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e fatal event which had just occurred, and that he mourned the untimely death of the knight who had been so treacherously slain. "This is a sad story," said the knight. "As I am a true cavalier I will go with you on your quest, and leave you not while life lasts." Then he went with Balin to his inn, armed himself, and rode forth with him. But as they passed by a hermitage near a church-yard the invisible knight Garlon came again, and smote Balin's companion through the body, as he had done to Herleus before. "Alas!" cried the knight. "I too am slain by this invisible traitor, who does murder at will under cover of enchantment." "It is not the first despite the wretch has done me," cried Balin. "Could I see him I would soon repay this outrage. I am bound by the honor of a knight to a double revenge on this unworthy caitiff." He and the hermit thereupon buried the slain knight, Perin de Mountbeliard, under a rich stone in a noble tomb, inscribing thereon the cause of his death. In the morning the knight and damsel proceeded on their quest, and in good time found themselves before a castle, which rose high and broad by the roadside. Here Balin alighted, and he and the damsel turned towards the castle, with purpose to enter. But as Balin entered in advance the portcullis was suddenly let fall behind him, cutting him off from his companion. Immediately a number of men assailed the damsel with drawn swords. When Balin saw this treacherous proceeding his soul burned within him. What to do at first he knew not. Then he ran hastily into the gate tower, and leaped, all armed, over the wall into the ditch. Finding himself unhurt, he drew his sword and rushed furiously upon the armed men who surrounded his companion. "Traitors and dogs!" he cried. "If you are eager for fight, I will give you your fill." "We cannot fight you," they answered. "We do nothing but keep the old custom of the castle." "What is that?" asked Balin. "It is an ill custom, methinks, that thus displays itself." "Our lady is sick, and has lain so for many years. Nothing will cure her but a dish full of blood from a maid and a king's daughter. It is, therefore, the custom that no damsel shall pass this way without leaving a silver dish full of blood." "That is for the damsel to say," replied Balin. "If she chooses to bleed for the good of your lady she may, but her life shall not be taken while mine lasts." The damsel thereupon yiel
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