.

[Illustration: _"He struck so fiercely the bottom fell out"_]

No one appeared, however. Then he rode up to the castle of Sir
Turquaine. Near the gate he met the big knight. He was on foot,
driving his horse before him. On the horse lay a knight, securely
bound. Sir Lancelot recognized him as Sir Gaheris, the brother of
Sir Gawain and Sir Gareth.

"Put down the knight," said Sir Lancelot. "Mount and fight."

"Gladly," said Sir Turquaine. "Before long you will be sorry for
your challenge."

Then the two rode at each other. Their horses' feet beat the dust
into clouds, and they used their swords so fiercely that their
armor rang continually like the clanging of heavy bells. They
fought until they were breathless, each bleeding from many
wounds. Then Sir Turquaine, leaning on his sword, said:

"By my faith, never have I fought with such a strong man before.
I admire you, and I would be your friend. You fight as they say
that knight does whom I hate most in all this world. If you are
not that knight, I give you my friendship, and shall free all my
prisoners for your sake."

"That is well said," replied Sir Lancelot. "Tell me who this
knight is whom you hate so much."

"He is Sir Lancelot of the Lake. For hatred of him, I kill or
imprison all the knights of the Round Table whom I can find."

"Then let us begin to fight again," said Sir Lancelot, "for I am
Sir Lancelot of the Lake."

Then they struck at each other furiously, and soon gave each
other so many wounds that the ground was covered with blood. Sir
Turquaine was a brave man, but he was not so strong as Sir
Lancelot. After a long conflict he fell, mortally wounded, to the
ground. Then Sir Lancelot unlaced his helmet and eased him as
well as he could till he died. Afterwards he left Sir Turquaine,
and went to the porter who held the keys of the castle.

Sir Lancelot took the keys and unlocked the doors of the prison.
He led the poor knights out into the daylight and struck off
their chains. Sir Lionel and Sir Hector were overjoyed to see
that their deliverer was indeed Sir Lancelot. Each knight found
his own armor in the armory, and his own horse in the stables.
After that a servant came with four horses laden down with
venison, and the poor knights, who for a long time had had
nothing but bread and water, enjoyed a good meal. Then Sir
Lancelot rode away in search of new adventures.

[Illustration: The Holy Grail]

[Illustration] HOW SIR LAN