It was a desperate place for him to be in, and might cost him his life, but it was no use to argue with him.

If he considered his knightly honor at stake here, that was the end of argument; he would stay, and nothing could prevent it; I was aware of that. And so I dropped the subject. The woman spoke:

“Fair sir, of your kindness will ye climb the ladder there, and bring me news of what ye find? Be not afraid to report, for times can come when even a mother’s heart is past breaking — being already broke.”

“Abide,” said the king, “and give the woman to eat. I will go.” And he put down the knapsack.

I turned to start, but the king had already started. He halted, and looked