"You have
eased me from great labor, and there are ten others seeking you. Why
came you hither of yourself?"

"I had a challenge with Sir Palamides to do battle with him at Lanceor's
tomb this day, and I know not why he has failed me. By lucky chance my
lord Lancelot and I met there, and well have we tried each other's
strength."

Thus conversing they came to the court, where King Arthur, when he
learned the name of Lancelot's companion, was filled with joy. Taking
Tristram warmly by both hands, he welcomed him to Camelot.

"There is no other man in the world whom I would so gladly have here,"
he said. "Much have you been sought for since you left the tournament,
but in vain. I would fain learn your adventures."

These Tristram told, and the king was amazed when he learned that it was
he who had overthrown him at the Castle of Hard Rock. Then he told of
his pursuit of the knight with the covered shield, and of the deeds he
had done.

"By our faith," cried Gawaine, Bleoberis, and Kay, "we can testify to
that, for he left us all on the ground."

"Aha! who could this strong fellow have been?" asked Arthur. "Did any of
you know him?"

They all declared that he was a stranger to them, though Tristram kept
silent.

"If you know not, I do; it was Lancelot or none," cried the king.

"In faith, I fancy so," said Tristram, "for I found him to-day, and we
had a four hours' fight together, before each found out the other."

"So," they all cried, "it is he who has beguiled us with his covered
shield!"

"You say truly," answered Lancelot, with a smile. "And I called myself
an enemy of King Arthur so that none should suspect me. I was in search
of sport."

"That is an old trick of yours," said Arthur.

"One must go in disguise in these days, or go untried," laughed
Lancelot.

Then Queen Guenever, and many ladies of the court, learning that
Tristram was there, came and bade him welcome, ladies and knights
together crying, "Welcome, Sir Tristram! welcome to Camelot!"

"Welcome, indeed," said Arthur, "to one of the best and gentlest knights
of the world, and the man of highest esteem. For of all modes of
hunting, you bear the prize, and of all bugle hunting calls you are the
origin, and all the terms of hunting and hawking began with you; on all
instruments of music no man surpasses you: therefore, you are trebly
welcome to this court. And here I pray you to grant me a boon."

"I am at your command," said Tristram.