Hardly had he reached there, however, when he saw two horsemen coming toward him. His trained eye easily recognized them. One could be no other than Sir Launcelot. Only he sat his horse so. And the rider with him was Gouvernail, he who had been squire to Sir Tristram until that brave knight had died and who now was in the service of Sir Launcelot. "By my faith," spoke out Walker to the empty air. He rubbed his eyes. Yes, it was they. "A wish come true," was all he could think of. And then he danced first on one foot, then on the other, uncertain whether to rush to meet the advancing horsemen or to run inside and advise his master. His uncertainty ended only when he was indoors again. "Master, master, come you here," he called. "See who comes," he shouted gleefully. Sir Galahad came toward him. But not as quick as the eager, youthful Charles. After them all, came the Lady Jeanne. "It is Launcelot, by my faith," Sir Galahad shouted gleefully. "He was to meet me in Normandy and has followed close on my heels. What luck!" And he waved to the approaching knight who returned the salute and increased his speed. The Lady Jeanne turned questioning eyes to the squire, who nodded happily. "My lady," Sir Galahad turned to her. "Now you may well have hope and faith. And well may you give us your blessing for we shall bring your daughter to you, have no fear." So spoke the knight whose faith in Sir Launcelot's prowess was most profound. Now the approaching knight came up to them. "Good Allan," he said still calling his friend by the name of his boyhood. "I have traveled through a day of storm to catch up with you. Until I am sure that this knave here is prepared to seek a master who would be saner and more considerate." "Not so," replied Gouvernail, "for I was no less the anxious." "You come in good time, dear friend. For never were you more needed. There is work ahead for us, serious work. This lady here needs our help. She is sore distressed. But let her meet you." So the Lady Jeanne met Sir Launcelot. And once again the tale of her plight was revealed. And even as Sir Launcelot listened, the plan of what to do came to Sir Galahad. But he kept his tongue until his friend was fully informed and had in turn had time to question their hostess. Charles stood close to his master, whose arm encircled him as if it would include him in all of it. A little in the background stood the two squires who were close friends and old comrades. Gouvernail's interest was keen. So when the tale was done, Sir Galahad turned to his friend and said "Know you perchance where Merlin is?" "We left him behind us. His old bones could not risk yesterday's storm. But he promised me that he would follow when it cleared and so he is but a day behind. But have you a plan, Allan?"