'I pray you abide here still, till you know how I
shall speed,' and he rode away, taking with him a squire to send
tidings back to Sir Galahad.

After King Bagdemagus had ridden two miles he entered a fair valley,
and there met him a goodly Knight seated on a white horse and clad in
white armour. And they came together with their spears, and Sir
Bagdemagus was borne from his horse, for the shield covered him not at
all. Therewith the strange Knight alighted and took the white shield
from him, and gave it to the squire, saying, 'Bear this shield to the
good Knight Sir Galahad that thou hast left in the Abbey, and greet
him well from me.'

'Sir,' said the squire, 'what is your name?'

'Take thou no heed of my name,' answered the Knight, 'for it is not
for thee to know, nor for any earthly man.'

'Now, fair Sir,' said the squire, 'tell me for what cause this shield
may not be borne lest ill befalls him who bears it.'

'Since you have asked me,' answered the Knight, 'know that no man
shall bear this shield, save Sir Galahad only.'

Then the squire turned to Bagdemagus, and asked him whether he were
wounded or not. 'Yes, truly,' said he, 'and I shall hardly escape from
death'; and scarcely could he climb on to his horse's back when the
squire brought it near him. But the squire led him to a monastery that
lay in the valley, and there he was treated of his wounds, and after
long lying came back to life. After the squire had given the Knight
into the care of the monks, he rode back to the Abbey, bearing with
him the shield. 'Sir Galahad,' said he, alighting before him, 'the
Knight that wounded Bagdemagus sends you greeting, and bids you bear
this shield, which shall bring you many adventures.'

'Now blessed be God and fortune,' answered Sir Galahad, and called for
his arms, and mounted his horse, hanging the shield about his neck.
Then, followed by the squire, he set out. They rode straight to the
hermitage, where they saw the White Knight who had sent the shield to
Sir Galahad. The two Knights saluted each other courteously, and
then the White Knight told Sir Galahad the story of the shield, and
how it had been given into his charge. Afterwards they parted, and Sir
Galahad and his squire returned unto the Abbey whence they came.

[Illustration: SIR GALAHAD OPENS THE TOMB]

The monks made great joy at seeing Sir Galahad again, for they feared
he was gone for ever; and as soon as he was alighted from his horse
they b