream of the jest; a comedy of evasions (IA creamofjestcomed00caberich).pdf/234

 have discovered, at least, that my present alias is Branch, but that I am in reality somebody else." Aloud he said: "'Fore God, your eyesight is of the best, Master Skirlaw—(How the deuce did I know his name, now?)—Hah, I trust forthwith to prove if your sword be equally keen."

"I will fight with no cheats—"

"I'faith, sir, but I have heard that wine is a famed provoker of courage. Let us try the byword." So saying, Kennaston picked up one mug, and flung its contents full in the boy's face. It was white wine, Kennaston noted, for it did not stain Master Skirlaw's handsome countenance at all.

"The insult is sufficient. Draw, and have done!" the lad said quietly. His sword gleamed in the restive reflections of that unseen fire behind Kennaston.

"Na, na! but, my most expeditious cockerel, surely this place is a thought too public? Now yonder is a noble courtyard. Oh, ay, favored by to-night's moon, we may settle our matter without any hindrance or intolerable scandal. So, I will call my host, that we may have the key. Yet,