[Illustration] THE ADVENTURE OF KING PELLENORE

In Arthur's Court, every knight or lady who was found unworthy
was banished; yet it often took some time to discover one's real
character.

One of the ladies of Arthur's Court was named Vivien. She was
very pretty, and as graceful as a willow wand, and so bright and
attractive in her ways that no one suspected her of being very
wicked.

Among Arthur's bravest warriors was King Pellenore. He had once
had a great fight with Arthur, but after that they had become
friends, and King Pellenore had been made a Knight of the Round
Table. He was not often at court, for he spent much of his time
seeking for adventures. Now and then he would return and put
away his armor. Then he rode with the ladies or talked to the
other knights.

The lady Vivien admired King Pellenore for his valor and his
mighty deeds, and whenever she could she talked with him about
his adventures. One afternoon she begged him to go for a long
ride with her through the forest. So their horses were brought
and they set forth. Just as they were passing a thick part of the
wood, a beautiful golden-haired lady stepped out.

"Good sir knight," she cried to King Pellenore, "I ask your help.
I am here in the wood with the dear lord who is to be my husband.
He is sore wounded, for an enemy crept up behind him as we were
riding to Arthur's Court, and thrust a sword in his back."

Then King Pellenore turned his horse's head toward the maiden.

"Gladly will I help," he said; "lead me, maiden."

But Vivien called him back.

"Do not go with her," she said. "She may be a witch. Ride on with
me."

"She is no witch, but a good maiden," said King Pellenore.

Then the golden-haired lady spoke again. "Oh, sir knight, help
me! I must go to Arthur's Court to see my father. My dear lover
is going to ask permission to marry me. Help us or he will die."

"Assuredly I will help you, damsel," said King Pellenore.

Vivien held his arm, but he put her gently aside. When the wicked
woman saw that he was going to leave her, she made her horse
plunge and throw her to the ground. There she lay as if in a
faint.

King Pellenore did not know what to do. He felt as if he must
help the beautiful lady, and yet he could not leave Vivien. So he
said:

"Fair damsel, you shall have my help. I have never wanted to aid
anyone so much as I do you. I must save your lover and bring you
both to Arthur's Court. But let me fir