They had not gone far when their way was barred by a number of armed men.

“I am a minstrel,” Blondel said, “and as such doubt not that your courtesy will be extended to me.”

“Of a surety,” the leader said, “the gay science is as much loved and respected in the greenwood as in the castle; and moreover, the purses of those who follow it are too light to offer any temptation to us.  We would pray you, however, to accompany us to our leader, who will mightily rejoice to see you, for he loves music, and will gladly be your host so long as you will stay with him.”

Blondel, without objection, turned his horse’s head and accompanied the men, followed by Cuthbert.  After half an hour’s travelling, they came to a building which had formerly been a shrine, but which was now converted to the robbers’ headquarters.  The robber chief on hearing from his followers the news that a minstrel had arrived, came forward to meet him, and courteously bade him welcome.

“I am Sir Adelbert, of Rotherheim,” he said, “although you see me in so poor a plight.  My castle and lands have been taken by my neighbour, with whom for generations my family have been at feud.  I was in the Holy Land with the emperor, and on my return found that the baron had taken the opportunity of my absence, storming my castle and seizing my lands.  In vain I petitioned the emperor to dispossess this traitorous baron of my lands, which by all the laws of Christendom should have been respected during my absence.  The emperor did indeed send a letter to the baron to deliver them up to me; but his power here is but nominal, and the baron contemptuously threw the royal proclamation into the fire, and told the messenger that what he had taken by the sword he would hold the sword; and the emperor, having weightier matters on hand than to set troops in motion to redress the grievances of a simple knight, gave the matter no further thought.  I have therefore been driven to the forest, where I live as best I may with my followers, most of whom were retainers upon my estate, and some my comrades in the Holy Land.  I make war upon the rich and powerful, and beyond that do harm to no man.  But, methinks,” he continued, “I know your face, gentle sir.”

“It may well be so, Sir Adelbert,” the minstrel said, “for I too was in the Holy Land.  I followed the train of King Richard, and mayhap at some of the entertainments given by him you have seen my face.  My name is Blondel.”

“I remember now,” the knight said.  “It was at Acre that I first saw you, and if I remember rightly you can wield the sword as well as the lute.”

“One cannot always be playing and singing,” Blondel said, “and in lack of amusement I was forced to do my best against the infidel, who indeed would have but little respected my art had I fallen into his hands.  The followers of the prophet hold minstrels but in slight reverence.”

“What is the news of King Richard?” the knight said.  “I have heard that he was lost on the voyage homewards.”