t render it
probable that he was of noble family, but that he had entered the
service of the minstrel in order to qualify himself some day for
following that career. He carried a long staff, a short sword, and at
his back the lute or small harp played upon by the troubadour. Blondel's
attire was rich, and suitable to a person of high rank.

They crossed to the Scheldt, and thence travelled by the right bank of
the Rhine as far as Mannheim, sometimes journeying by boat, sometimes on
foot. They were also hospitably entertained, and were considered to more
than repay their hosts by the songs which Blondel sang. At Mannheim they
purchased two horses, and then struck east for Vienna. The journey was
not without danger, for a large portion of this part of Europe was under
no settled government, each petty baron living in his own castle, and
holding but slight allegiance to any feudal lord, making war upon his
neighbour on his own account, levying blackmail from travellers, and
perpetually at variance with the burghers of the towns. The hills were
covered with immense forests, which stretched for many leagues in all
directions, and these were infested by wolves, bears, and robbers. The
latter, however, although men without pity or religion, yet held the
troubadours in high esteem, and the travellers without fear entered the
gloomy shades of the forest.

They had not gone far when their way was barred by a number of armed men.

"I am a minstrel," Blondel said, "and as such doubt not that your
courtesy will be extended to me."

"Of a surety," the leader said, "the gay science is as much loved and
respected in the greenwood as in the castle; and moreover, the purses of
those who follow it are too light to offer any temptation to us. We would
pray you, however, to accompany us to our leader, who will mightily
rejoice to see you, for he loves music, and will gladly be your host so
long as you will stay with him."

Blondel, without objection, turned his horse's head and accompanied the
men, followed by Cuthbert. After half an hour's travelling, they came to
a building which had formerly been a shrine, but which was now converted
to the robbers' headquarters. The robber chief on hearing from his
followers the news that a minstrel had arrived, came forward to meet him,
and courteously bade him welcome.

"I am Sir Adelbert, of Rotherheim," he said, "although you see me in so
poor a plight. My castle and lands have been taken by m