"Through his buff coat," said Richard aloud, and he sent the shaft strongly, but he at the moment turned toward the stable, looking not behind him. He heard a cry and a gasp, however, and hoarse groaning, and a voice that exclaimed:
"God 'a' mercy, my Lord Bellamont is slain! So is the seneschal! Woe is me! I will summon the two warders."
Uncertainly he lingered a brief space to examine well the fallen men, and Richard made what haste he could.
"I can not run," he thought. "I hardly may climb to the saddle."
Nevertheless he did so, after leading out the goodly beast he was to ride. Nothing was lacking in her appointments, and she knew the way to the road-gate. Out spurred Richard, as loud shouts began to arise behind him. He gained the highway, and he could discern beyond him only one man on foot, in full armor.
"Halt, thou!" he shouted. "Stand, on thy life! I would have speech with thee!"
"In the king's name," shouted back Richard, "out of my way!"
"That will I not!" roared the knight. "Thou cub of Wartmont, draw rein!"
"Take that!" said Richard, spurring hard and striking with his lance.
'Twas a knight of skill in fence, however, and his target was over his visor to receive the thrust, so that he did but measure his length upon the road.