7:43 p.m.
However , Mallory was optimistic about his forthcoming bid for the Grail , for if it was n't in the books for him to wrest the Cup from Sir Launcelot , the chances were he would n't have gotten as far as he had . He estimated that it would take the man five minutes to enter the castle , proceed to the chamber , seize the Sangraal , return to the courtyard and come riding back to the portcullis . Seven minutes proved to be nearer the mark . In response to a hail from within the wall , several of the warders bent to the windlass , whereupon the portcullis scraped and groaned aloft , and the tall knight came riding out just as the hands of Mallory 's timepiece registered 7:43 p.m. Mallory let him pass , straining his eyes in vain for a glimpse of the Sangraal . He waited till Sir Launcelot was half a hundred yards down the highway before he encephalopathed Easy Money to follow , and he waited till a bend in the road hid the castle of Carbonek from view before encephalopathing the command to charge . At this point , Sir Launcelot became aware that he was no longer alone , and wheeled his steed around . Without an instant 's hesitation , he dressed his spear and launched a counter-charge .