of the great forest, he took up lodging with a rich burgher called
Berenger the Gray.

"Thou hast many foes in these parts," said the burgher, "and thou
wouldst do well to ware of them."

Bego only laughed at the warning. "Didst thou ever know a Gascon to
shun danger?" he asked. "I have heard of the famed wild boar of
Puelle, and I mean to hunt him in this wood, and slay him. Neither
friends nor foes shall hinder me."

On the morrow Berenger led the duke and his party into the wood, and
showed them the lair of the beast. Out rushed the monster upon his
foes; then swiftly he fled, crashing through brush and brake, keeping
well out of the reach of the huntsmen, turning every now and then to
rend some too venturesome hound. For fifteen leagues across the
country he led the chase. One by one the huntsmen lost sight of him.
Toward evening a cold rain came up; and they turned, and rode back
toward Valenciennes. They had not seen the duke since noon. They
supposed that he had gone back with Berenger. But Bego was still
riding through the forest in close pursuit of the wild boar. Only
three hounds kept him company.

The boar was well-nigh wearied out, and the duke knew that he could not
go much farther. He rode up close behind him; and the fierce animal,
his mouth foaming with rage, turned furiously upon him. But the duke,
with a well-aimed thrust of his sword, pierced the great beast through
his heart.

By this time, night was falling. The duke knew that he was very far