Soon Gareth and Allan speeded their way to overtake Breunor le Noire of whose absence they began to wonder. Nor did they find trace of him anywhere. Until Allan suggested that they return to the large castle which they had passed, where trace of their comrade might be. So then did Sir Gareth come to the castle gates; Allan with him. To his beckoning there came forth one of Sir Brian's henchmen. "Tell your master, Sir Gareth waits outside the gates and would bespeak him." But when Sir Brian was given the message, he did not deign to answer in person, instead, he sent one of his knights in answer to the call. "Sir Knight," addressed Sir Gareth, "I seek the master of this castle. Are you he?" "Nay, but then Sir Brian deems it not fit for him to answer all calls. Such business as you may have, I doubt not, I may quickly dispose with and so not keep you from your journey." "I seek a youth, companion of ours, who had strayed from us and who mayhap, has met with foul adventure. His name is Breunor le Noire. Do you or the knight who is your master here know aught of him?" So spoke Sir Gareth disdaining the insolence in the tone of the other. "It may be that we do. Wait you here, while I make return to the castle to find the answer for you." Therewith the knight left them to stand in front of the castle gates and made his own way back to the house. "He is an ill bred knave," said Allan hotly. "To think that such as he holds knighthood." "Knighthood," said the ex-kitchen boy, "is merely a cloak. And I find, Allan, that it is a garment that is only seemly when he who dons it wears it well. Yet this is no time for anger. Of what matter that this knight is ill bred. If there is any quarrel I shall seek it with his master." "Think you that they know of his whereabouts?" asked Allan. "I liked not the manner in which he made answer." "Nor I. But I doubt not we shall know more surely within the next few moments." Nor did the two have long to wait. For there came from the castle another who seemed to be the high lord. In armor and shield, carrying lance and riding a great black horse, he stood out from among the knights who followed him. When he came to the gates they were opened wide for him. Then as he saw Sir Gareth and the boy, he made them a sweeping courtesy. "Forgive our boorishness, Sir Gareth. Pray to enter our humble lodging. Are you then Prince of Orkney?" "I am so known," replied the young knight. "Yet I seek to be known as Gareth, Knight of the Round Table. I know not your name, Sir Knight, but I find your courtesy welcome." But now Allan had noted how the knight's manner had changed. No longer did he seem kindly; instead a dark scowl frowned his face. "I am Sir Brian de les Isles," was the answer. But the voice was no longer a voice that welcomed, instead it was menacing and stern.