for Wonkin and the other two stood under cover of trees and so were
not easy targets.

Twice more they let their arrows fly and five men of the forty had
been stopped.

Now as the others came at them with clubs and mace, Sir Launcelot
commanded Wonkin and the other two to withdraw a hundred pace and from
there continue to let their arrows fly. And this was great wisdom for
else the three could not have long withstood the large number.

So now the knights with their great lances fought off the villains and
the two knights who were with them. Very few who came within the reach
of the long weapons escaped. And from their place the three men at
arms shot arrow after arrow into the attackers.

Three of the knaves had hold of Sir Percival's horse and thereupon
others swarmed upon him and what with the blows of their maces and
clubs, he was in sorry plight. Nor could Sir Launcelot turn to help
him for he was in great conflict with the two knights and a large
number of them on foot and Sir Neil equally so. As for Allan he had
already ridden down two of the attackers and had brought his weapon
which was cross between sword and dagger down upon their skulls. Now
as he turned he saw the plight of his lord. So did Sir Dagonet, who
though timid had up to then made some ado to help. Whereupon both sped
hard to Sir Percival's aid. And so skillful was the boy that he hewed
down several of the knaves and Sir Dagonet too, soon found that others
of Sir Percival's attackers were turning their attention to him. All
of which gave needed time for Sir Percival to escape from his
difficulty, draw sword and begin anew.