North and south, and east and west the challenge was repeated, and after each the trumpet sounded a warlike flourish, yet no horseman paced forth and no man leapt the barriers; and the witch Mellent drooped pale and trembling betwixt her warders.  But, of a sudden she opened swooning eyes and lifted her heavy head; for, from the distant woods, faint as yet and far, a horn brayed hoarsely—­three notes, thrice repeated, defiant and warlike.  And now, among the swaying crowds rose a hum that grew and grew, while ever and anon the horn rang out, fiercely winded—­and ever it sounded nearer:  until, of a sudden, out from the trees afar, two horsemen galloped, their harness bright in the sunshine, helm and lance-point twinkling, who, spurring knee and knee, thundered over the ling; while every tongue grew hushed, and every eye turned to mark their swift career.

Tall were these men and lusty, bedight from head to foot in glistening mail, alike at all points save that one bare neither shield nor lance, and ’neath his open bascinet showed a face brown and comely, whereas his companion rode, his long shield flashing in the sun, his head and face hid by reason of his ponderous, close-shut casque.  Swift they rode, the throng parting before them; knee and knee together they leapt the palisade, and reining in their horses, paced down the lists and halted before the pale and trembling captive.  Then spake the knight, harsh-voiced behind his vizor: 

“Sound, Roger!”

Forthwith the black-haired, ruddy man set a hunting horn to his lips, and blew thereon a flourish so loud and shrill as made the very welkin ring.

Now came pursuivants and the chief herald, which last made inquisition thus: 

“Sir Knight, crest hast thou none, nor on thy shield device, so do I demand name and rank of thee, who thus in knightly guise doth give this bold defiance, and wherefore ye ride armed at points.  Pronounce, messire!”

Then spake the tall knight loud and fierce, his voice deep-booming within the hollow of his closed casque.

“Name and rank have I laid by for the nonce, until I shall have achieved a certain vow, but of noble blood am I and kin unto the greatest—­this do I swear by Holy Rood.  To-day am I hither come in arms to do battle on behalf of yon innocent maid, and to maintain her innocence so long as strength abide.  And furthermore, here before ye all and every, I do proclaim Sir Gilles of Brandonmere a shame and reproach unto his order.  To all the world I do proclaim him rogue and thief and wilful liar, the which (God willing) I will here prove upon his vile body.  So now let there be an end of words.  Sound, Roger!”

Hereupon he of the ruddy cheek clapped horn to lip and blew amain until his cheek grew redder yet, what time the heralds and pursuivants and marshals of the field debated together if it were lawful for a nameless knight to couch lance ’gainst one of noble blood.  But now came Sir Gilles himself, choking with rage, and fuming in his harness.