still young."
More questions the knight asked the lad and he made eager though
respectful answer. It was apparent that he had thought of it for many
a day. But Sir Galahad said never a word to him of the reason for his
questions and left the lad without knowledge of his purpose.
But the next day he spoke to Sir Guilbert and gave him answer.
"I should like the youth as my page. He is the kind I could well use.
And I promise you that he shall come back to you so that neither you
nor his mother shall have reason to be other than proud of him. He
will be of great help to me when I reach Rome for I purpose to journey
there, I know naught of the tongue."
"Have you told the lad, as yet?" the father asked.
"I thought it best that either you or your lady speak first with him
and then will I."
"That is a gracious deed on your part, my knight. And if it bears
fruit or not, I shall indeed be in your debt."
"Not so, Sir Guilbert. For the boy will but have such chance as I was
given by Sir Percival when I was even younger than he."
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Sir Galahad Offers Help
It was but a week and a day later that Sir Galahad proceeded further.
With him was the faithful Walker who was overly pleased to be on his
way and also Charles, the young son of Sir Guilbert. Eager was the lad
and highly pleased to go forth with the brave knight.
Sir Galahad had had hopes of meeting Sir Launcelot who had planned to
be in Normandy, and Merlin as well. But he would wait no longer, he
was in no mood to tarry now.
There came a day of storm, fierce was the rain and sleet and the wind
so strong that the knight, and his party found it arduous task to keep
the road. Sir Galahad decided to stop and seek shelter at the first
refuge that they should find.
A little later they came to an old but magnificent castle and in
answer to the summons of Walker, an ancient man appeared.
"What will you?" the old man quavered.
"My master seeks shelter until the storm passes. He is a worshipful
knight. Go you to your master with his request."
The man hobbled within the castle. Soon he returned.
"There is no master here but my mistress bids me welcome the
worshipful knight and beseech his entrance."
So they went within and the old man threw logs on the open fire which
blazed right merrily. Sir Galahad and the two with him made themselves
comfortable. Soon food and drink was brought to them of which they
partook with good grace.
The storm did not subside and night came on.
"Old man," Sir Galahad said to the ancient servitor. "Pay you my
respects to the lady whose hospitality we enjoy and ask that she grace
us with her presence. Tell her that it is Sir Galahad, Knight of the
Round Table, who seeks it."
There came a long wait which left the three a wondering. Then there
came forth a lady who was followed by the ancient servitor. Stately
she was and of noble bearing. Yet it could be seen that she was
fearful and disturbed.
"My lord wished my presence?" she asked and her tone was tremulous.
"I owe you apology for this disturbance," the knight said courteously.
"But we also owe you thanks for your gracious hospitality. There seems
need that we disturb you further since the storm stays and we cannot
proceed as we would. May we find lodging within your walls?"
The lady looked fearfully about.
"I cannot deny you. Truly it is no night to be outdoors. Stay then
and welcome."
Morning found the storm in no wise abated. The lady of the castle did
not appear at the morning meal. But the old man was there to serve
them. He too, seemed much disturbed and made as if to have speech with
Sir Galahad, once or twice.
"What troubles your pate, old man?" Walker finally asked him.
"These are dark days for the house of Sanscourt," the latter replied
and crossed himself.
"Perhaps, good man, it may be within us to lighten them," Sir Galahad
said kindly, "If we can, it may repay in part for your mistress'
hospitality."
"Would that my lady could find it in her to confide in you. For you
seem right friendly, my lord."
"Beseech you her. Tell her that Sir Galahad offers his services if she
has need of them."
The man soon returned.
"My lady thanks you kindly for your offer and she will see you soon,"
he said.
The Knight waited but a few moments when his hostess came into the
room.
"You are gracious, Sir Galahad. I doubt whether there can be any help
for me. Yet I shall tell you my story for there still may be hope for
so wretched a person as myself."
"My lady, it is the duty of all true knights to be of help to those in
distress. Wherefore, I hold but to my knightly vow, in my promise of
service to you."
The Lady Jeanne made no answer, seemingly she had not heard him. Sir
Galahad watched her, saw her look which seemed afar, saw the dark rims
around her eyes. They spoke of many hours of weeping.
Now she turned to him.
"I think, my lord, this storm that seems as if it will not cease has
been sent by God. Strange though it may seem it brings me hope, dim
though that hope may be, yet I treasure it. Little reason for hope
have I had.
