England to Charles, was indeed strange but so much had Walker spoken thereof that he looked forward to seeing it as if it were his native land. The joy of Walker at its nearness, though he tried to hide it under pretended calm was yet a thing quite obvious to Sir Galahad and the boy and much did it amuse them.
"Of all the fair lands we have passed through, have you yet found none that pleased you more, good Walker?" the knight asked him.
"There is but one heaven, my master and there is but one England," replied Walker.
"Then must I confess my sorrow at keeping you this long time from heaven," said his master with mock regret.
"Nay, master, one can only know heaven when one has seen all the other places. Too, I care not even for England when my master is not there."
"Kind words, good Walker. And spoke I ten times as kindly, yet could I not do justice to how much you have counted and how well. Will I say this, that I find it sweet to know that we are so near to England's shores and that it is but a few days when we shall again find ourselves at home. I would see all our friends, the good king, Sir Percival, Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot and the others. This wind that fills these sails cannot blow too strong for me."
Well did the wind hold yet did it seem as if the next days were over long. At last they were but a half day from the great castle of King Arthur.
Now as they rode, adventure there had been none since they had left Normandy, they were stopped by a strange beggar who sought alms. Sick did he seem, ragged and wretched, and as if life could hold but little for him. It was the selfsame beggar they had passed when they started on their journey.
"Good master, I starve. Charity I seek."
Now though, Sir Galahad was impatient to reach the castle, yet did he stop for the poor wretch drew his pity.
"What will you, my man?"
"Food, if you have it, Sir Knight. Such help as you can give so low a thing as me."
So then without further ado, he bade Walker feed the knave, which the latter did, grumbling at the delay the same must cause. Then, the knight spoke kindly again to the beggar and gave him some silver.
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