The Brethren.......................................................................................................................................................1

H. Rider Haggard .....................................................................................................................................1

R.M.S. Mongolia, 12th May, 1904 Mayhap, Ella, here too distance lends its enchantment, and these gallant

brethren would have quarrelled over Rosamund, or even had their long swords at each other's throat. Mayhap

that Princess and heroine might have failed in the hour of her trial and never earned her saintly crown.

Mayhap the good horse "Smoke" would have fallen on the Narrow Way, leaving false Lozelle a victor, and

Masouda, the royalhearted, would have offered up a strangely different sacrifice upon the altars of her

Still, let us hold otherwise, though we grow grey and know the world for what it is. Let us for a little time

think as we thought while we were young; when faith knew no fears for anything and death had not knocked

upon our doors; when you opened also to my childish eyes that gate of ivory and pearl which leads to the

At the least I am sure, and I believe that you, my sister, will agree with me, that, above and beyond its terrors

and its pitfalls, Imagination has few finer qualities, and none, perhaps, more helpful to our hearts, than those

which enable us for an hour to dream that men and women, their fortunes and their fate, are as we would

Standing a while ago upon the flowerclad plain above Tiberius, by the Lake of Galilee, the writer gazed at

the double peaks of the Hill of Hattin. Here, or so tradition says, Christ preached the Sermon on the

Mountthat perfect rule of gentleness and peace. Here, too and this is certainafter nearly twelve

centuries had gone by, Yusuf Salaheddin, whom we know as the Sultan Saladin, crushed the Christian

power in Palestine in perhaps the most terrible battle which that land of blood has known. Thus the Mount of

Whilst musing on these strangelycontrasted scenes enacted in one place there arose in his mind a desire to

weave, as best he might, a tale wherein any who are drawn to the romance of that pregnant and mysterious

epoch, when men by thousands were glad to lay down their lives for visions and spiritual hopes, could find a

picture, however faint and broken, of the long war between Cross and Crescent waged among the Syrian

plains and deserts. Of Christian knights and ladies also, and their loves and sufferings in England and the

East; of the fearful lord of the Assassins whom the Franks called Old Man of the Mountain, and his fortress

city, Masyaf. Of the greathearted, if at times cruel Saladin and his fierce Saracens; of the rout at Hattin

itself, on whose rocky height the Holy Rood was set up as a standard and captured, to be seen no more by

Christian eyes; and of the Iast surrender, whereby the Crusaders lost Jerusalem forever.

Salaheddin, Commander of the Faithful, the king Strong to Aid, Sovereign of the East, sat at night in his

palace at Damascus and brooded on the wonderful ways of God, by Whom he had been lifted to his high

estate. He remembered how, when he was but small in the eyes of men, Noureddin, king of Syria, forced

him to accompany his uncle, Shirkuh, to Egypt, whither he went, "like one driven to his death," and how,

against his own will, there he rose to greatness. He thought of his father, the wise Ayoub, and the brethren

with whom he was brought up, all of them dead now save one; and of his sisters, whom he had cherished.

Most of all did he think of her, Zobeide, who had been stolen away by the knight whom she loved even to the

loss of her own soulyes, by the English friend of his youth, his father's prisoner, Sir Andrew D'Arcy, who,

led astray by passion, had done him and his house this grievous wrong. He had sworn, he remembered, that

he would bring her back even from England, and already had planned to kill her husband and capture her

when he learned her death. She had left a child, or so his spies told him, who, if she still lived, must be a

Then his mind wandered from this old, halfforgotten story to the woe and blood in which his days were set,

and to the last great struggle between the followers of the prophets Jesus and Mahomet, that Jihad [Holy War]

for which he made readyand he sighed. For he was a merciful man, who loved not slaughter, although his

Salaheddin slept and dreamed of peace. In his dream a maiden stood before him. Presently, when she lifted

her veil, he saw that she was beautiful, with features like his own, but fairer, and knew her surely for the

daughter of his sister who had fled with the English knight. Now he wondered why she visited him thus, and

in his vision prayed Allah to make the matter clear. Then of a sudden he saw this same woman standing

before him on a Syrian plain, and on either side of her a countless host of Saracens and Franks, of whom

thousands and tens of thousands were appointed to death. Lo! he, Salaheddin, charged at the head of his

"I am come to save the lives of men through you," she answered; "therefore was I born of your blood, and

"Say, maiden, what ransom do you bring to buy this multitude from doom? What ransom, and what gift?"

"The ransom of my own blood freely offered, and Heaven's gift of peace to your sinful soul, O King." And

with that outstretched hand she drew down his keenedged scimitar until it rested on her breast.

Salaheddin awoke, and marvelled on his dream, but said nothing of it to any man. The next night it

returned to him, and the memory of it went with him all the daythat followed, but still he said nothing.

When on the third night he dreamed it yet again, even more vividly, then he was sure that this thing was from

God, and summoned his holy Imauns and his Diviners, and took counsel with them. These, after they had

"O Sultan, Allah has warned you in shadows that the woman, your niece, who dwells far away in England,

shall by her own nobleness and sacrifice, in some time to come, save you from shedding a sea of blood, and

bring rest upon the land. We charge you, therefore, draw this lady to your court, and keep her ever by your

Salaheddin said that this interpretation was wise and true, for thus also he had read his dream. Then he

summoned a certain false knight who bore the Cross upon his breast, but in secret had accepted the Koran, a

Frankish spy of his, who came from that country where dwelt the maiden, his niece, and from him learned

about her, her father, and her home. With him and another spy who passed as a Christian palmer, by the aid

of Prince Hassan, one of the greatest and most trusted of his Emirs, he made a cunning plan for the capture of

Moreoverthat in the eyes of all men her dignity might be worthy of her high blood and fateby his decree

he created her, the niece whom he had never seen, Princess of Baalbec, with great possessionsa rule that

her grandfather, Ayoub, and her uncle, Izzeddin, had held before her. Also he purchased a stout galley of war,

manning it with proved sailors and with chosen menatarms, under the command of the Prince Hassan, and

wrote a letter to the English lord, Sir Andrew D'Arcy, and to his daughter, and prepared a royal gift of jewels,

and sent them to the lady, his niece, far away in England, and with it the Patent of her rank. Her he

commanded this company to win by peace, or force, or fraud, as best they might, but that without her not one

of them should dare to look upon his face again. And with these he sent the two Frankish spies, who knew the

place where the lady lived, one of whom, the false knight, was a skilled mariner and the captain of the ship.

These things did Yusuf Salaheddin, and waited patiently till it should please God to accomplish the vision

>From the seawall on the coast of Essex, Rosamund looked out across the ocean eastwards. To right and

left, but a little behind her, like guards attending the person of their sovereign, stood her cousins, the twin

brethren, Godwin and Wulf, tall and shapely men. Godwin was still as a statue, his hands folded over the hilt

of the long, scabbarded sword, of which the point was set on the ground before him, but Wulf, his brother,

moved restlessly, and at length yawned aloud. They were beautiful to look at, all three of them, as they

appeared in the splendour of their youth and health. The imperial Rosamund, darkhaired and eyed, ivory

skinned and slenderwaisted, a posy of marsh flowers in her hand; the pale, stately Godwin, with his

dreaming face; and the boldfronted, blueeyed warrior, Wulf, Saxon to his fingertips, notwithstanding his

At the sound of that unstifled yawn, Rosamund turned her head with the slow grace which marked her every

"Would you sleep already, Wulf, and the sun not yet down?" she asked in her rich, low voice, which, perhaps

because of its foreign accent, seemed quite different to that of any other woman.

"I think so, Rosamund," he answered."It would serve to pass the time, and now that you have finished

gathering those yellow flowers which we rode so far to seek, the timeis somewhat long."

"Shame on you, Wulf," she said, smiling."Look upon yonder sea and sky, at that sheet of bloom all gold and

"I have looked for hard on half an hour, Cousin Rosamund; also at your back and at Godwin's left arm and

sideface, till in truth I thought myself kneeling in Stangate Priory staring at my father's effigy upon his

tomb, while Prior John pattered the Mass. Why, if you stood it on its feet, it is Godwin, the same crossed

"Godwin as Godwin will no doubt one day be, or so he hopes that is, if the saints give him grace to do

"No, I think not," he answered; "the deeds you may do, and greater, but surely you will lie wrapped not in a

shirt of mail, but with a monk's cowl at the lastunless a woman robs you of it and the quickest road to

heaven. Tell me now, what are you thinking of, you twofor I have been wondering in my dull way, and am

curious to learn how far I stand from truth? Rosamund, speak first. Nay, not all the trutha maid's thoughts

are her own but just the cream of it, that which rises to the top and should be skimmed."

Rosamund sighed. "I? I was thinking of the East, where the sun shines ever and the seas are blue as my girdle

"And women are men's slaves!" interrupted Wulf. "Still, it is natural that you should think of the East who

have that blood in your veins, and high blood, if all tales be true. Say, Princess"and he bowed the knee to

her with an affectation of mockery which could not hide his earnest reverence"say, Princess, my cousin,

granddaughter of Ayoub and niece of the mighty monarch, Yusuf Salaheddin, do you wish to leave this

She listened, and at his words her eyes seemed to take fire, the stately form to erect itself, the breast to heave,

and the thin nostrils to grow wider as though they scented some sweet, remembered perfume. Indeed, at that

moment, standing there on the promontory above the seas, Rosamund looked a very queen.

"And how would they greet me there, Wulf, who am a Norman D'Arcy and a Christian maid?"

"The first they would forgive you, since that blood is none so ill either, and for the secondwhy, faiths can

"Wulf, Wulf," he said sternly,"keep watch upon your tongue, for there are things that should not be said even

as a silly jest. See you, I love my cousin here better than aught else upon the earth"

"Better than aught else on the earth," repeated Godwin;"but, by the Holy Blood and by St. Peter, at whose

shrine we are, I would kill her with my own hand before her lips kissed the book of the false prophet."

"Or any of his followers," muttered Wulf to himself, but fortunately, perhaps, too low for either of his

companions to hear. Aloud he said, "You understand, Rosamund, you must be careful, for Godwin ever keeps

his word, and that would be but a poor end for so much birth and beauty and wisdom."

"Oh, cease mocking, Wulf," she answered, laying her hand lightly on the tunic that hid his shirt of

mail."Cease mocking, and pray St. Chad, the builder of this church, that no such dreadful choice may ever be

forced upon you, or me, or your beloved brotherwho, indeed, in such a case would do right to slay me."

