In a few moments the blue and gold armour of Sir Folko was seen gleaming through the woods, and, mounted on a light-chesnut horse with a black mane, which he had rode since his grey steed was wounded, he galloped forward. On his approach he made a respectful salutation,--then sprang from the saddle,--threw his lance to the attendant squire, from whom in exchange he received his favourite falcon, which perched on his hand, and thereafter gayly and courteously he came to meet the three noble ladies. As for the stranger who accompanied Sir Folko, he was in truth no minstrel, but a tall and graceful warrior, dressed magnificently in rich embroidered garments of the Moorish fashion, with a silk gauze turban on his head, which was held together by a rich diamond brooch, and surmounted by a large plume of grey feathers. “Noble lady,” said Sir Folko to Gabrielle, “allow me thus to present to you Prince Mutza, the best and bravest of all the Moorish knights with whom we encountered on the plains of Grenada.” The prince bowed to Gabrielle and the other ladies with knightly grace and courtesy; but then said, somewhat discontentedly, “If I were such a distinguished champion as the chevalier is pleased to describe me, methinks he could not have spoken as he has now done. In the presence of three ladies, who are indeed the most beautiful that my eyes ever beheld, he has wholly forgotten to announce, that I am brought hither as his prisoner; but, in truth, there is no reason why he should boast of such a victory. Know then, fairest of damsels, that were not the Prince Mutza one of the least worthy and least powerful of Moorish knights, he never would have experienced the mingled pain and pleasure of this meeting. As a prisoner, he now begs that you will with your fair hands take from him those arms which the generosity of his conqueror has too long left in his possession.” With these words, he had loosened from the silver chains, by which it hung at his waist-belt, his crooked sabre, ornamented with a golden hilt, and studded with diamonds. Kneeling respectfully, he now offered it to Gabrielle, who took it from his hands; but, at the same time, made a movement, as if she wished to dismount from her silver-grey charger; whereupon he started up, and lifted her gracefully from her saddle to the ground. Then the damsel said to him, “Prince, you have condescended for once to become the servant of Gabrielle de Portamour. But, methinks, it were unfitting that a damsel of noble birth should have a squire who wears not a sword for her protection.” With these words, she again hung the sabre at his side, allowed him to lift her on horseback; and under his escort and that of Sir Folko, who, meanwhile, had spoken kindly with his sister and the Lady Bertha, she set out on her way home to the castle.