Sir Percival gave ready consent, when found. So when the boy had
returned from the errand forespoken, the herald announced that he must
hasten after the two knights and bid them return.

"And by my faith, lad, you have but little time and you must speed
well. For tomorrow at this time is this conclave called, and the two
knights are already many miles on their journey. Take you this horse
and hasten."

Then, as the eager youth, quick pulsed, made haste to obey, the herald
added in kindly voice: "It would be well could you succeed, lad. For
it is often true that through such missions, newcomers prove future
worthiness for knighthood."

"I thank you greatly for your kindness," replied the boy. "I can but
try to the uttermost. No rest shall I have until I meet with the two
knights."

So now Allan sought out and bespoke his own lord.

"I wish you well, Allan," said Sir Percival. "And say you to my
friends Launcelot and Gawaine should they prove reluctant that they
will favor their comrade, Sir Percival, if they would make haste and
hurry their return. Stop not to pick quarrel nor to heed any call,
urgent though it may seem. Prove my true page and worthy."

"I shall do my very best, my lord. And, this my first commission,
shall prove successful even though to make it so, I perish."

Swiftly now rode forth the boyish figure. Well, too, had Arthur