the road and there the four knights within the castle grounds, seeing
them, stood watching for a moment or so. Then each mounted his horse
and in armor, rode forth from within the walls.

"We are knights on way to Wales," said Sir Percival in mild tone. "We
seek food for our midday meal."

"Food we will give you right gladly," replied the oldest of the four.
"But ask in payment such gold as you may have."

"That would be poor bargain," replied Sir Percival, still mild spoken.
"We had liefer go our way to place which seeks not such high pay."

"That may you well do, strangers, yet must you still leave your gold
behind. For we have great need of it."

"Yet no greater need for it than have we. Come, comrade, we must be on
our way." So spoke Sir Percival to Sir Neil. And now the robber
knights were certain that these were but timid men. So out came their
swords as they rode at the two. But they found them ready and
watchful. And though the odds were two to one, it was not hard matter
to hold the robbers off until Sir Launcelot came charging into the
melee.

As the four robbers turned to the newcomer and beheld his shield and
armor, they knew that it was Launcelot. And knew too that this was
trap set for them. Thereupon did Sir Manstor withdraw for the moment
from the struggle and blow horn he carried--two long and one short
note.