s face betrayed an apprehension that made
Wilbur's hopes rise. Arthur did not act like he would stand for any
promise-breaking among his subjects.

"Tell you what I could do," Merlin said. "I could put your eye back when
I'm through with it. In fact, that's a promise."

"Will that make him brave?" Arthur demanded.

"Well...." Merlin hesitated. Arthur's finger slid suggestively along the
blade of his sword.

"I'll look it up," the old man finished hurriedly.

* * * * *

His hand dipped beneath his robe and came out with the ancient book. A
long nailed finger ran through the pages. There was a pause, and then
Merlin began to mumble.

"_Elixir of Fortitude_: One part _Eagle's Heart-Dried_, one part _Lion's
Breath-Distilled_, one part _Essence of Steel_, hm-m-m." His voice
trailed off in a hum, then picked up again. "Simmer for one hour.
_Caution_: MUST BE FINISHED BEFORE MIDNIGHT."

"Well?" Arthur said.

"I've got everything except the last ingredient," Merlin said unhappily.
Suddenly his face lit up. "We'd better hurry. There is only an hour and
a half left."

He scurried to a bottle which hung on the wall and brought it back to
Wilbur. "Drink some quickly. You will feel no pain." When Wilbur had
gulped some down Merlin took the bottle and handed it to Arthur. "You
too."

* * * * *

Above their heads there was a rumbling and the pounding of hoofs in the
courtyard. Quickly Merlin ran to the oak door and slammed it shut. He
seemed to be expecting trouble. It turned out he was right again.

More than one pair of feet was on the stone stairway. Loud voices
shouted, "Open up!" Wilbur recognized one of the voices and he groaned.
Then bodies were hurled against the door.

It held against the first assault, and against the second. The third
time there was a splintering of wood. Wilbur held his breath. A hinge
had torn loose. Once more there was the crash of armored bodies against
the oak and the door flew inward. Sir Kay was inside in a flash, and
behind him came five more. The dark man's eyes lit on Wilbur.

"So, varlet!" Kay bellowed hoarsely. "My suspicion was right. You are in
the plot against me!"

Without waiting for a denial he flung himself at Wilbur and his sword
swished through the air. How he managed it Wilbur never knew, but he
ducked in time. The flat of Kay's sword caught him a glancing blow on
the head and knocked him off the stone b