outside ceased their attack for the moment watching wonderingly, not
guessing as yet what all this meant.

From his bed of pain, not far off, Sir Percival called to the two
knights.

"Is it Arthur who comes?"

"Methinks so. Yet it seems I see the banners of Scotland. Whether it
is men of Cadoris or of Arthur, of what matter?"

"Aye, Launcelot, Scotland is there. But yonder figure is Arthur." So
spoke Tristram.

"There too, is Gawaine and Pellimore. And there the boy, Allan. See
you him?"

Sir Tristram nodded assent.

Now Mark and his men gathered close together. The king and Sir Pendore
and Sir Bertram were in close converse.

Up to the walls came the rescuing party. King Arthur in front
frowning, mighty, a majestic figure who seemed to breathe fire and
fury.

"What does this mean, Mark? What scurvy trick have you now tried?"

"I found these men within holding my own castle when I returned from a
short journey. What else could I do but try to oust them?"