Lord Claud said little.  He too had need of some horsemanship, for the black barb he rode was full of fire and spirit.  Both riders kept a sharp lookout as they rode along, for there was never any security from footpads and highway robbers once they were clear of the houses.  However, there was no indication that any such light-heeled gentry were abroad that night, and the travellers reached the little hostelry whither they were bound without any adventure.

Here they were evidently expected.  The host came out with an air of great respect, and took their horses.  Within, a plentiful supper was prepared for them, to which Tom was ready to do justice after his ride, though Lord Claud ate little and drank less.  Upstairs a commodious chamber with two beds had been prepared.  A fire of logs burnt cheerily on the hearth; and it was plain that some valet had been there earlier in the day, for night clothes and toilet accessories lay about in profusion, to say nothing of a pair of shining rapiers carefully laid upon the mantel shelf.

Lord Claud took these down and examined them with care.  Then he handed one to Tom.

“Just a few passes, trusty Tom, as is my habit ere sleeping the night before a duel.  I like to make test of the weapon with which I shall meet my antagonist in the morning.”

Tom was delighted to show off his newly-learned skill, and was complimented by Lord Claud on his progress.

“My adversary’s second may desire to cross swords with you, Tom,” remarked Lord Claud as he began to undress. “’Tis a foolish habit; but you must not seem to shrink.  Show him that you care nothing for his sword, and I will then interpose to stop the second fight.  It may not be offered; but, again, it may.”

And, as the pair prepared for bed, the elder man instructed his companion in all the details of duelling, that he might be prepared to play his part on the morrow with confidence and aplomb.

“I have a few excellent rules of my own, Tom, and I have never been worsted once, and only once wounded.  I neither drink, nor dice, nor dance, nor weary myself the previous day.  I go overnight to the place of meeting, and I retire to bed early and sleep sound.  I take a modest breakfast, without wine or spirit, an hour before the meeting; and I come to the ground with a head as cool and a hand as steady as though no such thing as danger or death existed in the world.  Some men pride themselves on sitting up and dicing and drinking away the night, to show their own courage and their contempt for their adversary.  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.