"We are knights on way to Wales," said Sir Percival in mild tone. "We seek food for our midday meal."
"Food we will give you right gladly," replied the oldest of the four. "But ask in payment such gold as you may have."
"That would be poor bargain," replied Sir Percival, still mild spoken. "We had liefer go our way to place which seeks not such high pay."
"That may you well do, strangers, yet must you still leave your gold behind. For we have great need of it."
"Yet no greater need for it than have we. Come, comrade, we must be on our way." So spoke Sir Percival to Sir Neil. And now the robber knights were certain that these were but timid men. So out came their swords as they rode at the two. But they found them ready and watchful. And though the odds were two to one, it was not hard matter to hold the robbers off until Sir Launcelot came charging into the melee.
As the four robbers turned to the newcomer and beheld his shield and armor, they knew that it was Launcelot. And knew too that this was trap set for them. Thereupon did Sir Manstor withdraw for the moment from the struggle and blow horn he carried--two long and one short note.
One of the brothers had already been unhorsed and most grievously wounded. Sir Manstor now came back to the aid of his brothers and of them all he was most skillful. So Sir Launcelot turned to him and him, the robber knight found more than a match.
But from within the walls came forty and more men at arms, some with bow and arrow and others with club and mace. And with them, two other knights.
When Sir Launcelot saw these, he called to his comrades. "Hard at them, hard."
For he had in mind to down these three before the others came.