So Merlin came forward and greeted him.

"They do not yet know you lad, for greatly have you changed with these
few years. Almost grown to full manhood and of a truth full well and
ready for the further conduct of your mission. Come you with me for
your seat is saved."

"Nay, sir, I hold no seat for I am as yet no knight, though hopeful,"
replied the lad.

"Yet is your place here, lad. So come."

And herewith the lad had need to follow. While all about, the knights
and others watched them both.

So now as they came to the Siege Perilous, Merlin stopped and motioned
Allan toward it. Yet the boy hesitated and turned his eyes to his
king, whose eyes searched both the Wizard and the boy.

Thereupon Merlin turned to them all.

"Here is Galahad, he who shall achieve the Grail. And proof of it is
in this that he shall sit in the Siege Perilous and no harm shall come
to him therewith. Sit you down, lad."

So Allan sat down in the place assigned. There seemed to play about
him and the seat a strange light. Well be seemed to fit therein.

"Oh, King," went on Merlin. "Some years since, there came a stranger
to this youth and also to one other here. There and then he declared