"She has engaged to go with me."
"Base stratagem—unfaithful friend! I challenge you on the spot."
"Good! I accept."
"Take your foil!" cried Sir Asinus, starting up.
"Pardon me, most worthy knight—hand it to me. I can easily prick you without rising."
Sir Asinus relented.
"Well, let us defer the combat," he said; "but when were you at Shadynook—which, by the by, should be called Sunnybower?"
"Yesterday!"
"And maligned me?"
"Very well—war to the death in future. What news there?"