Percival. Yet these three were a host in themselves as they, with
Gouvernail and Walker, set an inspiring example to the rest.

"Faith," said Sir Percival at this moment, "I cannot say that I would
not welcome the arrival of Arthur and our men."

"I had never thought sleep so great a luxury," rejoined Sir Tristram.

"Nor I," added Sir Launcelot. "However, do you both take such little
of that now as those knaves who are on the outside permit."

But this neither of the two had in mind to do. Yet Sir Launcelot
insisted and only had his way when he promised that he would also take
time for sleep after them.

They had, so it seemed to them, but barely fallen asleep, when there
was great outcry from both within and without the gates. The men of
King Mark had evidently decided on a determined attack with full
intention to overcome the stubborn few. In a great mass they came and
though many fell and every arrow told yet were they not to be denied.
And as they came close to the walls King Mark's men opened wide their
ranks and a score of men were seen carrying a bridge to throw over in
place of the drawbridge which they could not reach.

"Now has it grown right serious," said Sir Launcelot.

"Will you Percival hold these walls while Tristram, I, Gouvernail and
Walker, make every effort to see that the bridge does not stay."

There was no time for further words. The four quickly made for the