He now drew his sword, and set upon them with such energy that, many as they were, he put them all to flight, chasing them until they entered the castle, and following them within its walls till they fled from the castle by another gate.
Galahad was now met by an old man, clad in religious costume, who said to him,—
"Sir, here are the keys of the castle."
Then the victor ordered that all the gates should be thrown open, and in the streets of the neighboring town were crowds of people, crying gladly,—
"Sir knight, you are heartily welcome. Long have we waited for the deliverance which you bring us."
And a gentlewoman came, who said to him,—
"These knights are fled, but they will come again. Therefore, sir, I counsel you to send for all the knights that hold their lands of this castle, and make them swear to restore the old customs, and do away with the evil practices which these villanous knights have fostered."
"That is good counsel," said Galahad.
Then she brought him a horn of ivory, richly adorned with gold, and said,—
"Blow this horn loudly. It will be heard two miles and more from the castle, and all that hear it will come."