e the barriers opened than he paced into the
lists.

As far as could be judged from a man sheathed in armor,
the new adventurer did not greatly exceed the middle size
and seemed to be rather slender than strongly made. 30
His suit of armor was formed of steel, richly inlaid with
gold, and the device on his shield was a young oak tree
pulled up by the roots with the Spanish word _Desdichado_,
signifying "disinherited". He was mounted on a gallant
black horse, and as he passed through the lists he gracefully
saluted the prince and the ladies by lowering his
lance. The dexterity with which he managed his steed, 5
and something of youthful grace which he displayed in his
manner, won him the favor of the multitude, which some
of the lower class expressed by calling out, "Touch Ralph
de Vipont's shield--touch the Hospitaler's shield; he
has the least sure seat; he is your cheapest bargain." 10

The champion, moving onward amid these well-meant
hints, ascended the platform by the sloping alley which
led to it from the lists, and to the astonishment of all
present, riding straight up to the central pavilion, struck
with the sharp end of his spear the shield of Brian de 15
Bois-Guilbert until it rang again.

All stood astonished at his presumption, but none more
than the redoubted knight whom he had thus defied to
mortal combat and who, little expecting so rude a challenge,
was standing carelessly at the door of the pavilion. 20

"Have you confessed yourself, brother," said the Templar,
"and have you heard Mass this morning, that you
peril your life so frankly?"

"I am fitter to meet death than thou art," answered the
Disinherited Knight; for by this name the stranger had 25
recorded himself in the books of the tourney.

"Then take your place in the lists," said Bois-Guilbert,
"and look your last upon the sun; for this night thou shalt
sleep in Paradise."

"Gramercy for thy courtesy," replied the Disinherited 30
Knight, "and to requite it, I advise thee to take a fresh
horse and a new lance, for by my honor you will need both."

Having expressed himself thus confidently, he reined his
horse backward down the slope which he had ascended and
compelled him in the same manner to move backward
through the lists till he reached the northern e