"Think me not rude, Sir Galahad, and think not that I question your
valor or skill. But this is task for no lone knight, for my enemy is
strong and powerful. I may be selfish too, in that I draw you into my
troubles but I am like one who drowning, must need snatch at a straw.
And many knights would hesitate long to offer service where the cause
is as hopeless as mine seemingly is. Nor will I blame you or hold you,
if after my story is done, you find no way in which you can help me.
"Listen then and you will see why I count this storm as sign of hope
sent to me."
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Lady Jeanne's Story
Two years will it be next month when the Duke of Gascony with fifty
knights went forth on a quest that would take them to far Eastern
lands. Of these fifty, Sir Vilard, my husband, was one.
"He left with me, my son Ambrose, my daughter Helene and two
servitors, old men who could not go with him. It was in a good and
holy cause so I had no tears for him to see. Rather did I bid him
Godspeed and a safe and quick return.
"You see me alone now. Two years, and I have neither son, nor
daughter, nor husband. Did I know they were dead, bitter would be my
woe yet would I count God's mercies many, His ways strange, but not
for any mortal to question. But I do not know that. They would have me
believe my husband dead. Ambrose went forth one day and I have had no
word of him since then. And my daughter is lodged within prison walls
waiting the whim of Sir Dolphus who holds her in his power.
"They tell me that my husband perished with the Duke and all but three
of the knights that went forth with him. And that before he died he
sent word that it was his wish that I permit Sir Dolphus to marry our
daughter. Yet do I know that Sir Dolphus is already lawfully wedded to
a wife whom he would discard. Knowing my husband as I do, I could not
believe such to be his message. So I withstood the pleadings of this
knight until his pleadings turned to bitter threats.
"He would make himself Duke of Gascony. And when I would not listen to
him, his pleadings or threats, he came here one day with two other
knights and professed to abide by such decision as I had made. They
dined with us. Ambrose, my son, was away that day.
"Enough to say that they stole my daughter from me. This old man you
see and the other, Albert, were clubbed to earth, the one to death. I
tried so hard to resist them but my hand was weak.
"When Ambrose returned, I could not keep him. He went forth to rescue
his sister. Poor lad, I have had no word from him since then. Is he
dead? Did they kill him? I have sent for word, have begged that they
tell me what fate has befallen him but they profess not to know.
"I have heard that the Church will not sanction his marriage to
Helene. Nor will it permit Sir Dolphus to annul the marriage with his
wife. A good priest also tells me that Sir Dolphus has set his black
heart upon marrying my poor Helene so that he can then lawfully own
all this land and estate that belongs to us. It will be small matter
to rid himself of me and I fain would not wish to live were it not
that I still have hope.
"My lord, I have hoped so much. Until my very hope turned black for
never was there any one so helpless against the power of this wicked
man. I dread the coming of each day and yet mixed with my dread there
still is ever present that one small hope which will not be killed.
"I think I would have died but for this small hope," she added
wistfully. She paused now and seemed lost in the dark thoughts that
possessed her.
"All of them gone. Not one of them to remain with me."
"Sir Galahad," she turned to him. "It is not a pretty story. I seem to
be encompassed with tragedy. I would not include you in my woes, you
have other missions, other work ahead. And though you have the valor
and strength of ten, it would count for so little."
"My lady," the knight replied. "What use would such valor be, if I had
it, if I did not but use it for its full worth? Could I be a true
knight and not heed the call your sorrow brings? I can but try to help
you. And that, I swear, I will."
A light shone in the lady's eye. "I was not wrong to hope. Even now I
feel that succor must come. Your words, dear knight, give me strength.
Surely then, the storm has brought me some ray of that hope I speak
of."
"I shall devise some plan," Sir Galahad said, "wherein we can make
rescue of your daughter, and find out the fate of your son."
The Knight's thoughts were deep for many minutes. "Did this Sir
Dolphus say where your husband met his death?"
"Near Lombardy," she replied.
"If I succeed here, my lady, I shall continue my way to Rome. From
there I shall journey north and seek news of your husband. It may be
that he is not dead. Dead or alive, you at least will know.
"Tomorrow, if the day clears, we shall turn to the work before us. It
seems a hard task but as I have said, we can but try. In the meantime,
my Lady Jeanne, have courage and keep your patience."
