But Lynette, proud now of her valiant escort, and humbled and ashamed at her misjudging of him, said:
"No, we shall ride side by side. I am very sorry I called you a kitchen boy, for I know that you are a noble knight."
They rode happily side by side till dusk, when they came in sight of Castle Perilous. Just as they were about to cross the moat, a knight overtook them. It was Sir Lancelot, who had been delayed because he had stopped to help Sir Kay after Sir Gareth had thrown him from his horse.
The great knight, as he rode up to the two in the twilight, seeing only the shields which Sir Gareth had taken from the three knights, thought the young man was an enemy, and attacked him. Sir Lancelot was so strong that he soon overcame the youth.
As he fell, Lynette cried out in shame and sorrow, and Sir Gareth said:
"Oh, I am thrown."
Sir Lancelot knew Sir Gareth's voice, and raised him up, saying:
"I am Lancelot, and I am sorry to have overthrown you, my friend."
Sir Gareth said that it was no dishonor to be beaten by Sir Lancelot. Then the three rode into the castle, and there they met the fourth knight, who was all covered with black armor.
Sir Lancelot wished to fight with him, but Sir Gareth would not permit it.