Reaching the church, he made Kay swear upon the book how he came by that weapon, for greatly he doubted.
"I have not said I drew it," Kay replied, sullenly. "In truth, it was not achieved by me. Arthur brought me the sword."
"Arthur!" cried the lord. "Arthur brought it! How got you it, boy?"
"I pulled it from the stone," replied the youth. "Kay sent me home for his sword, but the house was empty and locked; and as I did not wish my brother to be without a weapon, I rode hither and pulled this blade out of the stone. Was there aught strange in that? It came out easily enough."
"Were there no knights about it?"
"None, sir."
"Then the truth is plain. God's will has been revealed. You are the destined king of England."
"I?" cried Arthur, in surprise. "Wherefore I?"
"God has willed it so," repeated the baron. "But I must first learn for myself if you have truly drawn the sword. Can you put it back again?"
"I can try," said Arthur, and with an easy thrust he sunk the blade deeply into the stone.