"Well, if it were," answered Wulf, and his fair face flushed as he spoke, "I trust that we should know how to

"I know not," she replied; "but ofttimes sacrifice seems easy when seen from far away; also, things may be

"Tell me," said Rosamund, changing her tone,"what is that boat rowing round the river's mouth? A while ago

"Fish," said Wulf;"we are at peace in Essex." Although Rosamund did not look convinced, he went on:"Now

"Which have brought us no great luck," answered Wulf,"seeing that our sire was slain in them and naught of

"How better could he die," asked Godwin,"than fighting for the Cross of Christ? Is not that death of his at

"Aye, he died wellhe died well," said Wulf, his blue eyes flashing and his hand creeping to his sword

"Peace? Yes; but soon there will be war again. The monk Peterhe whom we saw at Stangate last Sunday,

and who left Syria but six months gonetold me that it was coming fast. Even now the Sultan Saladin,

sitting at Damascus, summons his hosts from far and wide, while his priests preach battle amongst the tribes

and barons of the East. And when it comes, brother, shall we not be there to share it, as were our grandfather,

our father, our uncle, and so many of our kin? Shall we rot here in this dull land, as by our uncle's wish we

have done these many years, yes, ever since we were home from the Scottish war, and count the kine and

plough the fields like peasants, while our peers are charging on the pagan, and the banners wave, and the

"By our Lady in Heaven, and our lady here!"and he Iooked at Rosamund, who was watching the pair of

them with her quiet thoughtful eyes"go when you will, Godwin, and I go with you, and as our birth was

one birth, so, if it is decreed, let our death be one death." And suddenly his hand that had been playing with

the swordhilt gripped it fast, and tore the long, lean blade from its scabbard and cast it high into the air,

flashing in the sunlight, to catch it as it fell again, while in a voice that caused the wild fowl to rise in thunder

from the Saltings beneath, Wulf shouted the old warcry that had rung on so many a field"A D'Arcy! a

D'Arcy! Meet D'Arcy, meet Death!" Then he sheathed his sword again and added in a shamed voice,"Are we

"So, my cousins, you would be away, perhaps to return no more, and that will part us. But"and her voice

broke somewhat"such is the woman's lot, since men like you ever love the bare sword best of all, nor

should I think well of you were it otherwise. Yet, cousins, I know not why"and she shivered a little"it

comes into my heart that Heaven often answers such prayers swiftly. Oh, Wulf! your sword looked very red

in the sunlight but now: I say that it looked very red in the sunlight. I am afraidof I know not what. Well,

we must be going, for we have nine miles to ride, and the dark is not so far away. But first, my cousins, come

with me into this shrine, and let us pray St. Peter and St. Chad to guard us on our journey home.

"Our journey?" said Wulf anxiously."What is there for you to fear in a ninemile ride along the shores of the

"I said our journey home Wulf; and home is not in the hall at Steeple, but yonder," and she pointed to the

"Well answered," said Godwin,"in this ancient place, whence so many have journeyed home; all the Romans

who are dead, when it was their fortress, and the Saxons who came after them, and others without count."

Then they turned and entered the old churchone of the first that ever was in Britain, roughbuilt of Roman

stone by the very hands of Chad, the Saxon saint, more than five hundred years before their day. Here they

knelt a while at the rude altar and prayed, each of them in his or her own fashion, then crossed themselves,

Now there were two roads, or rather tracks, back to the Hall at Steeple one a mile or so inland, that ran

through the village of Bradwell, and the other, the shorter way, along the edge of the Saltings to the narrow

water known as Death Creek, at the head of which the traveller to Steeple must strike inland, leaving the

Priory of Stangate on his right. It was this latter path they choose, since at low tide the going there is good for

horseswhich, even in the summer, that of the inland track was not. Also they wished to be at home by

suppertime, lest the old knight, Sir Andrew D'Arcy, the father of Rosamund and the uncle of the orphan

For the half of an hour or more they rode along the edge of the Saltings, for the most part in silence that was

broken only by the cry of curlew and the lap of the turning tide. No human being did they see, indeed, for this

place was very desolate and unvisited, save now and again by fishermen. At length, just as the sun began to

sink, they approached the shore of Death Creeka sheet of tidal water which ran a mile or more inland,

growing ever narrower, but was here some three hundred yards in breadth. They were well mounted, all three

of them. Indeed, Rosamund's horse, a great grey, her father's gift to her, was famous in that countryside for

its swiftness and power, also because it was so docile that a child could ride it; while those of the brethren

were heavybuilt but welltrained war steeds, taught to stand where they were left, and to charge when they

Now the ground lay thus. Some seventy yards from the shore of Death Creek and parallel to it, a tongue of

land, covered with scrub and a few oaks, ran down into the Saltings, its point ending on their path, beyond

which were a swamp and the broad river. Between this tongue and the shore of the creek the track wended its

way to the uplands. It was an ancient track; indeed the reason of its existence was that here the Romans or

some other long dead hands had built a narrow mole or quay of rough stone, forty or fifty yards in length, out

into the water of the creek, doubtless to serve as a convenience for fisher boats, which could lie alongside of

it even at low tide. This mole had been much destroyed by centuries of washing, so that the end of it lay

Coming over the little rise at the top of the wooded tongue, the quick eyes of Wulf, who rode firstfor here

the path along the border of the swamp was so narrow that they must go in single filecaught sight of a

"Your fishermen have landed, Rosamund," he said,"and doubtless gone up to Bradwell."

"That is strange," she answered anxiously,"since here no fishermen ever come." And she checked her horse

"Whether they come or not, certainly they have gone," said Godwin, craning forward to look about him; so,

On they rode accordingly, until they came to the root of the stone quay or pier, when a sound behind them

caused them to look back. Then they saw a sight that sent the blood to their hearts, for there behind them,

leaping down one by one on to that narrow footway, were men armed with naked swords, six or eight of

them, all of whom, they noted, had strips of linen pierced with eyelet holes tied beneath their helms or leather

"A snare! a snare!" cried Wulf, drawing his sword. "Swift! follow me up the Bradwell path!" and he struck

the spurs into his horse. It bounded forward, to be dragged next second with all the weight of his powerful

arm almost to its haunches. "God's mercy!" he cried, "there are more of them!" And more there were, for

another band of men armed and linenhooded like the first, had leapt down on to that Bradwell path, amongst

them a stout man, who seemed to be unarmed, except for a long, crooked knife at his girdle and a coat of

"To the boat!" shouted Godwin, whereat the stout man laugheda light, penetrating laugh, which even then

Along the quay they rode, since there was nowhere else that they could go, with both paths barred, and

swamp and water on one side of them, and a steep, wooded bank upon the other. When they reached it, they

found why the man had laughed, for the boat was made fast with a strong chain that could not be cut; more,

"Get into it," mocked a voice; "or, at least, let the lady get in; it will save us the trouble of carrying her there."

Now Rosamund turned very pale, while the face of Wulf went red and white, and he gripped his swordhilt.

"Of your courtesy, say what you need of us. If it be money, we have nonenothing but our arms and horses,

Now the man with the crooked knife advanced a little, accompanied by another man, a tall, supplelooking

"My master says," answered the tall man, "that you have with you that which is of more value than all the

king's golda very fair lady, of whom someone has urgent need. Give her up now, and go your way with

your arms and horses, for you are gallant young men, whose blood we do not wish to shed."

At this it was the turn of the brethren to laugh, which both of them did together.

"Give her up," answered Godwin, "and go our ways dishonoured? Aye, with our breath, but not before. Who

"My master says," was the answer, "he thinks that all who see her will have need of her, since such loveliness

is rare. But if you wish a name, well, one comes into his mind; the name of the knight Lozelle."

"The knight Lozelle!" murmured Rosamund, turning even paler than before, as well she might. For this

Lozelle was a powerful man and Essexborn. He owned ships of whose doings upon the seas and in the East

evil tales were told, and once had sought Rosamund's hand in marriage, but being rejected, uttered threats for

which Godwin, as the elder of the twins, had fought and wounded him. Then he vanishednone knew

"Is Sir Hugh Lozelle here then?" asked Godwin, "masked like you common cowards? If so, I desire tomeet

"Find that out if you can," answered the tall man. But Wulf said, speaking low between his clenched teeth:

"Brother, I see but one chance. We must place Rosamund between us and charge them."

The captain of the band seemed to read their thoughts, for again he whispered into the ear of his companion,

"My master says that if you try to charge, you will be fools, since we shall stab and hamstring your horses,

which are too good to waste, and take you quite easily as you fall. Come then, yield, as you can do without

shame, seeing there is no escape, and that two men, however brave, cannot stand against a crowd. He gives

"My cousins," she said, "I pray you not to let me fall living into the hands of Sir Hugh Lozelle, or of yonder

men, to be taken to what fate I know not. Let Godwin kill me, then, to save my honour, as but now he said he

would to save my soul, and strive to cut your way through, and live to avenge me."

The brethren made no answer, only they looked at the water and then at one another, and nodded. It was

Godwin who spoke again, for now that it had come to this struggle for life and their lady, Wulf, whose tongue

"Listen, Rosamund, and do not turn your eyes," said Godwin. "There is but one chance for you, and, poor as

it is, you must choose between it and capture, since we cannot kill you. The grey horse you ride is strong and

true. Turn him now, and spur into the water of Death Creek and swim it. It is broad, but the incoming tide

Rosamund listened and moved her head backwards towards the boat. Then Wulf spokefew words and

She heard, and her dark eyes filled with tears, and her stately head sank for a moment almost to her horse's

"Oh, my knights! my knights! And would you die for me? Well, if God wills it, so it must be. But I swear that

if you die, that no man shall be aught to me who have your memory, and if you live" And she looked at

So she blessed them in words low and holy; then of a sudden wheeled round the great grey horse, and striking

the spur into its flank, drove straight at the deep water. A moment the stallion hung, then from the low

quayend sprang out wide and clear. Deep it sank, but not for long, for presently its rider's head rose above

the water, and regaining the saddle, from which she had floated, Rosamund sat firm and headed the horse

straight for the distant bank. Now a shout of wonderment went up from the woman thieves, for this was a

deed that they had never thought a girl would dare. But the brethren laughed as they saw that the grey swam

well, and, leaping from their saddles, ran forward a few paceseight or tenalong the mole to where it was

narrowest, as they went tearing the cloaks from their shoulders, and, since they had none, throwing them over

The band cursed sullenly, only their captain gave an order to his spokesman, who cried aloud:

"Cut them down, and to the boat! We shall take her before she reaches shore or drowns."

