"I cannot carry your message, Sir Knight."

Quiet-spoken was the lad, though his heart held a moment's fear as,
scowling and menacing, the knight who sat so easily the large horse,
flamed fury at his refusal.

"And why can you not? It is no idle play, boy, to flaunt Sir
Pellimore. Brave knights have found the truth of this at bitter cost."

"Nevertheless, Sir Knight, you must needs find another message bearer.
I am page to Sir Percival and he would deem it no service to him
should I bear a strange knights message."

"Then, by my faith, you shall learn your lesson. Since you are but a
youth it would prove but poor sport to thrust my sword through your
worthless body. Yet shall I find Sir Percival and make him pay for the
boorishness of his page. In the meantime, take you this."

With a sweep the speaker brought the flat side of his sword down. But,
if perchance, he thought that the boy would await the blow he found
surprise for that worthy skillfully evaded the weapon's downward
thrust.

Now then was Sir Pellimore doubly wroth.

"Od's zounds, and you need a trouncing. And so shall I give it you,
else my dignity would not hold its place." Suiting action to word the
knight reared his horse, prepared to bring the boy to earth.