Tristram at this rose from the table and asked for his arms, his companions following him. Seeking their horses they rode away, but they had not gone far from the castle when Dinadan saw a knight following them, who was well armed, but bore no shield. "Take care of yourself, Sir Tristram," he said. "Yonder comes our host to call you to account." "Then I must abide him as I may," answered Tristram. Soon the knight came up, and, loudly bidding Tristram to be on his guard, he rode furiously upon him with couched spear. But his valor went beyond his strength, for he was hurled over his horse's croup. Not content with this, he rose, mounted again, and driving his horse at full speed upon Tristram, struck him two hard blows on the helm. "Sir knight," said Tristram, "I pray you leave off this sport. I do not care to harm you after having just eaten at your table, but beg you not to try my patience too far." The furious assailant would not cease, however, and continued his assaults until Tristram was provoked to anger. In the end he returned the knight a blow with the full strength of his mighty arm, so fierce a buffet, indeed, that the blood burst out from the breathing holes of his helm, and he fell to the earth and lay there like one dead. [Illustration: THE ASSAULT OF SIR TRISTRAM.] "I hope I have not killed him," said Tristram. "I did not think to strike the man so hard a blow, but I am not a log to stand at rest and let him whet his sword on." Leaving the fallen knight to the care of his squire, they rode on; but not far had they gone when they saw coming towards them two well-armed and well-horsed knights, each with a good following of servants. One of these was Berrant le Apres, he who was called the king with the hundred knights, and the other Sir Segwarides, both men of might and renown. When they came up the king looked at Dinadan, who, through sport, had put on Tristram's helmet. This he recognized as one he had seen before with the queen of Northgalis, whom he loved. She had given it to La Belle Isolde, and she to Tristram. "Sir knight," asked Berrant, "whence had you that helm?" "Not from you, I fancy. What have you to say to it?" "That I will have a tilt with you, for the love of her who once owned it. Therefore, defend yourself." So they drew asunder, and rode at each other with all the speed of their horses. But Dinadan, good knight as he was, was no match for the tough and hardy warrior before him, and was sent, horse and all, to the ground. "I fancy I have something to say about the helmet now," said Berrant, grimly. "Go take it off him, and keep it," he ordered his servant. "What will you do?" cried Tristram. "Hands off, fellow. Touch not that helm." "To what intent do you meddle, sir knight?" demanded Berrant. "To this intent, that the helm is mine. Nor will you get it from me till you buy it at a dearer price." "Do you mean that as a challenge?" asked Berrant. "Be it so, then; make ready."