Onward they rode during the remainder of the night and the next day, till they came to a castle not far from the sea, where Galahad was warmly welcomed, for the damsel who guided him had been sent by the lady of that castle. "Madam," said the damsel, "shall he stay here all night?" "No," she replied; "only until he has dined, and has slept a little. He must ride on until destiny is accomplished." So at early nightfall Galahad was called and helped to arm by torchlight. Then he and the damsel again took horse, and rode on at speed till they suddenly found themselves at the ocean's brink, with the waves breaking at their feet. And here lay a ship covered with white samite, from which manly voices cried,-- "Welcome, Sir Galahad. We have long awaited you. Come on board." "What means this?" asked Galahad of the damsel. "Who are they that call?" "No others than your friends and comrades, Sir Bors and Sir Percivale. Here you must leave your horse, and I mine, and both of us enter the ship, for so God commands." This they did, taking their saddles and bridles with them, and making on them the sign of the cross. When they had entered the ship the two knights received them with great joy. And as they stood greeting each other the wind suddenly rose and drove the ship from the land, forcing it through the waves at a marvellous speed. "Whence comes this ship?" asked Galahad. Then Bors and Percivale told him of their adventures and temptations, and by what miracles they had been brought on board that vessel. "Truly," said Galahad, "God has aided you marvellously. As for me, had it not been for the lady who led me, I should never have found you." "If Lancelot, your father, were but here," said Bors, "then it would seem to me that we had all that heart could wish." "That may not be," answered Galahad, "unless by the pleasure of our Lord." As they conversed the ship suddenly ran between two rocks, where it held fast, but where they could not land for the raging of the sea. But just before them lay another ship, which they could reach without danger. [Illustration: Copyright 1901 by E. A. Abbey; from a Copely print copyright 1902 by Curtis and Cameron. THE MAGIC SHIP.] "Thither we must go," said the lady, "and there we shall find strange things, for such is the Lord's will." At this they approached the ship, and saw that it was richly provided, but without man or woman on board. And on its bow there was written in large letters,-- "You who shall enter this ship, take heed of your belief: for I am Faith, and bid you beware. If you fail I shall not help you. He who enters here must be of pure heart and earnest trust." They stood looking earnestly at one another after having read these words. "Percivale," said the lady, "know you who I am?" "I do not," he replied. "Have I ever seen you before?"