So Galahad left her. But Walker stayed.
"Lady, I would but add my humble word of cheer. In all of England, of
all the Knights of the Round Table, there is none who equals my master
in skill and bravery. I tell you this so that you may know how worthy
your champion is. Would that he had but one other with him and I
would not care what odds were against him."
"And who, my man, is that other?"
"Sir Launcelot," Walker made reply.
"I thank you for telling me of Sir Galahad. It adds to the hope I have
and the courage he bids me possess."
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Sir Launcelot Arrives
The day dawned bright and clear. But it brought to Sir Galahad no plan
for the rescue of the daughter of his hostess.
My lady came down to the breakfast table greatly cheered, as was plain
to be seen. Sir Galahad had not the heart to tell her that as yet he
had found no way for the rescue of her daughter. Instead he said.
"It seems to me that there is one thing I can but do. I shall seek
this knight's castle and wait for such event there as may befall. Luck
may come my way. But I promise you this, my lady, I shall make no rash
or fruitless attempt at rescue. Rash acts may well come after the
rescue of your daughter, not before."
The Lady Jeanne agreed. So then immediately after the meal Walker, and
the page Charles prepared the things they would need for the journey.
"I go forth to prepare the horses, young master. Will you see to these
things here?" So spoke Walker and when Charles agreed he hurried
outdoors.
[Illustration: Suddenly They Made For Each Other]
Hardly had he reached there, however, when he saw two horsemen coming
toward him. His trained eye easily recognized them. One could be no
other than Sir Launcelot. Only he sat his horse so. And the rider with
him was Gouvernail, he who had been squire to Sir Tristram until that
brave knight had died and who now was in the service of Sir Launcelot.
"By my faith," spoke out Walker to the empty air. He rubbed his eyes.
Yes, it was they.
"A wish come true," was all he could think of. And then he danced
first on one foot, then on the other, uncertain whether to rush to
meet the advancing horsemen or to run inside and advise his master.
His uncertainty ended only when he was indoors again.
"Master, master, come you here," he called. "See who comes," he
shouted gleefully.
Sir Galahad came toward him. But not as quick as the eager, youthful
Charles. After them all, came the Lady Jeanne.
"It is Launcelot, by my faith," Sir Galahad shouted gleefully. "He was
to meet me in Normandy and has followed close on my heels. What luck!"
And he waved to the approaching knight who returned the salute and
increased his speed.
The Lady Jeanne turned questioning eyes to the squire, who nodded
happily.
"My lady," Sir Galahad turned to her. "Now you may well have hope and
faith. And well may you give us your blessing for we shall bring your
daughter to you, have no fear."
So spoke the knight whose faith in Sir Launcelot's prowess was most
profound.
Now the approaching knight came up to them.
"Good Allan," he said still calling his friend by the name of his
boyhood. "I have traveled through a day of storm to catch up with you.
Until I am sure that this knave here is prepared to seek a master who
would be saner and more considerate."
"Not so," replied Gouvernail, "for I was no less the anxious."
"You come in good time, dear friend. For never were you more needed.
There is work ahead for us, serious work. This lady here needs our
help. She is sore distressed. But let her meet you."
So the Lady Jeanne met Sir Launcelot. And once again the tale of her
plight was revealed. And even as Sir Launcelot listened, the plan of
what to do came to Sir Galahad. But he kept his tongue until his
friend was fully informed and had in turn had time to question their
hostess.
Charles stood close to his master, whose arm encircled him as if it
would include him in all of it. A little in the background stood the
two squires who were close friends and old comrades. Gouvernail's
interest was keen.
So when the tale was done, Sir Galahad turned to his friend and said
"Know you perchance where Merlin is?"
"We left him behind us. His old bones could not risk yesterday's
storm. But he promised me that he would follow when it cleared and so
he is but a day behind. But have you a plan, Allan?"
"It has but just come to me--this possible plan. It may be that he can
be emissary from Arthur to the Duke of Gascony for such purpose as may
be devised. And we go with him as knights. We _know not_, of
course, that a pretender sits where the Duke of Gascony should. And I
fancy that this Dolphus will be right well pleased to welcome us and
if we seemingly appear not too scrupulous ourselves we can worm the
story from him and act thereon."
