further adventures of Sir Ewaine as
it is told in the books of chivalry that relate to these happenings, so
I pray you to read that which followeth if that other which hath gone
before hath been pleasing to you.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: The Damsel Elose giveth a ring to Sir Ewaine:]

[Illustration]

Chapter Third

_How a damsel, hight Elose, who was in service with the Lady Lesolie of
the Fountain, brought succor to Sir Ewaine in his captivity._

So Sir Ewaine stood gazing out of the wicket of the gate as aforetold;
and he wist not what to do to save his life; for he knew he could do
naught but wait there until those who had to deal with him might come to
slay him.

Now, as he stood thuswise in great trouble of spirit, he was aware of a
damsel who came thitherward. And as that damsel approached, Sir Ewaine
perceived that she was very comely of appearance, and that she had
yellow curling hair and it seemed to Sir Ewaine that he had hardly ever
beheld a damsel more fair than she who approached his place of
captivity.

This damsel came close to the wicket where Sir Ewaine stood, and she
gazed upon his face and her own face was pitiful and kind, and neither
angry nor scornful. Then Sir Ewaine, beholding that her face was kind,
said to her: "Damsel, why do you come to gaze thus upon a poor captive
who is waiting for his death?"

[Sidenote: _The Damsel of the Fountain pitieth Sir Ewaine._]

To this the damsel made reply: "Alas, Sir Knight, I come hither because
I take great pity that a noble champion such as you appear to be should
be in so sad a case as this. For certes the people of this castle will
come to slay you in a very little while."

"Damsel," said Sir Ewaine, "thy pity is a great comfort to me, but it
would be a still greater comfort if thou couldst help me to escape from
this place."

To this the damsel made no reply. But presently she said: "Tell me, Sir
Knight, why did you do so grievous a hurt to our knight-champion who was
the defender of this land against those who would meddle with the
fountain to bring a deluge upon our land. Wit you that because of the
woeful buffets you gave him he lieth so near to death that he is like to
die in a few hours."

"Damsel," said Sir Ewaine, "to tell you the very truth, I meant not to
bring an injury upon this land, neither did I mean to visit so grievous
a hurt as I did upon that good worthy knight your champion. But first I
entered upon thi