"That I may not do," said Arthur. "I have promised, by the faith of my body, to fight this battle to the uttermost; and I had rather die in honor than live in shame. If I lack weapon, I lack not spirit; and if you slay me weaponless, the shame be on you." "That shame I can bear," said Accolan. "What I have sworn I will perform. Since you will not yield, you are a dead man." This said, he struck Arthur a furious blow, that almost felled him to the earth, bidding him at the same time to crave for mercy if he would live. Arthur's only reply was to press upon him with his shield, and deal him such a buffet with the pommel of his sword as to send him staggering three paces back. And now the damsel Nimue, stirred by the prowess of the king, and fearful of his death, determined to aid him by all her power of enchantment. Therefore, when Accolan recovered himself and struck Arthur another stroke, she threw a spell upon him and caused the sword to fall from his hand to the earth. At once the king lightly leaped to it and seized it, thrusting Accolan fiercely back. As soon as his hand had touched the hilt he knew it for his sword Excalibur. "You have been too long from me," he said, "and no small damage you have done me. Treason has been at work, and treason shall have its deserts." Then, seeing the scabbard hanging by Accolan's side, he sprang suddenly forward and wrenched it from him, flinging it across the field as far as he could throw it. [Illustration: Copyright by Frederick Hollyer, London, England. NIMUE.] "Now, sir knight," cried Arthur, "my turn has come. You have nearly brought my life to an end with this sword, and I warrant that you shall be rewarded for the blood I have lost and the pain I have endured this day." Therewith, furious as a wounded lion, Arthur rushed upon his foe, hurled him with all his strength to the earth, tore off his helm, and gave him such a blow upon the head that blood burst out from his ears, nose, and mouth. "Now shall I slay you," said Arthur. "Do so if you will," said Accolan. "You are the best knight I ever met, and I see now that God is with you. But I promised to do this battle to the uttermost, and never to yield me recreant. Therefore kill me if you will, for my voice shall never ask for mercy." Then Arthur, looking closer, saw something familiar in his face. "Tell me who you are," he cried; "of what country and court." "Sir knight," said Accolan, "I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is Accolan of Gaul." Arthur heard this with deep dismay. For there came into his mind the enchantment of the ship, and his heart sank with fear of the treason of his sister. "Tell me this also, sir knight," he asked, "from whom had you this sword?" "Woe worth that sword," cried Accolan; "I have gotten my death by it." "That may well be," answered Arthur, "and I fancy have got no more than you deserve."