Next morn, the King together with Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival, Sir
Gawaine, Sir Pellimore, Sir Gilbert, Sir Neil and Sir Dagonet, indeed
a right goodly party, prepared to depart. Nor did they purpose to
return until they met with Sir Tristram, for King Arthur was of great
desire to have this good knight as one of the Round Table.

Now as these, the flower of King Arthur's court, were waiting for Sir
Dagonet who was to be with them and who had delayed, Sir Launcelot saw
Allan the boy watching them from the side. Saw too, the great wish in
the lad's eyes. Nor did Allan see himself observed for Sir Launcelot
was not then with the others.

A thought came to this fine spirited knight and it brought great and
smiling good humor to his lips. He rode to Sir Percival's side and the
two whispered for many moments. Then did the two speak to the King and
he laughed, but did not turn to gaze at the boy. Sir Gawaine now
joined in the whispering. Then did all four laugh with great
merriment. So Sir Pellimore and the other knights inquired the cause
for the merriment and, being told, laughed too. Kindly was the
laughter, strong men these who could yet be gentle. Sir Launcelot now
turned and rode hard at the boy.

"And wherefore, lad," and dark was his frown and greatly wroth he
seemed, "do you stand here watching? Rude staring yours and no fit
homage to pay your betters. Perchance, we may all be displeased, the
King, Sir Percival, and all of us."

Now the lad's eyes clouded. To have displeased these knights, the
greatest men in all the world, for so he thought them. Then and there