For a moment they wavered, for the tall twin warriors who barred the way had eyes that told of wounds and

death. Then with a rush they came, scrambling over the rough stones. But here the causeway was so narrow

that while their strength lasted, two men were as good as twenty, nor, because of the mud and water, could

they be got at from either side. So after all it was but two to two, and the brethren were the better two. Their

long swords flashed and smote, and when Wulf's was lifted again, once more it shone red as it had been when

he tossed it high in the sunlight, and a man fell with a heavy splash into the waters of the creek, and wallowed

Then, at a muttered word, not waiting to be attacked by others, the brethren sprang forward. The huddled

mob in front of them saw them come, and shrank back, but before they had gone a yard, the swords were at

work behind. They swore strange oaths, they caught their feet among the rocks, and rolled upon their faces.

In their confusion three of them were pushed into the water, where two sank in the mud and were drowned,

the third only dragging himself ashore, while the rest made good their escape from the causeway. But two

had been cut down, and three had fallen, for whom there was no escape. They strove to rise and fight, but the

linen masks flapped about their eyes, so that their blows went wide, while the long swords of the brothers

smote and smote again upon their helms and harness as the hammers of smiths smite upon an anvil, until they

So back they moved slowly, with their faces to the foe, stopping just in front of the first man whom Godwin

"Nay," answered his brother, "but do not boast till the battle is over, for many are left and they will come on

Then he turned and looked behind him, and there, far from the shore now, swam the grey horse steadily, and

there upon its back sat Rosamund. Yes, and she had seen, since the horse must swim somewhat sideways

with the tide, for look, she took the kerchief from her throat and waved it to them. Then the brethren knew

that she was proud of their great deeds, and thanked the saints that they had lived to do even so much as this

Godwin was right. Although their leader commanded them in a stern voice, the band sank from the reach of

those awful swords, and, instead, sought for stones to hurl at them. But here lay more mud than pebbles, and

the rocks of which the causeway was built were too heavy for them to lift, so that they found but few, which

when thrown either missed the brethren or did them little hurt. Now, after some while, the man called

"master" spoke through his lieutenant, and certain of them ran into the thorn thicket, and thence appeared

"Their counsel is to batter us down with the oars. What shall we do now, brother?" asked Godwin.

"What we can," answered Wulf. "It matters little if Rosamund is spared by the waters, for they will scarcely

As he spoke Wulf heard a sound behind him, and of a sudden Godwin threw up his arms and sank to his

knees. Round he sprang, and there upon his feet stood that man whom they had thought dead, and in his hand

a bloody sword. At him leapt Wulf, and so fierce were the blows he smote that the first severed his sword arm

and the second shore through cloak and mail deep into the thief's side; so that this time he fell, never to stir

again. Then he looked at his brother and saw that the blood was running down his face and blinding him.

"Nay, or you could not speak." And he cast his arm round him and kissed him on the brow.

Then a thought came into his mind, and lifting Godwin as though he were a child, he ran back to where the

"Hold fast!" he cried, "by mane and pommel. Keep your mind, and hold fast, and I will save you yet."

Passing the reins over his left arm, Wulf leapt upon the back of his own horse, and turned it. Ten seconds

more, and the pirates, who were gathering with the oars where the paths joined at the root of the causeway,

saw the two great horses thundering down upon them. On one a sore wounded man, his bright hair dabbled

with blood, his hands gripping mane and saddle, and on the other the warrior Wulf, with starting eyes and a

face like the face of a flame, shaking his red sword, and for the second time that day shouting aloud: "A

They saw, they shouted, they massed themselves together and held up the oars to meet them. But Wulf

spurred fiercely, and, short as was the way, the heavy horses, trained to tourney, gathered their speed. Now

they were on them. The oars were swept aside like reeds; all round them flashed the swords, and Wulf felt

that he was hurt, he knew not where. But his sword flashed also, one blowthere was no time for moreyet

By St. Peter! They were through, and Godwin still swayed upon the saddle, and yonder, nearing the further

shore, the grey horse with its burden still battled in the tide. They were through! they were through! while to

Wulf's eyes the air swam red, and the earth seemed as though it rose up to meet them, and everywhere was

But the shouts had died away behind them, and the only sound was the sound of the galloping of their horses'

hoofs. Then that also grew faint and died away, and silence and darkness fell upon the mind of Wulf.

Godwin dreamed that he was dead, and that beneath him floated the world, a glowing ball, while he was

borne to and fro through the blackness, stretched upon a couch of ebony. There were bright watchers by his

couch also, watchers twain, and he knew them for his guardian angels, given him at birth. Moreover, now and

again presences would come and question the watchers who sat at his head and foot. One asked:

The angel answered: "It died unshriven, red sword aloft, fighting a good fight."

"Alas! poor soul, sinful and unshriven, who died fighting for a woman's love. How shall such a one find

mercy?" wailed the questioning voice, growing ever fainter, till it was lost far, far away.

Now came another visitor. It was his fatherthe warrior sire whom he had never seen, who fell in Syria.

Godwin knew him well, for the face was the face carven on the tomb in Stangate church, and he wore the

bloodred cross upon his mail, and the D'Arcy Death'shead was on his shield, and in his hand shone a naked

"Is this the soul of my son?" he asked of the whiterobed watchers. "If so, how died he?"

Then the angel at his foot answered: "He died, red sword aloft, fighting a good fight."

"Fighting for a woman's love who should have fallen in the Holy War? Alas! poor son; alas! poor son! Alas!

Lo! a Glory advanced through the blackness, and the angels at head and foot stood up and saluted with their

"How died this child of God?" asked a voice, speaking out of the Glory, a low and awful voice.

"What has Heaven to do with him, if he fought not for Heaven?" asked the voice again.

"Let him be spared," pleaded the guardians, "who was young and brave, and knew not. Send him back to

"So be it," said the voice."Knight, live on, but live as a knight of Heaven if thou wouldst win Heaven."

"It was not said," answered the voice speaking from the Glory. And all that wild vision vanished.

Then a space of oblivion, and Godwin awoke to hear other voices around him, voices human, wellbeloved,

remembered; and to see a face bending over hima face most human, most wellbeloved, most

rememberedthat of his cousin Rosamund. He babbled some questions, but they brought him food, and told

him to sleep, so he slept. Thus it went on, waking and sleep, sleep and waking, till at length one morning he

woke up truly in the little room that opened out of the solar or sitting place of the Hall of Steeple, where he

and Wulf had slept since their uncle took them to his home as infants. More, on the trestle bed opposite to

him, his leg and arm bandaged, and a crutch by his side, sat Wulf himself, somewhat paler and thinner than of

A happy smile spread upon the face of Wulf, for now he knew that Godwin was himself again.

"Me sure enough," he answered. "Dreamfolk don't have lame legs; they are the gifts of swords and men."

"And Rosamund? What of Rosamund? Did the grey horse swim the creek, and how came we here? Tell me

"She shall tell you herself." And hobbling to the curtained door, he called, "Rosamund, mynay,

ourcousin Rosamund, Godwin is himself again. Hear you, Godwin is himself again, and would speak with

There was a swift rustle of robes and a sound of quick feet among the rushes that strewed the floor, and

thenRosamund herself, lovely as ever, but all her stateliness forgot in joy. She saw him, the gaunt Godwin

sitting up upon the pallet, his grey eyes shining in the white and sunken face. For Godwin's eyes were grey,

while Wulf's were blue, the only difference between them which a stranger would note, although in truth

Wulf's lips were fuller than Godwin's, and his chin more marked; also he was a larger man. She saw him, and

with a little cry of delight ran and cast her arms about him, and kissed him on the brow.

"Be careful," said Wulf roughly, turning his head aside, "or, Rosamund, you will loose the bandages, and

"Then I will kiss him on the handthe hand that saved me," she said, and did so. More, she pressed that

"Mine had something to do with that business also but I don't remember that you kissed it, Rosamund. Well, I

will kiss him too, and oh! God be praised, and the holy Virgin, and the holy Peter, and the holy Chad, and all

the other holy dead folk whose names I can't recall, who between them, with the help of Rosamund here, and

the prayers of the Prior John and brethren at Stangate, and of Matthew, the village priest, have given you

back to us, my brother, my most beloved brother." And he hopped to the bedside, and throwing his long,

"Be careful," said Rosamund drily, "or, Wulf, you will disturb the bandages, and he has had enough of

Then before he could answer, which he seemed minded to do, there came the sound of a slow step, and

swinging the curtain aside, a tall and noblelooking knight entered the little place. The man was old, but

looked older than he was, for sorrow and sickness had wasted him. His snowwhite hair hung upon his

shoulders, his face was pale, and his features were pinched but finelychiselled, and notwithstanding the

difference of their years, wonderfully like to those of the daughter Rosamund. For this was her father, the

Rosamund turned and bent the knee to him with a strange and Eastern grace, while Wulf bowed his head, and

God\win, since his neck was too stiff to stir, held up his hand in greeting. The old man looked at him, and

"So you will live after all, my nephew," he said, "and for that I thank the giver of life and death, since by

God, you are a gallant mana worthy child of the bloods of the Norman D'Arcy and of Uluin the Saxon.

"Speak not so, my uncle," said Godwin; "or at least, here is a worthier," and he patted the hand of Wulf

with his lean fingers."It was Wulf who bore me through. Oh, I remember as much as thathow he lifted me

onto the black horse and bade me to cling fast to mane and pommel. Ay, and I remember the charge, and his

cry of 'Contre D'Arcy, contre Mort!' and the flashing of swords about us, and after thatnothing."

"Would that I had been there to help in that fight," said Sir Andrew D'Arcy, tossing his white hair. "Oh, my

children, it is hard to be sick and old. A log am Inaught but a rotting log. Still, had I only known"

"Father, father," said Rosamund, casting her white arm about his neck. "You should not speak thus. You have

"Yes, my share; but I should like to do more. Oh, St. Andrew, ask it for me that I may die with sword aloft

and my grandsire's cry upon my lips. Yes, yes; thus, not like a wornout warhorse in his stall. There, pardon

me; but in truth, my children, I am jealous of you. Why, when I found you lying in each other's arms I could

have wept for rage to think that such a fray had been within a league of my own doors and I not in it."

