At the first Shock both Knights were Unhorsed.
The combat was not a long one. At the first shock both knights were unhorsed; but, drawing their swords, they rushed together and hacked at each other until the sparks flew in showers from their armor.
The Baron fought well, but presently the Prince’s sword struck his shoulder with a blow which carried the blade down through the steel plate, and caused the blood to spurt forth. The Baron fell to the earth; and Prince Sagramor, remembering the small number of his attendants, and the probability that he might be assailed by the Baron’s people, mounted his horse and slowly trotted away without deigning to look at Professor Baffin. They carried the Baron tenderly into the castle, and put him to bed. The wound was a terrible one, and the Professor perceived that the chances of his recovery, under the rude medical treatment that could be obtained, were not very favorable. After doing what he could to help the sufferer, he withdrew from the room, and left the Baron with Lady Bors and the medical practitioner who was ordinarily employed by the family.
Miss Baffin, with Sir Dinadan, awaited her father in the hall. This was the first opportunity he had had to greet her. After some preliminary conversation, and after the Professor had expressed to Sir Dinadan his regret that the Baron should have been injured, the Professor said:
“And now, Tilly, my love, how have you been employing yourself during my absence?”
Miss Baffin blushed.
“Have you kept the journal regularly?” asked the Professor.
“Not so very regularly,” replied Miss Baffin.
“I have a number of interesting and extraordinary things for you to record,” said the Professor. “Has nothing of a remarkable character happened here during my absence?”
“Oh, yes,” said Miss Baffin.