that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you."

"It shall be done," said the duke. "And I am at your command all the
days of my life, with a hundred knights in my train."

This said, the duke departed, leaving Gareth there alone. But not long
had he stood when he saw another armed knight approaching. Then Gareth
took the duke's shield, and mounted, waiting the new-comer, who rode
upon him without a word of greeting. And now, for the first time, Gareth
met his match, for the stranger knight held his seat unharmed, and
wounded him in the side with his spear.

Then they alighted and drew their swords, and for two hours they fought,
till the blood flowed freely from them both.

As they thus fought there came that way the damsel Linet, riding on an
ambling mule. When she saw them, she cried,--

"Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave off fighting with thy brother Gareth."

When Gawaine, for it was indeed he, heard this, he threw down his shield
and sword and ran to Gareth, whom he took in his arms, and then kneeled
down and asked his mercy.

"Who are you," asked Gareth, "that one minute fight me so strongly and
yield the next?"

"Oh, Gareth, I am your brother Gawaine."

Then Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled to him and asked his mercy.
Both now rose and embraced each other, weeping so that it was long
before they could speak. When their voices returned they entered into a
brotherly contest, for each insisted that the other had won the battle.
As they thus stood in loving converse, the damsel Linet came up to them,
and stanched their wounds, from which the blood was flowing freely.

"What will you do now?" she asked. "It seems to me that my lord Arthur
should have news of you, for your horses are too bruised to carry you."

"It is well said," answered Gawaine. "Will you, fair damsel, bear word
to him?"

Then she took her mule and rode to where the king abode, he then being
at a castle scarcely two miles distant. The tidings she brought him
cheered his heart wonderfully, for much had the disappearance of Gareth
troubled him. Turning to his attendants, he ordered that a palfrey
should be saddled in all haste.

When he was in the saddle he turned to the wondering lords and ladies
and told them whither he went, bidding all who wished to greet Sir
Gareth to follow. Then was there hasty saddling and bridling of queens'
horses and princes' horses, and happiest were they who soonest got
ready.

But the king rode on till he cam