They make long days'
journeys until they approach the water-bridge, but are still
about a league from it. Before they came in sight of the bridge,
a dwarf came to meet them on a mighty hunter, holding a scourge
with which to urge on and incite his steed. In accordance with
his instructions, he at once inquired: "Which of you is Lancelot?
Don't conceal him from me; I am of your party; tell me
confidently, for I ask the question for your good." Lancelot
replies in his own behalf, and says: "I am he whom thou seekest
and askest for." "Ah," says the dwarf, "frank knight, leave
these people, and trust in me. Come along with me alone, for I
will take thee to a goodly place. Let no one follow thee for
anything, but let them wait here; for we shall return presently."
He, suspecting no harm in this, bids all his men stay there, and
follows the dwarf who has betrayed him. Meanwhile his men who
wait for him may continue to expect him long in vain, for they,
who have taken and seized him, have no desire to give him up.
And his men are in such a state of grief at his failure to return
that they do not know what steps to take. They all say
sorrowfully that the dwarf has betrayed them. It would be
useless to inquire for him: with heavy hearts they begin to
search, but they know not where to look for him with any hope of
finding him.
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