"Of a truth," said King Arthur, "a right worthy knave is that and I
would speak to him."

So they brought the stranger before the king.

"Thou hast done exceeding well, this day, fellow. Tell us then the
banner that you serve."

"That I cannot do. For, sire, such are my master's commands. Yet may
I say no knight is more true and worthy."

"Then must we wait for your master's coming. Go thou hence and tell
your master he can be proud of thee. And take you this bag of gold
besides such other prizes as are yours." So as the knave stood there,
the King turned to Sir Dagonet, his jester, who was making himself
heard.

"A fool speaks, sire. Yet claim I, like master like man. So then must
this fellow's master be right skillful to hold him. And since this
master is not you, nor Sir Launcelot, then I pick him to be Sir
Tristram."

"Fool's reasoning, yet hath it much sense," said the King.

Now the stranger left. But ere departing, he turned to Allan.

"I trust, young master, I shall see you again. As to who I am, know
you for your own keeping--fools ofttimes reason best of all."