"He landed safely on the coast, and was journeying north with a view of joining his sister at the Court of Saxony, when he was foully seized and imprisoned by the Archduke John." "That were gross shame indeed," the knight said, "and black treachery on the part of Duke John.

And where is the noble king imprisoned ?" "That," said Blondel, "no man knows.

On my journey hither I have gathered that the emperor claimed him from the hand of the Archduke, and that he is imprisoned in one of the royal fortresses; but which, I know not.

And indeed, sir knight, since you are well disposed towards him, I may tell you that the purport of my journey is to discover if I can the place of his confinement.

He was a kind and noble master, and however long my search may be, I will yet obtain news of him." The knight warmly applauded the troubadour's resolution, and was turning to lead him into his abode, when his eye fell upon Cuthbert.
"Methinks I know the face of your attendant as well as your own; though where I can have seen him I know not.