Dick ground his teeth. He determined to decide the combat instantly; and

when the wash of the next wave had ebbed and left them dry, he rushed in,

caught a blow upon his bill, and leaped right at the throat of his

opponent. The man went down backwards, with Dick still upon the top of

him; and the next wave, speedily succeeding to the last, buried him below

a rush of water.

While he was still submerged, Dick forced his dagger from his grasp, and

rose to his feet, victorious.

"Yield ye!" he said. "I give you life."

I yield me," said the other, getting to his knees. "Ye fight, like a

young man, ignorantly and foolhardily; but, by the array of the saints,

ye fight bravely!"

Dick turned to the beach. The combat was still raging doubtfully in the

night; over the hoarse roar of the breakers steel clanged upon steel, and

cries of pain and the shout of battle resounded.

"Lead me to your captain, youth," said the conquered knight. "It is fit

this butchery should cease."

Sir," replied Dick, "so far as these brave fellows have a captain, the

poor gentleman who here addresses you is he."

The Black Arrow