. And
indeed, sir knight, since you are well disposed towards him, I may tell
you that the purport of my journey is to discover if I can the place of
his confinement. He was a kind and noble master, and however long my
search may be, I will yet obtain news of him."

The knight warmly applauded the troubadour's resolution, and was turning
to lead him into his abode, when his eye fell upon Cuthbert.

"Methinks I know the face of your attendant as well as your own; though
where I can have seen him I know not. Was he with you in the Holy Land?"

"Yes," Blondel said, "the youth was also there; and doubtless you may
have noticed him, for he is indeed of distinguished and of good family."

"Then let him share our repast," the knight said, "if it seems good to
you. In these woods there is no rank, and I myself have long dropped my
knightly title, and shall not reassume it until I can pay off my score to
the Baron of Rotherheim, and take my place again in my castle."

The minstrel and Cuthbert were soon seated at the table with the knight
and one or two of his principal companions. A huge venison pasty formed
the staple of the repast, but hares and other small game were also upon
the table. Nor was the generous wine of the country wanting.

The knight had several times glanced at Cuthbert, and at last exclaimed,
"I have it now. This is no attendant, sir minstrel, but that valiant
young knight who so often rode near King Richard in battle. He is, as I
guess, your companion in this quest; is it not so?"

"It is," Cuthbert replied frankly. "I am like yourself, a disinherited
knight, and my history resembles yours. Upon my return to England I found
another in possession of the land and titles that belonged to the noble I
followed, and which King Richard bestowed upon me. The Earl of Evesham
was doubtless known to you, and before his death King Richard, at his
request, bestowed upon me as his adopted son--although but a distant
connexion--his title and lands and the hand of his daughter. Prince John,
who now rules in England, had however granted these things to one of his
favourites, and he having taken possession of the land and title, though
not, happily, of the lady, closed his door somewhat roughly in my face. I
found means, however, to make my mark upon him; but as our quarrel could
not be fought out to the end, and as the false knight had the aid of
Prince John, I am forced for a while to postpone our settlement, and
meet