No doubt he was soon convinced of its truth; but all the time I was with him, not a word crossed his lips with reference to what he evidently concluded I wished to leave unnoticed, if not to keep concealed.
"Squire and knight should be friends," said he: "can you take me by the hand ?" And he held out the great gauntleted right hand.

I grasped it willingly and strongly.

Not a word more was said.

The knight gave the sign to his horse, which again began his slow march, and I walked beside and a little behind.
We had not gone very far before we arrived at a little cottage; from which, as we drew near, a woman rushed out with the cry: "My child! my child! have you found my child ?" "I have found her," replied the knight, "but she is sorely hurt.

I was forced to leave her with the hermit, as I returned.