would favor them and withdraw. Then would there be one less doughty
sword."

"Aye, Dagonet, we know your unselfish spirit," said Sir Neil and
laughed.

"The knight does not live who has bested me, nevertheless," replied
the jester, with pretended heat.

"The knight does not live who has had the chance," said Sir Percival.
"Yet we love you none the less, brother."

Said now Sir Launcelot: "One of us could ride ahead. And, perchance,
these scheming knights will think that easy prey comes and so strive
to impede the way. Then when they bear down upon him we can appear and
give them such entertainment as they have not had in many a day."

Now one of the men-at-arms came forward.

"And if you will, masters, yonder cruel knight is cruel master as
well. And he holds my own brother within his prison walls for small
cause. So I pray you, masters, succor him."

"Of a surety, Wonkin," said Sir Percival, "we shall make every effort
to set your brother free. Neil and I shall go forward and so find
ourselves seemingly enmeshed by them. Then will you, at proper time,
Launcelot, come forward. And if Dagonet so wishes, he can protect our
rear."

The two knights then hurried on. They had not far to go to the turn of