Yet it was not until the second day that their wish was fulfilled. For
as they rode forward there came a man in great haste toward them. He
further increased his pace and gave a glad cry of relief.

Said Allan, who was foremost, "What ails you. Why your haste?"

"I have just escaped from some thieves who have entrapped my master.
They number six and fierce and sturdy did they seem. I beseech your
aid, good masters, for my master is a brave knight who has suffered
misfortune."

So then did the three, undecided for the moment, look to each other.
Until Breunor le Noire exclaimed.

"Let us to this knight's aid at once." The same thought being in the
mind of the other two, they begged the Lady Linet to await them and
hurried forward to this, their first adventure.

But the man who came to them, unknowingly, had misled them. For the
outlaws numbered more than six as they soon found out. So that when
they came to the dell in which the thieves were lodged, the three of
them together with Walker, there came forth to oppose them over a
dozen ruffians, each carrying either club or mace or spear.

Now did the three give proof of their mettle. Walker, too, wielded a
mighty mace that spelled sure death on any of the thieves whom it
reached.

Right skillfully, as if they were veterans, did they hold their place.