"It can be done, if the plan is well thought out. Only dear lad, I
doubt whether thy face will not count against you in any pretended
villainy. Think you not so, madame?"
The Lady Jeanne smiled. It was strange to see her smile but it gave
proof that she was lighter hearted.
"I think that Sir Dolphus is not the kind to think that there are any
who hold aught but villianous thoughts," she replied.
"So then, we must need delay until Merlin comes."
"Think you the king will be provoked at our use of him and his court?"
Sir Galahad asked.
"Aye, that I do. Provoked that he was not with us to share in the
adventure." Launcelot laughingly replied.
"Lady," Sir Launcelot addressed her in a moment's pause. "You had
little need to worry when this knight became your champion. He is
overly modest. Gladly shall I help him."
"God is good," the Lady Jeanne replied brokenly. "And He has placed me
and my troubles in godly hands." And then she wept. And it seemed as
if like a spring freshet, her thoughts, soul, and heart, were cleared
and cleansed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
A Rescue
"I seek speech with him who is Duke of Gascony. I bring him a message
from Arthur, King of England." So spoke Merlin as he stood at the
entrance of the great and splendid castle of the ruler of Gascony.
By his side were the two knights, Galahad and Launcelot. The page
Charles stood close by and somewhat behind them were the two squires,
Walker and Gouvernail.
"From England's king?" the Gascon knight questioned. And made as if
he would further satisfy his curiosity. But changed his mind.
"I pray you wait, good sir, until I tell my lord, your message." So
then he went within the great hall.
"A rash adventure, say I," and Merlin shook his head dolefully.
"You were ever a croaker, good Merlin," replied Sir Launcelot. "See
not the thing so dolefully, I pray you."
"And think of the worth of what we accomplish," added Sir Galahad.
"Here now comes the Gascon with his answer, I see. Let us listen to
what he says."
"We bid you welcome to Gascony and pray you to come within. My master
sends his greetings and awaits you."
They followed then their guide and so came within the great hall of
state where Sir Dolphus awaited them.
"Come you from England?" he asked.
"That we do," replied Merlin, "and carry a message for the Duke."
"There is no Duke of Gascony. He is dead. But I, by the will of all
the nobles of the land, rule in place. If you have message from
England's king honor is mine to receive it."
"That message will I deliver right gladly. My king has long desired to
come to Gascony and to other countries in France. So has he sent me
forth to find first, how welcome will his visit be, second, as you may
well understand, that such country as may come within his plans may
worthy be his presence. For England's king must hold his honor and
his presence at their royal worth.
"So come I to this brave land the which my king has heard well spoken
and which he holds in high esteem. I find it sad news that he who
reigned is dead, yet Gascony cannot suffer if you, most worshipful
sir, rule instead."
Now did the crafty Dolphus find himself quick to see the worth to him
of such a visit from the great king of England who was held in high
esteem everywhere. If Arthur were to visit him then could none
question his pretense to the throne. Too, were such visit soon, there
would be need for him to be declared Duke of Gascony at once, so that
Arthur could be met in royal state.
"Gascony, good sir, would welcome your king. And count it honor to
receive him with all the honors due so great a name. When does your
master plan to come?"
"Shortly, sir, after I make my return to England and make report. For
he hopes also to visit Rome and pay homage to His Holiness, the Pope."
When he heard this, Sir Dolphus urged the emissaries of England's king
to tarry awhile in Gascony.
"So that, kind sirs, you find our friendship for your master, such as
may befit his visit to us. Greatly do we desire him to come and we
would wish your report to be a kindly one. So find you welcome here.
We shall eat, drink and be merry."
So the party made itself at home. Sir Dolphus soon took great fancy to
Sir Launcelot who proved a merry soul and the two spent many hours
together.
"I would count it fortunate, Sir Launcelot, were you knight of this
court. For I need friends such as you."
"Rather, I fancy, is the need otherwise. For the Duke of Gascony's
friendship is no small thing and many there are who would hold it high
honor. Of friends, you should have many." So the knight made
flattering answer.
"Aye, but you know not. There are those who would believe that the
dead duke lives and who though silent, yet are sullen over my rightful
claim to take his place. And I find the Church of little help to me.
Though I have offered it many gifts, and promised it great riches, yet
will it oppose my will."
"Does the Church object to you as Duke?" Sir Launcelot questioned. "I
see not why."
