this at bitter cost."
"Nevertheless, Sir Knight, you must needs find another message bearer.
I am page to Sir Percival and he would deem it no service to him
should I bear a strange knights message."
"Then, by my faith, you shall learn your lesson. Since you are but a
youth it would prove but poor sport to thrust my sword through your
worthless body. Yet shall I find Sir Percival and make him pay for the
boorishness of his page. In the meantime, take you this."
With a sweep the speaker brought the flat side of his sword down. But,
if perchance, he thought that the boy would await the blow he found
surprise for that worthy skillfully evaded the weapon's downward
thrust.
Now then was Sir Pellimore doubly wroth.
"Od's zounds, and you need a trouncing. And so shall I give it you, else
my dignity would not hold its place." Suiting action to word the knight
reared his horse, prepared to bring the boy to earth.
It might hare gone ill with Allan but for the appearance at the turn of
the road of another figure--also on horseback. The new knight
perceiving trouble, rode forward.
"What do we see here?" he questioned. "Sir Knight, whose name I do
not know, it seems to me that you are in poor business to quarrel with
so youthful a foe. What say you?"
"As to with whom I quarrel is no concern of anyone but myself. I can,
however, to suit the purpose, change my foe. Such trouncing as I wish
to give this lad I can easily give to you, Sir Knight, and you wish it?"
"You can do no more than try. It may not be so easy as your boasting
would seeming indicate. Lad," and the newcomer turned to the boy,
"why does this arrogant knight wish you harm?"
"He would have me carry a message, a challenge to Sir Kay, and that I
cannot do, for even now I bear a message from Sir Percival, whose
page I am but yesterday become. And I must hold true to my own lord
and liege."
"True words and well spoken. And so for you, Sir Knight of the
arrogant tongue, I hope your weapon speaks equally well. Prepare you,
sir."
Sir Pellimore laughed loudly and disdainfully.
"I call this great fortune which brings me battle with you, sir, who are
unknown but who I hope, none the less, are a true and brave knight."
The next second the two horses crashed together. Sir Pellimore soon
proved his skill. The Unknown, equally at ease, contented himself with
meeting onslaught after onslaught, parrying clever thrusts and wicked
blows. So they battled for many an hour.
Allan, the boy, with eyes glistening, waited to see the outcome of the
brave fight. The Unknown, his champion, perhaps would need his aid
through some dire misfortune and he was prepared.
Now the Unknown changed his method from one of defense to one of
offense. But Sir Pellimore was none the less skillful. The third charge
of his foe he met so skillfully that both horses crashed to the ground.
On foot, the two men then fought--well and long. Until, through
inadvertence, the Unknown's foot slipped and the next moment found
his shield splintered and sword broken.
"Now then, by my guardian saint, you are truly vanquished," Sir
Pellimore exclaimed exultantly. "Say you so?"
But the Unknown had already hurled himself, weaponless, upon the
seeming victor and seizing him about the waist with mighty strength,
hurled him to the ground. And even as the fallen knight, much shaken,
prepared to arise, lo, Merlin the Wizard appeared and cast him into a
deep sleep.
"Sire," the Wizard declared, "do you indeed run many dangers that thy
station should not warrant. And yet, I know not whether we, your loyal
subjects, would have it otherwise."
Now Allan, the boy, realized he was in the presence of the great King.
He threw himself upon his knees.
"Rise lad," said King Arthur kindly. "Sir Percival is indeed fortunate to
have a page, who while so young, yet is so loyal. So shall we see you
again. Kind Merlin," and the King turned to the Wizard, "awaken you
this sleeping knight whose only sin seems an undue amount of surliness
and arrogance, which his bravery and strength more than offset."
Now Sir Pellimore rubbed his eyes. "Where am I?" he muttered
drowsily. Then as realization came, he sprang to his feet.
"Know you then, Sir Pellimore," said Merlin, "he with whom you
fought is none other than Arthur, the King."
The knight stood motionless, dumbfounded. But only for a moment.
"If so, then am I prepared for such punishment as may come. But be it
what it may, I can say
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