"No, in truth, how can you, who have been senseless this month or more? But Rosamund knows, and she

"The tale is yours, my cousins, and not mine," said Rosamund. "You bade me take the water, and into it I

spurred the grey horse, and we sank deep, so that the waves closed above my head. Then up we came, I

floating from the saddle, but I regained it, and the horse answered to my voice and bridle, and swam out for

the further shore. On it swam, somewhat slantwise with the tide, so that by turning my head I could see all

that passed upon the mole. I saw them come at you, and men fall before your swords; I saw you charge them,

and run back again. Lastly, after what seemed a very long while, when I was far away, I saw Wulf lift

Godwin into the saddleI knew it must be Godwin, because he set him on the black horse and the pair of

"By then I was near the home shore, and the grey grew very weary and sank deep in the water. But I cheered

it on with my voice, and although twice its head went beneath the waves, in the end it found a footing, though

a soft one. After resting awhile, it plunged forward with short rushes through the mud, and so at length came

safe to land, where it stood shaking with fear and weariness So soon as the horse got its breath again, I

pressed on, for I saw them loosing the boat, and came home here as the dark closed in, to meet your uncle

"There is little more to tell," said Sir Andrew. "You will remember, nephews, that I was against this ride of

Rosamund's to seek flowers, or I know not what, at St. Peter's shrine, nine miles away, but as the maid had set

her heart on it, and there are but few pleasures here, why, I let her go with the pair of you for escort. You will

mind also that you were starting without your mail, and how foolish you thought me when I called you back

and made you gird it on. Well, my patron saintor yoursput it into my head to do so, for had it not been

for those same shirts of mail, you were both of you dead men today. But that morning I had been thinking of

Sir Hugh Lozelle if such a false, pirate rogue can be called a knight, not but that he is stout and brave

enoughand his threats after he recovered from the wound you gave him, Godwin; how that he would come

back and take your cousin for all we could do to stay him. True, we heard that he had sailed for the East to

war against Saladinor with him, for he was ever a traitorbut even if this were so, men return from the

East. Therefore I bade you arm, having some foresight of what was to come, for doubtless this onslaught

"I think so," said Wulf, "for, as Rosamund here knows, the tall knave who interpreted for the foreigner whom

he called his master, gave us the name of the knight Lozelle as the man who sought to carry her off."

"Nay, uncle, how can I tell, seeing that his face was masked like the rest and he spoke through an interpreter?

"It is short. When Rosamund told her tale of which I could make little, for the girl was crazed with grief and

cold and fear, save that you had been attacked upon the old quay, and she had escaped by swimming Death

Creekwhich seemed a thing incredibleI got together what men I could. Then bidding her stay behind,

with some of them to guard her, and nurse herself, which she was loth to do, I set out to find you or your

bodies. It was dark, but we rode hard, having lanterns with us, as we went rousing men at every stead, until

we came to where the roads join at Moats. There we found a black horseyour horse, Godwinso badly

wounded that he could travel no further, and I groaned, thinking that you were dead. Still we went on, till we

heard another horse whinny, and presently found the roan also riderless, standing by the pathside with his

" 'A man on the ground holds him!' cried one, and I sprang from the saddle to see who it might be, to find that

it was you, the pair of you, locked in each other's arms and senseless, if not dead, as well you might be from

your wounds. I bade the countryfolk cover you up and carry you home, and others to run to Stangate and

pray the Prior and the monk Stephen, who is a doctor, come at once to tend you, while we pressed onwards to

take vengeance if we could. We reached the quay upon the creek, but there we found nothing save some

bloodstains andthis is strangeyour sword, Godwin, the hilt set between two stones, and on the point a

"Here it is," answered his uncle, drawing a piece of parchment from his robe. "Read it, one of you, since all

Rosamund took it and read what was written, hurriedly but in a clerkly hand, and in the French tongue. It ran

thus:"The sword of a brave man. Bury it with him if he be dead, and give it back to him if he lives, as I hope.

My master would wish me to do this honour to a gallant foe whom in that case he still may meet. (Signed)

"Another, then; not Hugh Lozelle," said Godwin, "since he cannot write, and if he could, would never pen

"The words may be knightly, but the writer's deeds were base enough," replied Sir Andrew; "nor, in truth do I

"Ay, nephew; but him you met. This writing speaks of a master whom Godwin may meet, and who would

"Perchance, perchance. The matter puzzles me. Moreover, of whom these men were I have been able to learn

nothing. A boat was seen passing towards Bradwellindeed, it seems that you saw it, and that night a boat

was seen sailing southwards down St. Peter's sands towards a ship that had anchored off Foulness Point. But

what that ship was, whence she came, and whither she went, none know, though the tidings of this fray have

"Well," said Wulf, "at the least we have seen the last of her crew of womenthieves. Had they meant more

"So I trust, but all the tale is very strange. How came they to know that you and Rosamund were riding that

day to St. Peter'sontheWall, and so were able to waylay you? Surely some spy must have warned them,

since that they were no common pirates is evident, for they spoke of Lozelle, and bade you two begone

unharmed, as it was Rosamund whom they needed. Also, there is the matter of the sword that fell from the

hand of Godwin when he was hurt, which was returned in so strange a fashion. I have known many such

"Well, Rosamund is half an Eastern," broke in Wulf carelessly; "and perhaps that had something to do with it

Sir Andrew started, and the colour rose to his pale face. Then in a tone in which he showed he wished to

"Enough, enough. Godwin is very weak, and grows weary, and before I leave him I have a word to say that it

may please you both to hear. Young men, you are of my blood, the nearest to it except Rosamund the sons

of that noble knight, my brother. I have ever loved you well, and been proud of you, but if this was so in the

past, how much more is it thus today, when you have done such high service to my house? Moreover, that

deed was brave and great; nothing more knightly has been told of in Essex this many a year, and those who

wrought it should no longer be simple gentlemen, but very knights. This boon it is in my power to grant to

you according to the ancient custom. Still, that none may question it, while you lay sick, but after it was

believed that Godwin would live, which at first we scarcely dared to hope, I journeyed to London and sought

audience of our lord the king. Having told him this tale, I prayed him that he would be pleased to grant me his

"My nephews, he was so pleased, and here I have the brief sealed with the royal signet, commanding that in

his name and my own I should give you the accolade publicly in the church of the Priory at Stangate at such

season as may be convenient. Therefore, Godwin, the squire, haste you to get well that you may become Sir

Godwin the knight; for you, Wulf, save for the hurt to your leg, are well enough already."

Now Godwin's white face went red with pride, and Wulf dropped his bold eyes and looked modest as a girl.

"Sir," said Godwin in a weak voice, "we do not know how to thank you for so great an honour, that we never

thought to win till we had done more famous deeds than the beating off of a band of robbers. Sir, we have no

more to say, save that while we live we will strive to be worthy of our name and of you."

"Well spoken," said his uncle, adding as though to himself, "this man is courtly as he is brave."

"I, my uncle, whose speech is, I fear me, not courtly, thank you also. I will add that I think our lady cousin

here should be knighted too, if such a thing were possible for a woman, seeing that to swim a horse across

"Rosamund?" answered the old man in the same dreamy voice. "Her rank is high enoughtoo high, far too

"Well, cousin," said Wulf, "if you cannot be a knight, at least you can lessen all this dangerous rank of yours

by becoming a knight's wife." Whereat Rosamund looked at him with indignation which struggled with a

smile in her dark eyes, and murmuring that she must see to the making of Godwin's broth, followed her father

"It would have been kinder had she told us that she was glad," said Wulf when she was gone.

"Perhaps she would," answered his brother, "had it not been for your rough jests, Wulf, which might have a

"Ay, but what knight's? Would it please either of us, brother, if, as may well chance, he should be some

Now Wulf swore a great oath, then flushed to the roots of his fair hair, and was silent.

"Ah!" said Godwin; "you do not think before you speak, which it is always well to do."

"Forget what she swore. Words uttered in such an hour should not be remembered against a maid."

"God's truth, brother, you are right, as ever! My tongue runs away with me, but still I can't put those words

"I mean to say that we are in Fortune's path today, Godwin. Oh, that was a lucky ride! Such fighting as I

have never seen or dreamed of. We won it too! And now both of us are alive, and a knighthood for each!"

"Yes, both of us alive, thanks to you, Wulfnay, it is so, though you would never have done less. But as for

Fortune's path, it is one that has many rough turns, and perhaps before all is done she may lead us round some

"You talk like a priest, not like a squire who is to be knighted at the cost of a scar on his head. For my part I

"Wulf," called Rosamund from without the curtain, "cease talking of kissing at the top of your voice, I pray

you, and leave Godwin to sleep, for he needs it." And she entered the little chamber, bearing a bowl of broth

Thereon, saying that ladies should not listen to what did not concern them, Wulf seized his crutch and

Another month had gone by, and though Godwin was still somewhat weak and suffered from a headache at

times, the brethren had recovered from their wounds. On the last day of November, about two o'clock in the

afternoon, a great procession might have been seen wending its way from the old Hall at Steeple. In it rode

many knights fully armed, before whom were borne their banners. These went first. Then came old Sir

Andrew D'Arcy, also fully armed, attended by squires and retainers. He was accompanied by his lovely

daughter, the lady Rosamund, clad in beautiful apparel under her cloak of fur, who rode at his right hand on

that same horse which had swum Death Creek. Next appeared the brethren, modestly arrayed as simple

gentlemen, followed each of them by his squire, scions of the noble houses of Salcote and of Dengie. After

them rode yet more knights, squires, tenants of various degree, and servants, surrounded by a great number of

Following the road through the village, the procession turned to the left at the great arch which marked the

boundary of the monk's lands, and headed for Stangate Abbey, some two miles away, by the path that ran

between the arable land and the Salt marshes, which are flooded at high tide. At length they came to the stone

gate of the Abbey, that gave the place its name of Stangate. Here they were met by a company of the Cluniac

monks, who dwelt in this wild and lonely spot upon the water's edge, headed by their prior, John Fitz Brien.

He was a venerable, whitehaired man, clad in widesleeved, black robes, and preceded by a priest carrying

a silver cross. Now the procession separated, Godwin and Wulf, with certain of the knights and their esquires,

being led to the Priory, while the main body of it entered the church, or stood about outside its door.

Arrived in the house, the two knights elect were taken to a room where their hair was cut and their chins were

shaved by a barber who awaited them. Then, under the guidance of two old knights named Sir Anthony de

Mandeville and Sir Roger de Merci, they were conducted to baths surrounded with rich cloths. Into these,

having been undressed by the squires, they entered and bathed themselves, while Sir Anthony and Sir Roger

spoke to them through the cloths of the high duties of their vocation, ending by pouring water over them, and

signing their bare bodies with the sign of the Cross. Next they were dressed again, and preceded by minstrels,

led to the church, at the porch of which they and their esquires were given wine to drink.

Here, in the presence of all the company, they were clothed first in white tunics, to signify the whiteness of

their hearts; next in red robes, symbolical of the blood they might be called upon to shed for Christ; and

lastly, in long black cloaks, emblems of the death that must be endured by all. This done, their armour was

brought in and piled before them upon the steps of the altar, and the congregation departed homeward,

leaving them with their esquires and the priest to spend the long winter night in orisons and prayers.