"Nay, 'tis not as Duke but in other matters."
Caution seemed to overcome Sir Dolphus for many minutes. But he had
great desire to confide in this friendly knight whose good will he
wished.
"Art thou married, Sir Launcelot?" he asked.
"A strange question, my friend. Yet do I find my happiness in the
single blessedness which is at present mine."
"Yet is marriage a most convenient thing sometime. 'Twould be for me
at present."
"Say you, _'twould be?_ Yet, if I mistake not, have I heard that
that blessed state is already yours. Though no sign have I seen as
yet, of the Lady Dolphus.
"Aye, friend, married am I, worse the pity. And when I ask the Church
to annul this unhappy state, and give it many gifts, still does it
turn stubborn over such a little thing."
"What harm therein, my friend? Since that the lady is not with you?"
Friendly was Sir Launcelot's tone and right sympathetic.
"Aye, there I come back to what I have said--about marriage being most
convenient at times. For would they annul the marriage I could then
marry again, one who owns vast estate. And that would make me all
powerful in Gascony."
Such laughter as shook the frame of Sir Launcelot. Nor was it
unkindly.
"A great rogue you," he spoke pleasantly. "Off with the old and on
with the new. Is it not so? And I fancy the new is also right young or
I am greatly mistaken? Eh?"
Great was Sir Launcelot's hilarity. Nor did the other take offense
thereat.
"I care little as to her youth or not. But I do care for the estate
that goes with her," replied Sir Dolphus.
"She must like you greatly, to be willing?"
"Hardly could I say, she's that. But that would be small matter if I
could but get the Church to sanction the deed. Yet have I hope that
if I could get your king's goodwill, he could persuade the Pope on his
visit to Rome. And there, good friend, you could help me greatly and
well would I repay such kindness."
Not once did Sir Launcelot permit the hot temper within him to be
unloosed. Played he so well with the wicked knight that it was but a
few days thereafter Sir Dolphus invited him to visit with him the
young damsel who was kept within prison walls. Never once did the
knight demur or permit the other to think that he did not sympathize
and agree with his plans.
As they walked away from the prison door, he turned to the other.
"Strange that she should be all alone. Has she no one who would make
you trouble?"
"Her father went forth with the Duke and others among us to the land
of the infidels. On our way back, in Lombardy, our small force was
overcome by disaster. But three of us escaped, I know not what
happened to the others. Then it was, I decided to possess the land of
the Sanscourt and told the Lady Jeanne that her husband wished and
commanded that her daughter Helene marry me. But she would have none
of this. So that I had to steal the damsel. And when her brother came
here to rescue her, we overcame the helpless youth. He would not have
lived had I my way, but the others would not permit that and so we
have him safely lodged in the dungeon below and I fancy he will not
abuse our hospitality for long."
That night Sir Launcelot spoke to the others and told what he had
heard. Great was his rage, which he had curbed so well when in the
presence of the other.
"I would," Merlin spoke in great gloom, "that we were well out of
this."
"We can be well out of it when the youth and girl are also safely
out," Sir Galahad replied and there was a stern look in his eye.
"Tomorrow we shall find the dungeon place. Then will we act quickly.
But also we must see to it that this false knight receives his just
deserts. Is it not so, Launcelot?"
"Tomorrow, it shall be," the other replied. "And I myself, shall deal
with this Sir Dolphus, for I have had to listen to his foulness
without demur."
So they planned. And the next day, Sir Galahad professed a great
desire to see the whole of the castle. And so was shown in due course
the great dungeon and saw there, the weak and spent lad, Ambrose.
That night, Sir Dolphus and Sir Launcelot went by themselves to the
chamber of the former to make merry. And there, Sir Dolphus who
counted the other's sympathy as beyond doubt, told more of his knavish
plots. Until the listener sick with listening turned to him in the
quiet and secrecy of the great chamber and said in stern tones.
"Sir Dolphus, I would advise you to pray now. For you die in three
minutes!"
Nor did the other mistake the voice, the tone. Nor even make pretense
to misunderstand. Instead he made as if to raise a great shout. But
found the other's mighty hand closed over his foul mouth so that his
call for aid was unuttered. And the hand remained there--even as the
owner forced him to his knees with no great effort.
"Pray, if you will. Your time is almost gone."
But the wretch groaned and squirmed and tried to escape the hold that
held viselike over him.