"Kind words, good Walker. And spoke I ten times as kindly, yet could I
not do justice to how much you have counted and how well. Will I say
this, that I find it sweet to know that we are so near to England's
shores and that it is but a few days when we shall again find
ourselves at home. I would see all our friends, the good king, Sir
Percival, Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot and the others. This wind that
fills these sails cannot blow too strong for me."

Well did the wind hold yet did it seem as if the next days were over
long. At last they were but a half day from the great castle of King
Arthur.

Now as they rode, adventure there had been none since they had left
Normandy, they were stopped by a strange beggar who sought alms. Sick
did he seem, ragged and wretched, and as if life could hold but little
for him. It was the selfsame beggar they had passed when they started
on their journey.

"Good master, I starve. Charity I seek."

Now though, Sir Galahad was impatient to reach the castle, yet did he
stop for the poor wretch drew his pity.

"What will you, my man?"

"Food, if you have it, Sir Knight. Such help as you can give so low a
thing as me."

So then without further ado, he bade Walker feed the knave, which the