Long, indeed, it was, in that lonesome, holy place, lit only by a lamp which swung before the altar. Wulf

prayed and prayed until he could pray no more, then fell into a half dreamful state that was haunted by the

face of Rosamund, where even her face should have been forgotten. Godwin, his elbow resting against the

tomb that hid his father's heart, prayed also, until even his earnestness was outworn, and he began to wonder

That dream of his, for instance, in his sickness, when he had seemed to be dead, and what might be the true

duty of man. To be brave and upright? Surely. To fight for the Cross of Christ against the Saracen? Surely, if

the chance came his way. What more? To abandon the world and to spend his life muttering prayers like

those priests in the darkness behind him? Could that be needful or of service to God or man? To man,

perhaps, because such folk tended the sick and fed the poor. But to God? Was he not sent into the world to

bear his part in the worldto live his full life? This would mean a halflifeone into which no woman

might enter, to which no child might be added, since to monks and even to certain brotherhoods, all these

It would mean, for instance, that he must think no more of Rosamund. Could he do this for the sake of the

Why, at the thought of it even, in that solemn place and hour of dedication, his spirit reeled, for then and there

for the first time it was borne in upon him that he loved this woman more than all the world besidemore

than his life, more, perhaps, than his soul. He loved her with all his pure young heartso much that it would

be a joy to him to die for her, not only in the heat of battle, as lately had almost chanced on the Death Creek

quay, but in cold blood, of set purpose, if there came need. He loved her with body and with spirit, and, after

God, here to her he consecrated his body and his spirit. But what value would she put upon the gift? What if

By his side, his elbows resting on the altar rails, his eyes fixed upon the beaming armour that he would wear

in battle, knelt Wulf, his brothera mighty man, a knight of knights, fearless, noble, openhearted; such a

one as any woman might well love. And he also loved Rosamund. Of this Godwin was sure. And, oh! did not

Rosamund love Wulf? Bitter jealousy seized upon his vitals. Yes; even then and there, black envy got hold of

Godwin, and rent him so sore that, cold as was the place, the sweat poured from his brow and body.

Should he abandon hope? Should he fly the battle for fear that he might be defeated? Nay; he would fight on

in all honesty and honour, and if he were overcome, would meet his fate as a brave knight shouldwithout

bitterness, but without shame. Let destiny direct the matter. It was in the hands of destiny, and stretching out

his arm, he threw it around the neck of his brother, who knelt beside him, and let it rest there, until the head

of the weary Wulf sank sleepily upon his shoulder, like the head of an infant upon its mother's breast.

"Oh Jesu," Godwin moaned in his poor heart, "give me strength to fight against this sinful passion that would

lead me to hate the brother whom I love. Oh Jesu, give me strength to bear it if he should be preferred before

me. Make me a perfect knightstrong to suffer and endure, and, if need be, to rejoice even in the joy of my

At length the grey dawn broke, and the sunlight, passing through the eastern window, like a golden spear,

pierced the dusk of the long church, which was built to the shape of a cross, so that only its transepts

remained in shadow. Then came a sound of chanting, and at the western door entered the Prior, wearing all

his robes, attended by the monks and acolytes, who swung censers. In the centre of the nave he halted and

passed to the confessional, calling on Godwin to follow. So he went and knelt before the holy man, and there

poured out all his heart. He confessed his sins. They were but few. He told him of the vision of his sickness,

on which the Prior pondered long; of his deep love, his hopes, his fears, and his desire to be a warrior who

once, as a lad, had wished to be a monk, not that he might shed blood, but to fight for the Cross of Christ

"Your own heart is your best counsellor," was the priest's answer. "Go as it guides you, knowing that, through

it, it is God who guides. Nor fear that you will fail. But if love and the joys of life should leave you, then

come back, and we will talk again. Go on, pure knight of Christ, fearing nothing and sure of the reward, and

"Such souls as yours inflict their own penance. The saints forbid that I should add to it," was the gentle

Then with a lightened heart Godwin returned to the altar rails, while his brother Wulf was summoned to take

his place in the confessional. Of the sins that he had to tell we need not speak. They were such as are

common to young men, and none of them very grievous. Still, before he gave him absolution, the good Prior

admonished him to think less of his body and more of his spirit; less of the glory of feats of arms and more of

the true ends to which he should enter on them. He bade him, moreover, to take his brother Godwin as an

earthly guide and example, since there lived no better or wiser man of his years, and finally dismissed him,

prophesying that if he would heed these counsels, he would come to great glory on earth and in heaven.

"Father, I will do my best," answered Wulf humbly; "but there cannot be two Godwins; and, father,

sometimes I fear me that our paths will cross, since two men cannot win one woman."

"I know the trouble," answered the Prior anxiously, "and with less noblenatured men it might be grave. But

if it should come to this, then must the lady judge according to the wishes of her own heart, and he who loses

her must be loyal in sorrow as in joy. Be sure that you take no base advantage of your brother in the hour of

"I think I can be sure of that," said Wulf; "also that we, who have loved each other from birth, would die

Then Wulf also returned to the altar rails, and the full Mass was sung, and the Sacrament received by the two

neophytes, and the offerings made all in their appointed order. Next they were led back to the Priory to rest

and eat a little after their long night's vigil in the cold church, and here they abode awhile, thinking their own

thoughts, seated alone in the Prior's chamber. At length Wulf, who seemed to be ill at ease, rose and laid his

"I can be silent no more; it was ever thus: that which is in my mind must out of it. I have words to say to

Wulf sat himself down again upon his stool, and for a while stared hard at nothing, for he did not seem to find

it easy to begin this talk. Now Godwin could read his brother's mind like a book, but Wulf could not always

read Godwin's, although, being twins who had been together from birth, their hearts were for the most part

"And you would tell me that you love her, and that now you are a knightalmostand hard on fiveand

"Yes, Godwin; it came into my heart when she rode the grey horse into the water, there upon the pier, and I

thought that I should never see her any more. I tell you it came into my heart that life was not worth living

"Then, Wulf," answered Godwin slowly, "what more is there to say? Ask on, and prosper. Why not? We have

some lands, if not many, and Rosamund will not lack for them. Nor do I think that our uncle would forbid

you, if she wills it, seeing that you are the properest man and the bravest in all this country side."

"Except my brother Godwin, who is all these things, and good and learned to boot, which I am not," replied

"Godwin, our illluck is that you love her also, and that you thought the same thoughts which I did yonder on

Godwin flushed a little, and his long fingers tightened their grip upon his knee.

"It is so," he said quietly. "To my grief it is so. But Rosamund knows nothing of this, and should never know

it if you will keep a watch upon your tongue. Moreover, you need not be jealous of me, before marriage or

"What, then, would you have me do?" asked Wulf hotly. "Seek her heart, and perchancethough this I

"Why not?" asked Godwin again, with a sigh; "it might save her some pain and you some doubt, and make

my own path clearer. Marriage is more to you than to me, Wulf, who think sometimes that my sword should

"Who think, having a heart of gold, that even in such a thing as this you will not bar the path of the brother

whom you love. Nay, Godwin, as I am a sinful man, and as I desire her above all things on earth, I will play

no such coward's game, nor conquer one who will not lift his sword lest he should hurt me. Sooner would I

bid you all farewell, and go to seek fortune or death in the wars without word spoken."

"Leaving Rosamund to pine, perchance. Oh, could we be sure that she had no mind toward either of us, that

would be bestto begone together. But, Wulf, we cannot be sure, since at times, to be honest, I have thought

"And at times, to be honest, Godwin, I have been sure that she loves you, although I should like to try my

"My plan is that if our uncle gives us leave, we should both speak to heryou first, as the elder, setting out

your case as best you can, and asking her to think of it and give you your answer within a day. Then, before

that day is done I also should speak, so that she may know all the story, and play her part in it with opened

eyes, not deeming, as otherwise she might, that we know each other's minds, and that you ask because I have

"It is very fair," replied Godwin;"and worthy of you, who are the most honest of men. Yet, Wulf, I am

troubled. See you, my brother, have ever brethren loved each other as we do? And now must the shadow of a

"Why so?" asked Wulf."Come, Godwin, let us make a pact that it shall not be thus, and keep it by the help of

heaven. Let us show the world that two men can love one woman and still love each other, not knowing as

yet which of them she will chooseif, indeed, she chooses either. For, Godwin, we are not the only

gentlemen whose eyes have turned, or yet may turn, towards the highborn, rich, and lovely lady Rosamund.

"Yes; but if so, it must be one so strong that for her sake and for both our sakes we cannot break it and live

Then Godwin rose, and going to the door, bade his squire, who watched without, pray the Prior John to come

to them as they sought his counsel in a matter. So he came, and, standing before him with downcast head,

Godwin told him all the tale, which, indeed, he who knew so much already, was quick to understand, and of

their purpose also; while at a question from the prior, Wulf answered that it was well and truly said, nothing

having been kept back. Then they asked him if it was lawful that they should take such an oath, to which he

So m the end, kneeling together hand in hand before the Rood that stood in the chamber, they repeated this

"We brethren, Godwin and Wulf D'Arcy, do swear by the holy Cross of Christ, and by the patron saint of this

place, St. Mary Magdalene, and our own patron saints, St. Peter and St. Chad, standing in the presence of

God, of our guardian angels, and of you, John, that being both of us enamoured of our cousin, Rosamund

D'Arcy, we will ask her to wife in the manner we have agreed, and no other. That we will abide by her

decision, should she choose either of us, nor seek to alter it by tempting her from her troth, or in any fashion

overt or covert. That he of us whom she refuses will thenceforth be a brother to her and no more, however

Satan may tempt his heart otherwise. That so far as may be possible to us, who are but sinful men, we will

suffer neither bitterness nor jealousy to come between our love because of this woman, and that in war or

peace we will remain faithful comrades and brethren. Thus we swear with a true heart and purpose, and in

token thereof, knowing that he who breaks this oath will be a knight dishonoured and a vessel fit for the

This, then, these brethren said and did, and with light minds and joyful faces received the blessing of the

Prior, who had christened them in infancy, and went down to meet the great company that had ridden forth to

So to Steeple, preceded by the squires, who rode before them bareheaded, carrying their swords by the

scabbarded points, with their gold spurs hanging from the hilts, they came at last. Here the hall was set for a

great feast, a space having been left between the tables and the dais, to which the brethren were conducted.

in full armour, and presented to Sir Andrew D'Arcy, their uncle, who stood upon the edge of the dais, also in

his armour, their swords and spurs, of which he gave back to them two of the latter, bidding them affix these

upon the candidates' right heels. This done, the Prior John blessed the swords, after which Sir Andrew girded

