which I had come. And when I reached the glade where the black man
was, I confess to thee, Kai, it is a marvel that I did not melt down
into a liquid pool, through the shame that I felt at the black man's
derision. And that night I came to the same castle where I had spent
the night preceding. And I was more agreeably entertained that night
than I had been the night before; and I was better feasted, and I
conversed freely with the inmates of the castle, and none of them
alluded to my expedition to the fountain, neither did I mention it to
any; and I remained there that night. When I arose on the morrow, I
found, ready saddled, a dark bay palfrey, with nostrils as red as
scarlet; and after putting on my armour, and leaving there my
blessing, I returned to my own Court. And that horse I still
possess, and he is in the stable yonder. And I declare that I would
not part with him for the best palfrey in the Island of Britain.

"Now of a truth, Kai, no man ever before confessed to an adventure so
much to his own discredit, and verily it seems strange to me, that
neither before nor since have I heard of any person besides myself
who knew of this adventure, and that the subject of it should exist
within King Arthur's dominions, without any other person lighting
upon it."

"Now," quoth Owain, "would it not be well to go and endeavour to
discover that place?"

"By the hand of my friend," said Kai, "often dost thou utter that
with thy tongue which thou wouldst not make good with thy deeds."

"In very truth," said Gwenhwyvar, "it were better thou wert hanged,
Kai, than to use such uncourteous speech towards a man like Owain."