serve your purpose well."

"By my faith, did ever better knave serve master? Right proud of you
am I, Gouvernail. And would that I too had bags of gold I could give
you for your loyal service."

"Nay, master, such service as I give I measure not by aught that you
can pay."

"That do I know full well, else had you left me long since, for little
have I paid," Sir Tristram answered, soft spoken and with great
affection.




CHAPTER EIGHT

Sir Tristram's Prowess


So the next day Sir Tristram, carrying the black shield, went forth to
enter the lists. And none knew him. The great conflict had already
begun when he arrived. He found himself a place among those knights
who jousted for Northgalis. And very soon all perceived that this
knight with the black shield was skillful and strong. Well and lustily
did he battle and none could withstand him. Yet did he not meet with
Sir Launcelot nor with Sir Palomides, on this first day. Nor did any
know him, but all marveled at his worth and bravery.