Next, he drew his own silverhilted blade that had been his father's and his grandfather's, and whilst they

knelt before him, smote each of them three blows upon the right shoulder, crying with a loud voice: "In the

Thereafter came forward Rosamund as their nearest kinswoman, and, helped by other ladies, clad upon them

their hauberks, or coats of mail, their helms of steel, and their kiteshaped shields, emblazoned with a skull,

the cognizance of their race. This done, with the musicians marching before them, they walked to Steeple

churcha distance of two hundred paces from the Hall, where they laid their swords upon the altar and took

them up again, swearing to be good servants of Christ and defenders of the Church. As they left its doors,

who should meet them but the cook, carrying his chopper in his hand and claiming as his fee the value of the

"If either of you young knights should do aught in despite of your honour and of the oaths that you have

swornfrom which may God and his saints prevent you!then with my chopper will I hack these spurs

Thus at last the long ceremony was ended, and after it came a very great feast, for at the high table were

entertained many noble knights and ladies, and below, in the hall their squires, and other gentlemen, and

outside all the yeomanry and villagers, whilst the children and the aged had food and drink given to them in

the nave of the church itself. When the eating at length was done, the centre of the hall was cleared, and while

men drank, the minstrels made music. All were very merry with wine and strong ale, and talk arose among

them as to which of these brethrenSir Godwin or Sir Wulfwas the more brave, the more handsome, and

Now a knightit was Sir Surin de Salcoteseeing that the argument grew hot and might lead to blows, rose

and declared that this should be decided by beauty alone, and that none could be more fitted to judge than the

fair lady whom the two of them had saved from womanthieves at the Death Creek quay. They all called,

"Ay, let her settle it," and it was agreed that she would give the kerchief from her neck to the bravest, a

So, seeing no help for it, since except her father, the brethren, the most of the other ladies and herself, who

drank but water, gentle and simple alike, had begun to grow heated with wine, and were very urgent,

Rosamund took the silk kerchief from her neck. Then coming to the edge of the dais, where they were seated

in the sight of all, she stood before her cousins, not knowing, poor maid, to which of them she should offer it.

But Godwin whispered a word to Wulf, and both of them stretching out their right hands, snatched an end of

the kerchief which she held towards them, and rending it, twisted the severed halves round their sword hilts.

Rosamund thought a moment; then she lifted a great silver beaker, the largest on the board, and having filled

it full of wine, once more came forward and held it before them as though pondering. Thereon the brethren,

as though by a single movement, bent forward and each of them touched the beaker with his lips. Again a

"Knights," she said,"you have torn my kerchief and drunk my wine. Now I offer this hallowed writingto

"Well said! well said!" roared the company. "The sword for usnot the pen!" But Rosamund turned on them

"He who wields sword is brave, and he who wields pen is wise, but better is he who can handle both sword

"Hear her! hear her!" cried the revellers, knocking their horns upon the board, while in the silence that

followed a woman's voice said, "Sir Godwin's luck is great, but give me Sir Wulf's strong arms."

Then the drinking began again, and Rosamund and the ladies slipped away, as well they mightfor the times

On the morrow, after most of the guests were gone, many of them with aching heads, Godwin and Wulf

sought their uncle, Sir Andrew, in the solar where he sat alone, for they knew Rosamund had walked to the

church hard by with two of the serving women to make it ready for the Friday's mass, after the feast of the

peasants that had been held in the nave. Coming to his oaken chair by the open hearth which had a chimney

"What is it now, my nephews?" asked the old man, smiling. "Do you wish that I should knight you afresh?"

Sir Andrew pulled his beard, and looked at them. Perhaps the Prior John had spoken a word to him, and he

"Speak," he said to Godwin. "The gift is great that I would not give to either of you if it be within my power."

"Truly," he said, "of all the strange things I have known, this is the strangestthat two knights should ask

So he listened while they told him all that had passed between them and of the solemn oath which they had

"Noble in this as in other things," commented Sir Andrew when they had done; "but I fear that one of you

may find that vow hard to keep. By all the saints, nephews, you were right when you said that you asked a

great boon. Do you know, although I have told you nothing of it, that, not to speak of the knave Lozelle,

already two of the greatest men in this land have sought my daughter Rosamund in marriage?"

"It is so, and now I will tell you why one or other of the pair is not her husband, which in some ways I would

he were. A simple reason. I asked her, and she had no mind to either, and as her mother married when her

heart was, so I have sworn that the daughter should do, or not at allfor better a nunnery than a loveless

"Now let us see what you have to give. You are of good bloodthat of Uluin by your mother, and mine, also

on one side her own. As squires to your sponsors of yesterday, the knights Sir Anthony de Mandeville and Sir

Roger de Merci, you bore yourselves bravely in the Scottish War; indeed, your liege king Henry remembered

it, and that is why he granted my prayer so readily. Since then, although you loved the life little, because I

asked it of you, you have rested here at home with me, and done no feats of arms, save that great one of two

months gone which made you knights, and, in truth, gives you some claim on Rosamund.

"For the rest, your father being the younger son, your lands are small, and you have no other gear. Outside the

borders of this shire you are unknown men, with all your deeds to dofor I will not count those Scottish

battles when you were but boys. And she whom you ask is one of the fairest and noblest and most learned

ladies in this land, for I, who have some skill in such things, have taught her myself from childhood.

Moreover, as I have no other heir, she will be wealthy. Well, what more have you to offer for all this?"

"Ourselves," answered Wulf boldly."We are true knights of whom you know the best and worst, and we love

her. We learned it for once and for all on Death Creek quay, for till then she was our sister and no more."

"Ay," added Godwin, "when she swore herself to us and blessed us, then light broke on both."

So they stood side by side in the full light of the blazing fire, for little other came through those narrow

"Proper men; proper men," said the old knight;"and as like to one another as two grains of wheat from the

same sample. Six feet high, each of you, and broad chested, though Wulf is larger made and the stronger of

the two. Brown and wavinghaired both, save for that line of white where the sword hit yours,

GodwinGodwin with grey eyes that dream and Wulf with the blue eyes that shine like swords. Ah! your

grandsire had eyes like that, Wulf; and I have been told that when he leapt from the tower to the wall at the

taking of Jerusalem, the Saracens did not love the light which shone in themnor, in faith, did I, his son,

when he was angry. Proper men, the pair of you; but Sir Wulf most warriorlike, and Sir Godwin most

"That, sir, depends upon the woman," answered Godwin, and straightway his eyes began to dream.

"That, sir, we seek to learn before the day is out, if you give us leave," added Wulf; "though, if you would

"Ah, well; it is a very pretty riddle. But I do not envy her who has its answering, for it might well trouble a

maid's mind, neither is it certain when all is done that she will guess best for her own peace. Would it not be

wiser, then, that I should forbid them to ask this riddle?" he added as though to himself and fell to thinking

At length he looked up again and said: "Nay, let it go as God wills Who holds the future in His hand.

Nephews, because you are good knights and true, either of whom would ward her welland she may need

wardingbecause you are my only brother's sons, whom I have promised him to care for; and most of all

because I love you both with an equal love, have your wish, and go try your fortunes at the hands of my

daughter Rosamund in the fashion you have agreed. Godwin, the elder, first, as is his right; then Wulf. Nay,

no thanks; but go swiftly, for I whose hours are short wish to learn the answer to this riddle."

So they bowed and went, walking side by side. At the door of the hall, Wulf stopped and said:

"Rosamund is in the church. Seek her there, andoh! I would that I could wish you good fortune; but,

Godwin, I cannot. I fear me that this may be the edge of that shadow of woman's love whereof you spoke,

"There is no shadow; there is light, now and always, as we have sworn that it should be," answered Godwin.

Twas past three in the afternoon, and snow clouds were fast covering up the last grey gleam of the December

day, as Godwin, wishing that his road was longer, walked to Steeple church across the meadow. At the door

of it he met the two serving women coming out with brooms in their hands, and bearing between them a great

basket filled with broken meats and foul rushes. Of them he asked if the Lady Rosamund were still in the

"Yes, Sir Godwin; and she bade us desire of you that you would come to lead her to the Hall when she had

"I wonder," mused Godwin,"whether I shall ever lead her from the altar to the Hall, or whetherI shall bide

Still he thought it a good omen that she had bidden him thus, though some might have read it otherwise.

Godwin entered the church, walking softly on the rushes with which its nave was strewn, and by the light of

the lamp that burnt there always, saw Rosamund kneeling before a little shrine, her gracious head bowed

Still, she did not hear him; so, coming into the chancel, he stood behind her and waited patiently. At length,

with a deep sigh, Rosamund rose from her knees and turned, and he noted by the light of the lamp that there

were tearstains upon her face. Perhaps she, too, had spoken with the Prior John, who was her confessor also.

Who knows? At the least, when her eyes fell upon Godwinstanding like a statue before her, she started, and

"Oh, how swift an answer!" Then, recovering her self, added, "To my message, I mean, cousin."

"It is kind of you to come," Rosamund went on; "but, in truth, since that day on Death Creek I fear to walk a

"Yes; or with Wulf," she repeated; "that is, when he is not thinking of wars and adventures far away."

By now they had reached the porch of the church, to find that the snow was falling fast.

So they stayed there in the gloom, and for a while there was silence between them. Then he spoke.

"Rosamund, my cousin and lady, I come to put a question to you, but firstwhy you will understand

afterwardsit is my duty to ask that you will give me no answer to that question until a full day has passed."

"Surely, Godwin, that is easy to promise. But what is this wonderful question which may not be answered?"

"Till this time tomorrow only. Meanwhile, I pray you hear me, Rosamund. I am your cousin, and we were

brought up togetherindeed, except when I was away at the Scottish war, we have never been apart.

Therefore, we know each other well, as well as any can who are not wedded. Therefore, too, you will know

that I have always loved you, first as a brother loves his sister, and now as a man loves a woman."

"Nay, Godwin, I knew it not; indeed, I thought that, as it used to be, your heart was otherwhere."

"I cannot say. Perchance of things that are not herethings higher than the person of a poor maid."

"Cousin, in part you are right, for it is not only the maid whom I love, but her spirit also. Oh, in truth, you are

to me a dreama symbol of all that is noble, high and pure. In you and through you, Rosamund, I worship

"A dream? A symbol? Heaven? Are not these glittering garments to hang about a woman's shape? Why,

when the truth came out you would find her but a skull in a jewelled mask, and learn to loath her for a deceit

that was not her own, but yours. Godwin, such trappings as your imagination pictures could only fit an angel

"An angel's? How know you? I am half an Eastern; the blood runs warm in me at times. I, too, have my

thoughts and visions. I think that I love power and imagery and the delights of lifea different life from this.

