No need for other hounds nor for weapons of the men.

Dark had stolen over the forest when the men with huge appetites came
to sup. Juicy venison steak was there, so was the wild duck and the
pheasant in plenty. To the full they ate as did the few men at arms
that were with them.

Yet none stayed awake long thereafter. It had been an arduous day.
Allan alone was wide-awake; his eyes would not close. And he knew of a
certainty that he was the most fortunate lad in all the world. When he
should become a man, he would be--well, he was not certain whether he
would be like unto the King, Sir Percival or Sir Launcelot. Yes, he
did know, he would be like them all. Now there came mixed thoughts of
a maid who waved her hand and smiled at him. And he felt of a
precious ring upon his finger.

So now his eyes closed; he found himself seeking the Holy Grail. And
during all of the night dreamed that he had found it.




CHAPTER ELEVEN

Allan Meets a Stranger


The noble cortege, after the first day's hunt, continued on its
journey.