No questions would be asked them; they could halt where they would, in castle or town, secure of hospitality and welcome.

Blondel was himself a native of the south of France, singing his songs in the soft language of Languedoc.

Cuthbert's Norman French would pass muster anywhere as being that of a native of France; and although when dressed as a servitor attention might be attracted by his bearing, his youth might render it probable that he was of noble family, but that he had entered the service of the minstrel in order to qualify himself some day for following that career.

He carried a long staff, a short sword, and at his back the lute or small harp played upon by the troubadour.

Blondel's attire was rich, and suitable to a person of high rank.
They crossed to the Scheldt, and thence travelled by the right bank of the Rhine as far as Mannheim, sometimes journeying by boat, sometimes on foot.