a few moments Owen stirred, for his struggles had caused his enemy's
dagger to swerve, and though weak from loss of blood, the young page
knew that he must act at once to save his hero from the murderous
knives.

He heard the stealthy footsteps of the murderers going backwards to the
hall, and, filled with joy, he pressed forward. His head was dizzy, he
felt as if every moment he must sink in a swoon; but at length he
reached the door, turned the handle and fell in.

'The king!' he cried. 'Save the king! Turquine has broken in and seeks
his life.'

At his shrill cry there was the rush of men and torches along the
corridors and into the room. Sir Bedevere was at the head of them, and
in a moment he, with twenty half-dressed knights behind him, was
scattering through the palace seeking the murderers, while the king
ordered his leech or doctor to attend instantly to Owen's wound.

This was soon found not to be severe, and the lad was laid at the foot
of the king's bed, glad and proud to hear the king's words of praise.

Then Sir Bedevere entered, saying that the murderers had fled as soon
as they found they were discovered.

'But, my lord king,' he said, 'this is no murderous attempt by one
insolent lord. It means, my king, that thou wilt have to fight for thy
kingdom. It is civil war!'

'What mean you, Sir Bedevere?'

'Sir Turquine is but one of them, my king,' replied Bedevere. 'He is
but the tool of the six kings who have put such great despite upon you.
For with them also in this midnight murder-raid I saw King Nentres of
Garlot and Duke Cambenet.'

Suddenly, as he spoke, the tall grey form of Merlin took shape before
them, for so great and marvellous was the power of this wizard, that he
could come and go unseen, except when he willed that men should see
him.

'Sir,' said Merlin, 'ye owe your life to this brave lad here, and he
shall be a passing good man when he shall have attained his full
strength, and he doth deserve your high and gracious favour.'

'That shall he have,' said the king, and smiled at young Owen, and the
smile made the lad forget all the burning of his wound for very pride
and gladness.

'And now,' said Merlin, 'if ye will gather your men I will lead you to
the hold of those murderous kings by a secret way, and ye should give
them such a sudden blow as will discomfit them.'

In a little while all was ready, and then, silently, with muffled arms,
the men of Arthur were marching fort