you rail like a
scold, here he lies before you. Now do your worst upon him, Sir
Saracen, while he is too sick to defend himself."

Surprise and shame overcame Palamides at this announcement, and he
dropped his head in confusion.

"I have heard somewhat too much of your ill will against me;" said
Tristram, "but shall let it pass at present, for we are in more danger
here from the lord of this place than from each other."

As they spoke, a damsel brought them their noontide meal, and said as
she gave it them,--

"Be of good cheer, sir knights, for you are in no peril of your lives.
So much I heard my lord, Sir Darras, say this morning."

"So far your news is good," cried Dinadan. "Good for two of us at least,
for this good knight promises to die without waiting for the
executioner."

The damsel looked upon Tristram, and observing the thinness of his face
and hands, went and told Sir Darras of what she had heard and seen.

"That must not be," cried the knight. "God defend that I should suffer
those who came to me for succor to die in my prison. Bring them hither."

Then Tristram was brought to the castle hall on his couch, with the
other two knights beside him.

"Sir knight," said the castle lord, "I am sorry for your sickness, and
would not have so noble a knight as you die in prison, though I owe to
you the death of three of my sons."

"As for that," said Tristram, "it was in fair fight, and if they were my
next of kin I could not have done otherwise. If I had slain them by
treachery, I would have deserved death at your hands."

"You acted knightly, and for that reason I could not put you to death,"
said Sir Darras. "You and your fellows shall go at full liberty, with
your horses and armor, on this covenant, that you will be a good friend
to my two sons who are still living, and that you tell me your name."

"My name is Tristram de Lyonesse. I was born in Cornwall, and am nephew
to King Mark. And I promise you by the faith of my body that while I
live I shall be a friend to you and your sons, for what you have done to
us was but by force of nature."

"If you be the good knight Sir Tristram, I am sorry to have held you in
durance, and thank you for your proffer of service. But you must stay
with me still till you are well and strong."

To this Tristram agreed, and staid many more days with the old knight,
growing well rapidly under the healing influence of hope and liberty.

CHAPTER V.

THE KNIG