_The Hermit’s Story_
Five years ago come spring I was a husky man, indeed. Of such power was
I there were few men in the realm having sufficient temerity to cross
weapons of whatever nature with me.
There was a very beautiful woman in the country, to whose hand I laid
siege. I may as well state in the outset, I had little hope, but I
determined if I should not succeed no other one would. Her father was
very austere, and gave her few liberties, though she was permitted
greater license than any other young lady. Her father loved her dearly,
and it was his wish she should marry well. It is my opinion she
inherited a desire in a similar direction, for no one of her suitors
received the slightest encouragement.
At the time I came upon the scene of her life there was a chivalrous
young man who considered all else but her love of trifling importance. I
quickly became of the same opinion. Each observed closely all the other
did, and it so happened I one day met him in the woods at the hunt.
When we came in at the death I rode to a conspicuous place and
challenged to mortal combat any man who held claim as a suitor of the
princess—for she was a princess, and would, if she chose, receive the
throne on her father’s demise. The young man rode forth, spear in hand,
and the entire company proceeded to an opening of size near by, which we
circled around for some time, when he suddenly wheeled his horse and
came at me with his lance atilt. I was on my guard, and by a simple
twist broke his lance. I rode away, and a friend handed him a
broad-sword; mine was at my side.
I could have killed him before, but preferred to prolong the matter for
the edification of the assembly. He was frothing with rage, and his eyes
blazed dangerously as he came at a swinging gallop, his sword in a very
awkward position—so it seemed to me, but proved otherwise, and I barely
escaped without injury. My horse was of excellent metal, and was
snorting gleefully. I whirled about and made at my antagonist pellmell.
I now observed that he was left-handed, which accounted for my
supposition of awkwardness on his part. He therefore tried to ride on
the opposite from the usual side, which I tried to prevent, but was not
quick enough, and lost the top of my helmet, being thankful to come off
so well.
My veins were now well filled, and I set my teeth hard as I careered
toward him in an attempt to quarter his course, and his sword struck my
horse’s flanks as I swung my sword with a blow that would have split in
twain an ordinary man. He caught it with such dexterity as to break my
sword in halves.
[Illustration]
I dismounted, drew my light Damascus blade, and stood awaiting him. He
was no laggard, and was soon facing me, as the guests formed a circle.
It was as pretty a battle as any one might wish to see. I never saw a
man with such a pair of lungs. He never seemed in the least to suffer
for breath, though I kept him quite busy, and I may say he kept me well
occupied. Neither of us could gain a point.
Suddenly there broke into the ring a page from the court, who cried
aloud:
“Gentlemen: The princess sends greeting, and says she has learned you
are indulging in this display of valor because of her. Therefore she
sends word, saying as follows: She is curious in no way as to what the
outcome may be, as she is not in the least interested in either of you.
And she says furthermore if but one of you survive he shall be banished
from the realm during the remainder of his natural life for deigning to
go to such extremities without her permission. And that if this message
shall have the effect of stopping the combat it will show your true
merit. And she wished me to close my remarks with the following
manifesto: That whoever shall further witness your efforts upon this or
any other field shall be punished by banishment and confiscation of his
entire property and title.”
Thereupon he left us. Neither of us speaking nor moving for a time, the
entire body of spectators disappeared, and we were alone. Then he spake:
“Sir Swelltoad, you have heard the message. The combat was stopped
without the consent of either, and therefore I must give warning and say
that I seek banishment. What is your will?”
“Defend yourself,” was my reply.
It was a short matter, for he was now over-zealous, and I was soon on my
horse and am here where you have found me.
I might add that two years ago the princess became so disgusted with all
mankind she had a wonderful labyrinth erected for her, repaired into its
secret chamber, and will see no one who will not solve its mystery; but
that no one who has ever fought for her may strive to enter under
penalty of death in a most ignominious manner.
* * * * *
This ended the hermit’s story. It is needless to say my interest was
aroused, and with all the composure and carelessness I could command I
endeavored to adroitly ascertain the whereabouts of the labyrinth. I
therefore said:
“And has no one found the secret chamber?”
“No one has found it, and no one has returned, for it is so constructed
that, having once entered the labyrinth, there is no way of return, and
he who enters wanders until starvation ends him.”
“Is this labyrinth at a great distance?”
“It is the other side of the mountains,” he returned.
“I am exceedingly curious to see what that secret chamber is like,” I
remarked, carelessly.
“Let me dissuade you,” said he, “from the undertaking, for it will be
fruitless.”
“Why so?” I asked.
“For it is a most wonderful labyrinth. It is full of every imaginable
thing in the way of pit-falls and wild-eyed beasts, and it is impossible
for any one to succeed. I say this, because a most formidable knight who
had faced death in every conceivable form went on the quest a month ago
and has not returned. Each day there is a herald sent forth to cry out
whether any one has succeeded. A week ago—the last news I had—no one had
been crowned. And no one ever will be.”
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