"Think of your soul, Godwin. It might be tarnished. You would not risk that for me, would you?"

"I like you for that answer," she said."Yes; more than for all you have said before, because I know that it is

true. Indeed, you are an honourable knight, and I am proudvery proudthat you should love me, though

perhaps it would have been better otherwise." And ever so little she bent the knee to him.

Suddenly she caught his arm."Whatever chances? Ah! what is about to chance? Great things, I think, for you

and Wulf and me. Remember, I am half an Eastern, and we children of the East can feel the shadow of the

future before it lays its hands upon us and becomes the present. I fear it, GodwinI tell you that I fear it."

"Fear it not, Rosamund. Why should you fear? On God's knees lies the scroll of our lives, and of His

purposes. The words we see and the words we guess may be terrible, but He who wrote it knows the end of

the scroll, and that it is good. Do not fear, therefore, but read on with an untroubled heart, taking no thought

"Are these the words of a wooer or of a saint in wooer's weeds? I know not, and do you know yourself? But

you say you love me and that you would wed me, and I believe it; also that the woman whom Godwin weds

will be fortunate, since such men are rare. But I am forbid to answer till tomorrow. Well, then I will answer

as I am given grace. So till then be what you were of old, andthe snow has ceased; guide me home, my

So home they went through the darkness and the cold, moaning wind, speaking no word, and entered the

wide hall, where a great fire built in its centre roared upwards towards an opening in the roof, whence the

smoke escaped, looking very pleasant and cheerful after the winter night without.

There, standing in front of the fire, also pleasant and cheerful to behold, although his brow seemed somewhat

puckered, was Wulf. At the sight of him Godwin turned back through the great door, and having, as it were,

stood for one moment in the light, vanished again into the darkness, closing the door behind him. But

"You seem cold, cousin," said Wulf, studying her. "Godwin has kept you too long to pray with him in church.

Well, it is his custom, from which I myself have suffered. Be seated on this settle and warm yourself."

She obeyed without a word, and opening her fur cloak, stretched out her hands towards the flame, which

"I am glad to find this chance of speaking with you alone, Cousin, since I have a question to ask of you; but I

must pray of you to give me no answer to it until fourandtwenty hours be passed."

"Agreed," she said."I have given one such promise; let it serve for both; now for your question."

"Ah!" replied Wulf cheerfully;"I am glad that Godwin went first, since it saves me words, at which he is

"I do not know that, Wulf; at least, you have more of them," answered Rosamund, with a little smile.

"More perhaps, but of a different qualitythat is what you mean. Well, happily here mere words are not in

"Hearts. Your heart and my heartand, I suppose, Godwin's heart, if he has onein that way."

"Why? Well, you see just now it is my business to belittle Godwin. Therefore I declarewhich you, who

know more about it, can believe or not as it pleases youthat Godwin's heart is like that of the old saint in

the reliquary at Stangatea thing which may have beaten once, and will perhaps beat again in heaven, but

Rosamund smiled, and thought to herself that this dead heart had shown signs of life not long ago. But aloud

"If you have no more to say to me of Godwin's heart, I will begone to read with my father, who waits for

"Nay, I have much more to say of my own." Then suddenly Wulf became very earnestso earnest that his

great frame shook, and when he strove to speak he could but stammer. At length it all came forth in a flood of

"I love you, Rosamund! I love youall of you, as I have ever loved youthough I did not know it till the

other daythat of the fight, and ever shall love youand I seek you for my wife. I know that I am only a

rough soldierman, full of faults, not holy and learned like Godwin. Yet I swear that I would be a true knight

to you all my life, and, if the saints give me grace and strength, do great deeds in your honour and watch you

"Nothing, Wulf," answered Rosamund, lifting her downcast eyes. "You do not wish that I should answer you,

so I will thank youyes, from my heart, though, in truth, I am grieved that we can be no more brother and

"Nay, Rosamund, not yet. Although you may not speak, surely you might give me some little sign, who am in

torment, and thus must stay until this time tomorrow. For instance, you might let me kiss your handthe

"I know naught of this pact, Wulf," answered Rosamund sternly, although a smile crept about the corners of

"Then I will kiss your robe," and seizing a corner of her cloak, he pressed it to his lips.

"You are strongI am weak, Wulf, and cannot wrench my garment from you, but I tell you that this play

"Your pardon. I should have remembered that Godwin would never have presumed so far."

"Godwin," she said, tapping her foot upon the ground,"if he gave a promise, would keep it m the spirit as well

"I suppose so. See what it is for an erring man to have a saint for a brother and a rival! Nay, be not angry with

It never changed, for in Rosamund's heart were hid the secret strength and silence of the East, which can

"I am glad that you love him, Wulf. See to it that you never forget your love and duty."

"Those are honest words, such as I looked to hear you speak," she replied in a gentle voice."And now, dear

"Ay," she answered in a heavy voice."Tomorrow I must speak, andyou must listen."

The sun had run his course again, and once more it was near four o'clock in the afternoon. The brethren stood

by the great fire in the hall looking at each other doubtfullyas, indeed, they had looked through all the long

As he spoke a woman was seen descending from the solar, and they knew her errand.

"Sir Andrew bids me say that he would speak with you both," said the woman, and went her way.

"I don't think so," answered Wulf, as he followed him up the steps of the solar.

Now they had passed the passage and closed the door, and before them was Sir Andrew seated in his chair by

the fire, but not alone, for at his side, her hand resting upon his shoulder, stood Rosamund. They noted that

she was clad in her richest robes, and a bitter thought came into their minds that this might be to show them

how beautiful was the woman whom both of them must lose. As they advanced they bowed first to her and

then to their uncle, while, lifting her eyes from the ground, she smiled a little in greeting.

"My cousins," began Rosamund in a low, quiet voice, as though she were saying a lesson,"as to the matter of

which you spoke to me yesterday, I have taken counsel with my father and with my own heart. You did me

great honour, both of you, in asking me to be the wife of such worthy knights, with whom I have been

brought up and have loved since childhood as a sister loves her brothers. I will be brief as I may. Alas! I can

"Coup de grace indeed," muttered Wulf,"through hauberk, gambeson, and shirt, right home to the heart."

Now there was silence for a little space, while from beneath his bushy eyebrows the old knight watched their

Then Godwin spoke:"We thank you, Cousin. Come, Wulf, we have our answer; let us be going."

"Listen," she said;"for if it pleases you, I am willing to make a promise which my father has approved. Come

to me this time two years, and if we all three live, should both of you still wish for me to wife, that there may

be no further space of pain or waiting, I will name the man whom I shall choose, and marry him at once."

"Then," replied Rosamund, "if his name be untarnished, and he has done no deed that is not knightly, will

She held up her hand and stopped him, saying: "You think this a strange saying, and so, perhaps, it is; but the

matter is also strange, and for me the case is hard. Remember, all my life is at stake, and I may desire more

time wherein to make my choice, that between two such men no maiden would find easy. We are all of us

still young for marriage, for which, if God guards our lives, there will be time and to spare. Also in two years

I may learn which of you is in truth the worthier knight, who today both seem so worthy."

"And Wulf should not have asked it," said Godwin."Brother, I read Rosamund's saying thus: Between us she

finds not much to choose, or if she does in her secret heart, out of her kindnesssince she is determined not

to marry for a whileshe will not suffer us to see it and thereby bring grief on one of us. So she says, 'Go

forth, you knights, and do deeds worthy of such a lady, and perchance he who does the highest deeds shall

receive the great reward.' For my part, I find this judgment wise and just, and I am content to abide its issue.

Nay, I am even glad of it, since it gives us time and opportunity to show our sweet cousin here, and all our

fellows, the mettle whereof we are made, and strive to outshine each other in the achievement of great feats

Then Wulf, feeling that Rosamund was watching his face beneath the shadow of her long eyelashes,

"Before Heaven, I am content also, for whatever may be said against it, now at least there will be two years of

war in which one or both of us well may fall, and for that while at least no woman can come between our

"In the spring; in the spring," replied Sir Andrew hastily;"when King Henry moves his power. Meanwhile,

bide you here in all good fellowship, for, who knowsmuch may happen between now and then, and

perhaps your strong arms will be needed as they were not long ago. Moreover, I look to all three of you to

hear no more of this talk of love and marriage, which, in truth, disturbs my mind and house. For good or ill,

the matter is now settled for two years to come, by which time it is likely I shall be in my grave and beyond

"I do not say that things have gone altogether as I could have wished, but they are as Rosamund wishes, and

that is enough for me. On which of you she looks with the more favour I do not know, and be you content to

remain in ignorance of what a father does not think it wise to seek to learn. A maid's heart is her own, and her

future lies in the hand of God and His saints, where let it bide, say I. Now we have done with all this

business. Rosamund, dismiss your knights, and be you all three brothers and sister once more till this time

So Rosamund came forward, and without a word gave her right hand to Godwin and her left to Wulf, and

suffered that they should press their lips upon them. So for a while this was the end of their asking of her in

The brethren left the solar side by side as they had come into it, but changed men in a sense, for now their

lives were afire with a great purpose, which bade them dare and do and win. Yet they were lighterhearted

than when they entered there, since at least neither had been scorned, while both had hope, and all the future,

As they descended the steps their eyes fell upon the figure of a tall man clad in a pilgrim's cape, hood and

lowcrowned hat, of which the front was bent upwards and laced, who carried in his hand a palmer's staff,

"What do you seek, holy palmer?" asked Godwin, coming towards him. "A night's lodging in my uncle's

The man bowed; then, fixing on him a pair of beadlike brown eyes, which reminded Godwin of some he had

seen, he knew not when or where, answered in the humble voice affected by his class:

"Even so, most noble knight. Shelter for man and beast, for my mule is held without. Alsoa word with the

"True, Sir Knight; but, as it chances, I have baggage. Nay, not my own, whose earthly gear is all upon my

backbut a chest, that contains I know not what, which I am charged to deliver to Sir Andrew D'Arcy, the

owner of this hall, or should he be dead, then to the lady Rosamund, his daughter."

"That, sir," said the palmer, bowing,"I will tell to Sir Andrew, who, I understand, still lives. Have I your leave

to bring in the chest, and if so, will one of your servants help me, for it is heavy?"

"We will help you," said Godwin. And they went with him into the courtyard, where by the scant light of the

stars they saw a fine mule in charge of one of the serving men, and bound upon its back a longshaped

package sewn over with sacking. This the palmer unloosed, and taking one end, while Wulf, after bidding the

man stable the mule, took the other, they bore it into the hall, Godwin going before them to summon his

"What is your name, palmer, and whence is this box?" asked the old knight, looking at him keenly.

