"These knaves would play foul tricks on this strange fellow. This one,
would strive with him and yet would not offer other club than this.
And when the stranger asked to have one of his choice they called him
coward and would beat him."

"And I doubt not, fools, this club you offer will not stand one blow."
So Sir Percival brought it down on the first knave's head, and, lo,
though the blow was not a hard one, yet did the club break in two.

"So methought. Now go you Allan and get club that will do. And then
will you, stranger, give this villain a sound trouncing." And Sir
Percival stayed so that the troublemakers did not depart.

So Allan brought a club which suited the stranger.

Now did the two battle long and well. Both the stranger and he who
fought with him were of great strength and each was exceeding quick.

As wood struck wood and each tried to get full blow upon the other, so
turned all eyes upon the two. And except for glancing blows neither
could bring the other down. And though the sparks flew, yet each held
his club and was hardly hurt. So now they rested for a few moments.

And while they waited, the stranger turned to Allan and spoke.

"I thank you for your brave upstanding of me, young master. And I hope
some day I may serve you equally well."

"You are a worthy man. Serve me now by trouncing the knave who battles