CHAPTER IV.
THE CHAPEL PERILOUS.
Lancelot rode onward day after day, passing through many strange and wild countries, and over many rivers, and finding but sorry cheer and ill lodging as he went. At length fortune brought him to a comfortable wayside mansion, where he was well received, and after a good supper was lodged in a chamber over the gateway.
But he had not been long asleep when he was aroused by a furious knocking at the gate. Springing from his bed, he looked from the window, and there by the moonlight saw one knight defending himself against three, who were pressing him closely. The knight fought bravely, but was in danger of being overpowered.
"Those are not fair odds," said Lancelot. "I must to the rescue, and the more so as I see that it is my old friend, Sir Kay, who is being so roughly handled."
Then he hastily put on his armor, and by aid of a sheet lowered himself from a window to the ground.
"Turn this way," he cried to the assailants, "and leave that knight. Three to one is not knightly odds."
At these words they turned upon him, all three striking at him together, and forcing him to defend himself. Kay would have come to his aid, but he cried out,—
"I will have none of your help. Stand off and leave me alone, or fight them yourself."