“Were there, then, none in the English army,” said the Lady Rowena, “whose names are worthy to be mentioned with the Knights of the Temple?”

“Forgive me, lady,” replied de Bois-Guilbert, “the English monarch did, indeed, bring to Palestine a host of gallant warriors, second only to those whose breasts have been the bulwark of that blessed land.”

“Second to NONE,” said the Pilgrim, and all turned towards the spot from whence the declaration came.  “I say that the English chivalry were second to none who ever drew sword in defence of the Holy Land.  I saw it when King Richard himself and five of his knights held a tournament after the taking of Sir John-de-Acre, as challengers against all comers.  On that day each knight ran three courses, and cast to the ground three antagonists.  Seven of these assailants were Knights of the Temple—­and Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert well knows the truth of what I tell you.”

A bitter smile of rage darkened the countenance of the Templar.  At Cedric’s request the Pilgrim told out the names of the English knights, only pausing at the sixth to say—­“he was a young knight—­his name dwells not in my memory.”

“Sir Palmer,” said the Templar, scornfully, “I will myself tell the name of the knight before whose lance fortune and my horse’s fault occasioned my falling—­it was the Knight of Ivanhoe; nor was there one of the six that for his years had more renown in arms.  Yet this I will say, and loudly—­that were he in England, and durst repeat, in this week’s tournament, the challenge of St. John-de-Acre, I, mounted and armed as I now am, would give him every advantage of weapons and abide the result.”

“Your challenge would be soon answered,” replied the Palmer, “were your antagonist near you.  If Ivanhoe ever returns from Palestine, I will be his surety that he meet you.  And for pledge I proffer this reliquary,” taking a small ivory box from his bosom, “containing a portion of the true cross, brought from the Monastery of Mount Carmel.”

The Templar took from his neck a gold chain, which he flung on the board, saying, “Let Prior Aymer hold my pledge, and that of this nameless vagrant, in token that when the Knight of Ivanhoe comes within the four seas of Britain, he underlies the challenge of Brian de Bois-Guilbert, which, if he answers not, I will proclaim him as a coward on the walls of every Temple Court in Europe.”

“It will not need,” said the Lady Rowena, breaking silence; “my voice shall be heard, if no other in this hall is raised on behalf of the absent Ivanhoe.  I affirm he will meet fairly every honourable challenge, and I would pledge name and fame that Ivanhoe gives this proud knight the meeting he desires.”

“Lady,” said Cedric, “this beseems not; were further pledge necessary, I myself, justly offended as I am, would yet gage my honour for the honour of Ivanhoe.”

The grace-cup was shortly after served round, and the guests marshalled to their sleeping apartment.