"My lord Beaumains, I and my knights shall always be at your summons, early or late, or whatever be the service you demand." "That is well said. When I require your service it will be to yield yourself and your knights to King Arthur." "If you bid us do so, we shall be ready at all times." "Fie on you!" said the damsel. "It shames me to see good knights obedient to a kitchen knave." After they had parted she turned to Beaumains, and said, despitefully,-- "Why wilt thou follow me, lackey of the kitchen? Cast away thy spear and shield and fly while you may, for that is at hand which you will not easily escape. Were you Lancelot himself, or any knight of renown, you would not lightly venture on a pass just in advance of us, called the pass perilous." "Damsel," said Beaumains, "he who is afraid let him flee. It would be a shame for me to turn back, after having ridden so far with you." "You soon shall, whether it be to your liking or not," replied the damsel, scornfully. What the damsel meant quickly appeared, for in a little time they came in sight of a tower which was white as snow in hue, and with every appliance for defence. Over the gateway hung fifty shields of varied colors, and in front spread a level meadow. On this meadow were scaffolds and pavilions, and many knights were there, for there was to be a tournament on the morrow. The lord of the castle was at a window, and as he looked upon the tournament field he saw approaching a damsel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at all points. "A knight-errant, as I live!" said the lord. "By my faith, I shall joust with him, and get myself in train for the tournament." He hastily armed and rode from the gates. What Beaumains saw was a knight all in red, his horse, harness, shield, spear, and armor alike being of this blood-like color. The red knight was, indeed, brother to those whom Beaumains had lately fought, and on seeing the black array of the youth, he cried,-- "Brother, is it you? What do you in these marshes?" "No, no, it is not he," said the damsel, "but a kitchen knave who has been brought up on alms in Arthur's court." "Then how got he that armor?" "He has slain your brother, the black knight, and taken his horse and arms. He has also overcome your brother, the green knight. I hope you may revenge your brothers on him, for I see no other way of getting rid of him." "I will try," said the red knight, grimly. "Sir knight, take your place for a joust." Beaumains, who had not yet spoken, rode to a proper distance, and then the two knights rushed together with such even force that both horses fell to the ground, the riders nimbly leaping from them. Then with sword and shield they fought like wild boars for the space of two hours, advancing, retreating, feigning, striking, now here, now there, till both were well weary of the fray. But the damsel, who looked on, now cried loudly to the red knight,--