"Lend me your gabardine, friend Franz, will you not?" he said.
The young von Borselen took from the back of the settle, over
which it was flung, his gabardine--the long, loose gray cloak
that was a sort of overcoat in those days of queer costume.
"It is here, my Otto," he said.
The Lord of Arkell drew the loose gray cloak over his rich silk
suit, and turned toward the door.
"Otto von Arkell lets no one call him fool or coward, lord
prince," he said. "What I have dared you all to do, _I_ dare do,
if you do not. See, now: I will face Count William's lions!"
The Princess Jacqueline sprang up in protest.
"No, no; you shall not!" she cried. "My lord prince did but jest,
as did we all. John," she said, turning appealingly to her young
husband, who sat sullen and unmoved, "tell him you meant no such
murderous test. My father!" she cried, turning now toward Count
William, whose attention had been drawn to the dispute, the Lord
of Arkell is pledged to face your lions!"
Count William of Holland dearly loved pluck and nerve.
"Well, daughter mine," he said, "then will he keep his pledge.
Friend Otto is a brave young gallant, else had he never dared
raised spear and banner, as he did, against his rightful liege.
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