until the sun hung low." He did not speak of the meeting with the
monk.

"It is well you are back, lad. For I was fast growing worried over the
lateness of your return. Turn in then. I wot not, but that food will
be found for you on which you can sup. Sir Launcelot went forth some
hours ago. I fancy he went in search of you, though he would not admit
this to be the purpose of his departure."




CHAPTER TWELVE

The Stranger and Sir Launcelot


Let us then turn to Sir Launcelot now making his way along the road
over which Allan had been seen to depart. Though the knight had
denied that he purposed to seek the lad, yet had his horse taken that
way. A growing fondness for the boy which he had not made too obvious,
for it was not his wont to show too easily his feelings. Display or
show of emotion ever embarrassed him. He had noted the long absence of
Allan and so had mounted his horse intent to all appearance on a short
canter.

Half way to where Allan had made his couch, the road over which he had
ridden branched right and left and some miles down came together
again. Now when Allan returned he took the road to his right having
ridden the other way earlier in the day. Sir Launcelot made for the