"Quarter, Messire!" cried the trooper, "here comes one of my betters for you."
In effect, a knight on a chestnut horse was coming from Goltres, a most resplendent knight in golden armour, with yellow trappings slashed and fluttering about him.
"The Gold Knight!" said Prosper, drawing a sharpish breath; "this is better than I looked for. My man," he went on, turning, "I have measured you with my eye. I think the sign-post will bear you."
"I have no doubt of it, Messire," said the man ruefully. "You shall put it to the proof so sure as I live," continued Prosper, "if you stir from where you stand. I have to speak with your master."
"Oh, make yourself quite easy, Messire, and trust me," said the man; "I see with whom I have to deal."
"Then deal not with him, my friend," said Prosper, and went to meet the
Golden Knight.
The Golden Knight set spear in rest and came cantering down the track. Prosper let him come. When he was within hail, "Put up your spear, dame," said he, "and listen."
The Golden Knight pulled up short, but held his spear couched against the worst. Prosper spoke again quite cheerfully.
"You and I have met, Dame Maulfry."
"You are speaking foolishness and wasting my time, Messire. I neither know you nor your dame."