'Now will I hear the brave knight's story,' cried the maiden, and the old people smiled and said they too would hear the tale.
And the sun rose slowly over the lake and the birds sang merrily on the wet and leafy trees, as the knight began his tale.
CHAPTER IV
THE KNIGHT'S STORY
'It must be about eight days ago now,' said the knight, 'since I left my castle of Ringstetten, and journeyed toward the city which lies beyond the haunted forest.
'The city was gay with lords and ladies who had come thither for the tournament which was then being held.
'I at once entered the lists, for my steed was strong and I myself was eager for the fray. Once, as I rested from the combat, my eyes fell upon a lady who was wondrous fair. She was looking down from a gallery upon the tournament.
'Bertalda was the name of the beautiful maiden, and she was the foster-child of a great duke. I knew that, as I again seized my lance, the lady's eyes followed me into the lists, and I fought even more bravely than before.