THE TOURNAMENT AT LONAZEP.
When Palamides learned that Tristram was not at Lonazep, he tarried not there, but crossed the Humber, and sought him at Joyous Gard. Here he found lodgings in the town, and word was quickly brought to Tristram that a knight-errant had come.
"What manner of man is he? and what sign does he bear?" he asked.
The messenger described his armor and appearance.
"That is Palamides," said Dinadan. "The brave fellow is already back, and victorious, I doubt not."
"It looks that way, indeed. Go and bid him welcome to Joyous Gard," said Tristram.
So Dinadan went to Palamides, and joyfully greeted him, listening eagerly to the story of his exploits, and congratulating him on his signal success. He remained with him that night, and in the morning they were visited by Tristram and Gareth before they had arisen.
Many were the warm congratulations which Tristram gave Palamides on his noble achievement, and after they had breakfasted he invited him to ride into the fields and woods, that they might repose under the cool shelter of the forest. Here they alighted by a refreshing spring, and as they sat conversing an armed knight came riding towards them.
"Who are those knights that are lodged in Joyous Gard?" he asked.
"That I cannot say," answered Tristram.