no longer to his wearing his sword, and he
thereupon entered the feasting chambers with his lady companion. Here he
found himself among many worshipful knights and fair ladies.

Balin, after looking carefully round him, asked a guest,--

"Is there not a knight in this good company named Garlon?"

"Yes. Yonder knight is he, the one with the dark face. And let me tell
you that there is no more marvellous knight living. He has the power of
going invisible, and has destroyed many good knights unseen."

"I have heard of this," said Balin. "A marvellous gift, indeed. This,
then, is Garlon? Thanks for your information."

Then Balin considered anxiously what had best be done. "If I slay him
here my own life will pay the forfeit," he said to himself. "But if I
let him escape me now it may be long before I have such an opportunity,
and in the meanwhile he may do much harm."

As he stood thus reflecting, with his eyes fixed on Garlon's face, the
latter observed his close and stern regard. In haughty anger he came to
him and smote him on the face with the back of his hand.

"Sir knight," he said, "take that for your impertinent stare. Now eat
your meat, and do what you came here for. Hereafter learn to use your
eyes to better purpose."

"You dog!" cried Balin, "this is not your first insult to me. You bid me
do what I came for. It is this." As he spoke he rose furiously from his
seat, drew his sword, and with one fierce blow clove Garlon's head to
the shoulders.

"That is my errand here," cried Balin to the guests. "Now give me the
truncheon," he said to the damsel, "with which he slew your knight."

She gave it to him, and Balin thrust it through Garlon's body,
exclaiming,--

"With that truncheon you killed a good knight, and with this blow I
revenge him."

Then he called his late host, who had by this gained entrance to the
feast, and said,--

"Here lies your foe. Take with you enough of his blood to heal your
son."

All this had happened so quickly that none had time to interfere, but
the knights now sprang hastily from their seats, and rushed from the
hall for their weapons, that they might revenge their slain companion.
Among them rose King Pellam, crying furiously,--

"Why have you killed my brother! Villain and murderer, you shall die for
this!"

"Here I stand," said Balin. "If you wish revenge, seek it yourself. I
stand in my defence."

"It is well said," cried the king. "Stand back, all. For the love