CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Sir Launcelot Arrives
The day dawned bright and clear. But it brought to Sir Galahad no planfor the rescue of the daughter of his hostess.
My lady came down to the breakfast table greatly cheered, as was plainto be seen. Sir Galahad had not the heart to tell her that as yet hehad found no way for the rescue of her daughter. Instead he said.
"It seems to me that there is one thing I can but do. I shall seekthis knight's castle and wait for such event there as may befall. Luckmay come my way. But I promise you this, my lady, I shall make no rashor fruitless attempt at rescue. Rash acts may well come after therescue of your daughter, not before."
The Lady Jeanne agreed. So then immediately after the meal Walker, andthe page Charles prepared the things they would need for the journey.
"I go forth to prepare the horses, young master. Will you see to thesethings here?" So spoke Walker and when Charles agreed he hurriedoutdoors.
Suddenly They Made For Each Other]
Hardly had he reached there, however, when he saw two horsemen comingtoward him. His trained eye easily recognized them. One could be noother than Sir Launcelot. Only he sat his horse so. And the rider withhim was Gouvernail, he who had been squire to Sir Tristram until thatbrave knight had died and who now was in the service of Sir Launcelot.
"By my faith," spoke out Walker to the empty air. He rubbed his eyes.Yes, it was they.
"A wish come true," was all he could think of. And then he dancedfirst on one foot, then on the other, uncertain whether to rush tomeet the advancing horsemen or to run inside and advise his master.His uncertainty ended only when he was indoors again.
"Master, master, come you here," he called. "See who comes," heshouted gleefully.
Sir Galahad came toward him. But not as quick as the eager, youthfulCharles. After them all, came the Lady Jeanne.
"It is Launcelot, by my faith," Sir Galahad shouted gleefully. "He wasto meet me in Normandy and has followed close on my heels. What luck!"And he waved to the approaching knight who returned the salute andincreased his speed.
The Lady Jeanne turned questioning eyes to the squire, who noddedhappily.
"My lady," Sir Galahad turned to her. "Now you may well have hope andfaith. And well may you give us your blessing for we shall bring yourdaughter to you, have no fear."
So spoke the knight whose faith in Sir Launcelot's prowess was mostprofound.
Now the approaching knight came up to them.
"Good Allan," he said still calling his friend by the name of hisboyhood. "I have traveled through a day of storm to catch up with you.Until I am sure that this knave here is prepared to seek a master whowould be saner and more considerate."
"Not so," replied Gouvernail, "for I was no less the anxious."
"You come in good time, dear friend. For never were you more needed.There is work ahead for us, serious work. This lady here needs ourhelp. She is sore distressed. But let her meet you."
So the Lady Jeanne met Sir Launcelot. And once again the tale of herplight was revealed. And even as Sir Launcelot listened, the plan ofwhat to do came to Sir Galahad. But he kept his tongue until hisfriend was fully informed and had in turn had time to question theirhostess.
Charles stood close to his master, whose arm encircled him as if itwould include him in all of it. A little in the background stood thetwo squires who were close friends and old comrades. Gouvernail'sinterest was keen.
So when the tale was done, Sir Galahad turned to his friend and said"Know you perchance where Merlin is?"
"We left him behind us. His old bones could not risk yesterday'sstorm. But he promised me that he would follow when it cleared and sohe is but a day behind. But have you a plan, Allan?"
"It has but just come to me--this possible plan. It may be that he canbe emissary from Arthur to the Duke of Gascony for such purpose as maybe devised. And we go with him as knights. We _know not_, ofcourse, that a pretender sits where the Duke of Gascony should. And Ifancy that this Dolphus will be right well pleased to welcome us andif we seemingly appear not too scrupulous ourselves we can worm thestory from him and act thereon."
"It can be done, if the plan is well thought out. Only dear lad, Idoubt whether thy face will not count against you in any pretendedvillainy. Think you not so, madame?"
The Lady Jeanne smiled. It was strange to see her smile but it gaveproof that she was lighter hearted.
"I think that Sir Dolphus is not the kind to think that there are anywho hold aught but villianous thoughts," she replied.
"So then, we must need delay until Merlin comes."
"Think you the king will be provoked at our use of him and his court?"Sir Galahad asked.
"Aye, that I do. Provoked that he was not with us to share in theadventure." Launcelot laughingly replied.
"Lady," Sir Launcelot addressed her in a moment's pause. "You hadlittle need to worry when this knight became your champion. He isoverly modest. Gladly shall I help him."
"God is good," the Lady Jeanne replied brokenly. "And He has placed meand my troubles in godly hands." And then she wept. And it seemed asif like a spring freshet, her thoughts, soul, and heart, were clearedand cleansed.
In the Court of King Arthur Page 27
