would Sir Launcelot have of this. He rode forthwith to his King.

"Sire, it is not I but this knight with the Black Shield who has shown
most marvelous skill of all. And so I will not have these prizes for
they do not belong to me."

"Well spoken, Sir Launcelot and like thy true self," replied the King.
"So since this knight is gone, will you go forth with us within the
fortnight in search for him. And unless we are in great error we shall
find this Knight of the Black Shield no more, no less, than Sir
Tristram."




CHAPTER NINE

The Kitchen Boy


Among all those who came to the court of King Arthur at this Pentecost
seeking hospitality, were two strangers in especial, who because of
being meanly garbed and of a seeming awkwardness brought forth the
mockery and jest of Sir Kay the Seneschal. Nor did Sir Kay mean harm
thereby, for he was knight who held no villainy. Yet was his tongue
overly sharp and too oft disposed to sting and mock.

Too, the manner of their coming was strange. One was a youth of
handsome mien. Despite his ill garb, he seemed of right good worship.
Him, our young page Allan found fallen in a swoon, very weak and near