The next morning Arthur set out thence, with Kynon for his guide, and
came to the place where the black man was. And the stature of the
black man was more surprising to Arthur than it had been represented
to him. And they came to the top of the wooded steep, and traversed
the valley till they reached the green tree, where they saw the
fountain, and the bowl, and the slab. And upon that, Kai came to
Arthur and spoke to him. "My lord," said he, "I know the meaning of
all this, and my request is, that thou wilt permit me to throw the
water on the slab, and to receive the first adventure that may
befall." And Arthur gave him leave.

Then Kai threw a bowlful of water upon the slab, and immediately
there came the thunder, and after the thunder the shower. And such a
thunderstorm they had never known before, and many of the attendants
who were in Arthur's train were killed by the shower. After the
shower had ceased the sky became clear; and on looking at the tree
they beheld it completely leafless. Then the birds descended upon
the tree, and the song of the birds was far sweeter than any strain
they had ever heard before. Then they beheld a knight on a coal-
black horse, clothed in black satin, coming rapidly towards them.
And Kai met him and encountered him, and it was not long before Kai
was overthrown. And the knight withdrew, and Arthur and his host
encamped for the night.

And when they arose in the morning, they perceived the signal of
combat upon the lance of the Knight. And Kai came to Arthur, and
spoke to him: "My lord," said he, "though I was overthrown
yesterday, if it seem good to thee, I would gladly meet the Knight
again to-day." "Thou mayst do so," said Arthur. And Kai went