king, go and summon this tyrant to your presence,' he
said, 'so that this poor dame may have justice, and that ye may punish
him for his oppression.'

'I fear me, Lancelot, thou art over young for so fierce a knight,' said
Arthur.

'I shall but bear thy words, sir,' said Lancelot, and he will not harm
thy messenger.'

'Take two stout men-at-arms with you, then,' said Arthur, 'and say to
this Sir Caradoc that if he come not back with thee to answer unto me,
I will come and take his life and burn his evil tower to the ground.'

Many of the younger men that had despite against Lancelot for his
greater prowess at the sword and the lance thought that now, indeed,
they would be ridded of him, for they deemed Sir Caradoc would slay
him.

Two days later came young Lancelot back with his two men-at-arms, and
with them, bound upon a great horse, was a full fierce and raging
knight, red of face, large of body, his clothes all tossed and torn,
and his mouth full of dire threatenings against Lancelot. Men made way
for them marvelling, and together Lancelot and his captive rode up the
hall to the king.

'Here, lord, is Sir Caradoc of the Dolorous Tower in the Marsh,' said
Lancelot. 'He would not come when I gave him your message, so I bided
my time until he was sunk in wine, and was sleeping alone, and I have
brought him secretly from his hold. Now, lord king, I think Sir Caradoc
would joust with me, if you will give me knighthood.'

'Joust with thee, thou smooth-faced boy!' cried Sir Caradoc, straining
at his bonds. 'I will spit thee on my lance if I may get at thee, and
when thou art slain I will fight with this little king of thine--and
his death shall wipe out this insult thou hast put upon me!'

At his rage and fierce bearing men marvelled and many were afeared,
seeing that Sir Caradoc was great in lands and kinsmen, and big of his
body.

'Thou art full young, Lancelot,' said Arthur, 'to joust with so strong
a knight. Let an older man have ado with him.'

'Sir king,' cried Lancelot eagerly, 'I claim the first battle with this
strong tyrant. He is my captive, and I claim it.'

'Have it as ye will,' said Arthur, 'and God speed you. But I misdoubt
me much 'twill end in your sorrow.'

'Ay, and thine too, thou gentle lady's knight!' sneered Sir Caradoc.

'Peace, man, peace,' said the king sternly. 'I think God will fight in
this battle, for I have inquired far, and the tale of thy evil deeds is
over-full.'

Therew