years'
standing would not have acted with more dignity than he. And after he
had settled those affairs in that wise, he turned to Lynette and
addressed himself to her, saying, "Lady, if so be thou art now ready to
depart I am ready to accompany thee," and with that the damsel took her
departure and Sir Gareth and Axatalese followed after her. So they left
that place of battle and soon after they had gone Sir Perard departed
upon his way to the court of King Arthur as he had been commanded to do
by Sir Gareth as aforesaid.

Now after Lynette and Sir Gareth had ridden some while in silence,
Lynette turned her face and looked upon Sir Gareth. And she said, "Sir
Kitchen Knave, I would I knew who thou really art." To the which Sir
Gareth answered very calmly, "Thou hast declared several times who I am
and that I am a kitchen knave from King Arthur's court." Then Lynette
laughed and she said, "True, I had nigh forgot." And she said, "Ride not
so near to me for still, I believe, thou savorest of the kitchen." And
thereupon Sir Gareth withdrew to that same distance he had assumed
before.

[Sidenote: _They behold one fleeing from the forest._]

Now somewhile toward the approach of eventide, Sir Gareth and Lynette
and Axatalese came away from that part of the country and to where the
forest began again. And it befell that as they approached the forest
they beheld of a sudden one who came spurring out of the woodlands
riding upon a white horse, driving very furiously and at full speed.
This rider when he was come nigh suddenly drew rein, and flinging
himself from the saddle he ran to Sir Gareth and catched him by the
stirrup, crying out: "Sir Knight! Sir Knight! I crave you of your
worship that you will lend your aid in a case of woful need!" Then Sir
Gareth beheld that this one who had come to him in this wise was an
esquire, clad in green and yellow and that he was one of good appearance
and of quality. And Sir Gareth said: "Fair Friend, I prythee tell me
what service it is that thou wouldst have of me?"

"Sir," cried that esquire, "my master, who is a knight of these marches,
is beset within the forest yonder by several thieves and I fear they
will slay him unless help cometh to him in short order." Sir Gareth
said, "Where is your master?" And the esquire said, "Follow me and I
will bring you to him."

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth driveth to rescue the wounded knight._]

So the esquire mounted his horse again and drave away wi