And indeed, sir knight, since you are well disposed toward him, I may tell you that the purport of my journey is to discover if I can the place of his confinement.

He was a kind and noble master, and however long my search may be, I will yet obtain news of him." The knight warmly applauded the troubadour's resolution, and was turning to lead him into his abode, when his eye fell upon Cuthbert.
"Methinks I know the face of your attendant as well as your own; though where I can have seen him I know not.

Was he with you in the Holy Land ?" "Yes," Blondel said, "the youth was also there; and doubtless you may have noticed him, for he is indeed of distinguished and of good family." "Then let him share our repast," the knight said, "if it seems good to you.

In these woods there is no rank, and I myself have long dropped my knightly title, and shall not reassume it until I can pay off my score to the Baron of Rotherheim, and take my place again in my castle." The minstrel and Cuthbert were soon seated at the table with the knight and one or two of his principal companions.

A huge venison pasty formed the staple of the repast, but hares and other small game were also upon the table.