one beside
which Raymond was standing. As they passed they glanced at him
contemptuously. This annoyed him, for he was used to think well of
himself, and the Honeymead people treated him with consideration. But
if the knights looked contemptuous, the men-at-arms and attendants
jeered and made mouths at him; and as for the pages they mocked and
bantered him unmercifully.

'Here's an odd fish!' cried one, pointing with his finger.

'He's lost his way trying to swim on land!' laughed another.

'A scaly fellow--let's skin him and clean him!' called out a third.

'How much are you a pound, fish?' asked a fourth.

'Bah! he's stale already!' shouted a fifth.

'What's that in his right fin?--a human cap and feather, I declare!'
exclaimed a sixth.

'Take it away from him!' cried several together; and one spurred his
horse towards the young man and reached forth the point of his lance,
as if to catch the cap from Raymond's hand.

But Raymond, though a minute ago he was almost ready to throw the cap
away, was not going to submit to being robbed of it. He caught the
lance by the shaft and jerked it from the page's grasp; then, putting
the cap firmly on his head, he stood on his guard boldly, with the
weapon advanced.

Why was the laugh with which the other pages had begun to greet their
companion's mishap checked so suddenly? Why was every eye bent upon
Raymond with an expression of respect and subservience? Why did all
salute him so profoundly, bowing to their saddles in silent homage?
What did this sudden change mean? It could not be that they were awed
by the bold front he had shown; it was more likely that this was but a
new way of making fun of him. And yet it was odd that all should have
joined in it unanimously and at an instant's notice. What did it all
mean?

The pages passed on, and the second company of knights followed.
Strange! they also seemed to have taken up the jest, for one and all
made deep obeisance to Raymond as they passed. And now came on the
courtiers, bearing aloft the platform on which sat the majestic figure
in the pink silk stockings. Raymond began to feel alarmed. If this
were (as he more than suspected) his Majesty King Ormund himself, what
punishment would be inflicted for the audacious crime of disarming one
of his Majesty's bodyguard? To lose his head was the least he might
expect. There could be no doubt that Raymond was alarmed, for he
actually forgot to uncover his head in the presen