"My name, Sir Andrew, is Nicholas of Salisbury, and as to who sent me, with your leave I will whisper in

"What?" he said. "Are you, a holy palmer, the messenger of" and he stopped suddenly.

"I was his prisoner, answered the man, "and hewho at least ever keeps his wordgave me my lifefor I

had been condemned to die at the price that I brought this to you, and took back your answer, or hers,

"Nay, I know nothing save that there is a writing in the chest. Its purport I am not told, who am but a

messenger bound by oath to do certain things. Open the chest, lord, and meanwhile, if you have food, I have

Sir Andrew went to a door, and called to his menservants, whom he bade give meat to the palmer and stay

with him while he ate. Then he told Godwin and Wulf to lift the box and bring it to the solar, and with it

hammer and chisel, in case they should be needed, which they did, setting it upon the oaken table.

"Open," said Sir Andrew. So they ripped off the canvas, two folds of it, revealing within a box of dark,

foreign looking wood bound with iron bands, at which they laboured long before they could break them. At

length it was done, and there within was another box beautifully made of polished ebony, and sealed at the

front and ends with a strange device. This box had a lock of silver, to which was tied a silver key.

"At least it has not been tampered with," said Wulf, examining the unbroken seals, but Sir Andrew only

The lock turned easily, and the seals being broken, the lid rose upon its hinges, while, as it did so, a scent of

precious odours filled the place. Beneath, covering the contents of the chest, was an oblong piece of worked

Sir Andrew broke the thread and seal, and unrolled the parchment. Within it was written over in strange

characters. Also, there was a second unsealed roll, written in a clerkly hand in Norman French, and headed,

"Translation of this letter, in case the knight, Sir Andrew D'Arcy, has forgotten the Arabic tongue, or that his

"Nay, I have not forgotten Arabic, who, while my lady lived, spoke little else with her, and who taught it to

our daughter. But the light is bad, and, Godwin, you are scholarly; read me the French. We can compare them

At this moment Rosamund entered the solar from her chamber, and seeing the three of them so strangely

"No, daughter. Since you are here, stay here. I think that this matter concerns you as well as me. Read on,

"In the Name of God, the Merciful and Compassionate! I, Salaheddin, Yusuf ibn Ayoub, Commander of

the Faithful, cause these words to be written, and seal them with my own hand, to the Frankish lord, Sir

Andrew D'Arcy, husband of my sister by another mother, Sitt Zobeide, the beautiful and faithless, on whom

Allah has taken vengeance for her sin. Or if he be dead also, then to his daughter and hers, my niece, and by

blood a princess of Syria and Egypt, who among the English is named the lady Rose of the World.

"You, sir Andrew, will remember how, many years ago, what we were friends, you, by an evil chance,

became acquainted with my sister Zobeide, while you were a prisoner and sick in my father's house. How,

too, Satan put it into her heart to listen to your words of love, so that she became a Crossworshipper, and

was married to you after the Frankish custom, and fled with you to England. You will remember also,

although at the time we could not recapture her from your vessel, how I sent a messenger to you, saying that

soon or late I would yet tear her from your arms and deal with her as we deal with faithless women. But

within six years of that time sure news reached me that Allah had taken her, therefore I mourned for my sister

"Know that a certain knight named Lozelle, who dwelt in the part of England where you have your castle, has

told me that Zobeide left a daughter, who is very beautiful. Now my heart, which loved her mother, goes out

towards this niece whom I have never seen, for although she is your child and a Crossworshipper at

leastsave in the matter of her mother's theftyou were a brave and noble knight, of good blood, as,

"Learn now that, having by the will of Allah come to great estate here at Damascus and throughout the East, I

desire to lift your daughter up to be a princess of my house. Therefore I invite her to journey to Damascus,

and you with her, if you live. Moreover, lest you should fear some trap, on behalf of myself, my successors

and councillors, I promise in the Name of God, and by the word of Salaheddin, which never yet was

broken, that although I trust the merciful God may change her heart so that she enters it of her own will, I will

not force her to accept the Faith or to bind herself in any marriage which she does not desire. Nor will I take

vengeance upon you, Sir Andrew, for what you have done m the past, or suffer others to do so, but will rather

"But if my messenger returns and tells me that my niece refuses this, my loving offer, then I warn her that my

"Therefore, within a year of the day that I receive the answer of the lady, my niece, who is named Rose of the

World, my emissaries will appear wherever she may be, married or single, to lead her to me, with honour if

she be willing, but still to lead her to me if she be unwilling. Meanwhile, in token of my love, I send certain

gifts of precious things, and with them my patent of her title as Princess, and Lady of the City of Baalbec,

which title, with its revenue and prerogatives, are registered in the archives of my empire in favour of her and

"The bearer of this letter and of my gifts is a certain Crossworshipper named Nicholas, to whom let your

answer be handed for delivery to me. This devoir he is under oath to perform and will perform it, for he

"Signed by Salaheddin, Commander of the Faithful, at Damascus, and sealed with his seal, in the spring

"Take note also that this writing having been read to me by my secretary before I set my name and seal

thereunto, I perceive that you, Sir Andrew, or you, Lady Rose of the World, may think it strange that I should

be at such pains and cost over a maid who is not of my religion and whom I never saw, and may therefore

doubt my honesty in the matter. Know then the true reason. Since I heard that you, Lady Rose of the World,

lived, I have thrice been visited by a dream sent from God concerning you, and in it I saw your face.

"Now this was the dreamthat the oath I made as regards your mother is binding as regards you also;

further, that in some way which is not revealed to me, your presence here will withhold me from the shedding

of a sea of blood, and save the whole world much misery. Therefore it is decreed that you must come and

bide in my house. That these things are so, Allah and His Prophet be my witnesses."

Godwin laid down the letter, and all of them stared at one another in amazement.

"Surely," said Wulf, "this is some fool's trick played off upon our uncle as an evil jest."

By way of answer Sir Andrew bade him lift the silk that hid the contents of the coffer and see what lay there.

Wulf did so, and next moment threw back his head like a man whom some sudden light had blinded, as well

he might, for from it came such a flare of gems as Essex had rarely seen before. Red, green and blue they

sparkled; and among them were the dull glow of gold and the white sheen of pearls.

"Ay," muttered Godwin; "beautiful enough to maze a woman's mind till she knows not right from wrong."

Wulf said nothing, but one by one drew its treasures from the chestcoronet, necklace of pearls, breast

ornaments of rubies, girdle of sapphires, jewelled anklets, and with them veil, sandals, robes and other

garments of goldembroidered purple silk. Moreover, among these, also sealed with the seals of

Salaheddin, his viziers, officers of state, and secretaries, was that patent of which the letter spoke, setting

out the full titles of the Princess of Baalbec; the extent and boundaries of her great estates, and the amount of

"I was wrong," said Wulf."Even the Sultan of the East could not afford a jest so costly."

"Jest?" broke in Sir Andrew; "it is no jest, as I was sure from the first line of that letter. It breathes the very

spirit of Saladin, though he be a Saracen, the greatest man on all the earth, as I, who was a friend of his youth,

know well. Ay, and he is right. In a sense I sinned against him as his sister sinned, our love compelling us.

Jest? Nay, no jest, but because a vision of the night, which he believes the voice of God, or perhaps some

oracle of the magicians has deeply stirred that great soul of his and led him on to this wild adventure."

He paused awhile, then looked up and said,"Girl, do you know what Saladin has made of you? Why, there are

queens in Europe who would be glad to own that rank and those estates in the rich lands above Damascus. I

know the city and the castle of which he speaks. It is a mighty place upon the banks of Litani and Orontes,

and after its military governorfor that rule he would not give a Christianyou will be first in it, beneath

the seal of Saladinthe surest title in all the earth. Say, will you go and queen it there?"

Rosamund gazed at the gleaming gems and the writings that made her royal, and her eyes flashed and her

breast heaved, as they had done by the church of St. Peter on the Essex coast. Thrice she looked while they

watched her, then turned her head as from the bait of some great temptation and answered one word

"Well spoken," said her father, who knew her blood and its longings. "At least, had the 'nay' been 'yea,' you

"We have received your letter, and we answer that where we are there we will bide in such state as God has

given us. Nevertheless, we thank you, Sultan, since we believe you honest, and we wish you well, except in

your wars against the Cross. As for your threats, we will do our best to bring them to nothing. Knowing the

customs of the East, we do not send back your gifts to you, since to do so would be to offer insult to one of

the greatest men in all the world; but if you choose to ask for them, they are yoursnot ours. Of your dream

we say that it was but an empty vision of the night which a wise man should forget. Your servant and your

Then he signed, and Rosamund signed after him, and the writing was done up, wrapped in silk, and sealed.

"Now," said Sir Andrew, "hide away this wealth, since were it known that we had such treasures in the place,

every thief in England would be our visitor, some of them bearing high names, I think."

So they laid the goldembroidered robes and the priceless sets of gems back in their coffer, and having

locked it, hid it away in the great ironbound chest that stood in Sir Andrew's sleeping chamber.

When everything was finished, Sir Andrew said: "Listen now, Rosamund, and you also, my nephews. I have

never told you the true tale of how the sister of Saladin, who was known as Zobeide, daughter of Ayoub, and

afterwards christened into our faith by the name of Mary, came to be my wife. Yet you should learn it, if only

to show how evil returns upon a man. After the great Nureddin took Damascus, Ayoub was made its

governor; then some threeandtwenty years ago came the capture of Harenc, in which my brother fell. Here

I was wounded and taken prisoner. They bore me to Damascus, where I was lodged in the palace of Ayoub

and kindly treated. Here too it was, while I lay sick, that I made friends with the young Saladin, and with his

sister Zobeide, whom I met secretly in the gardens of the palace. The rest may be guessed. Although she

numbered but half my years, she loved me as I loved her, and for my sake offered to change her faith and fly

"Now, as it chanced, I had a friend, a dark and secret man named Jebal, the young sheik of a terrible people,

whose cruel rites no Christian understands. They are the subjects of one Mahomet, in Persia, and live in

castles at Masyaf, on Lebanon. This man had been in alliance with the Franks, and once in a battle I saved his

life from the Saracens at the risk of my own, whereon he swore that did I summon him from the ends of the

earth he would come to me if I needed help. Moreover, he gave me his signetring as a token, and, by virtue

of it, so he said, power in his dominions equal to his own, though these I never visited. You know it," and

holding up his hand, Sir Andrew showed them a heavy gold ring, in which was set a black stone, with red

veins running across the stone in the exact shape of a dagger, and beneath the dagger words cut in unknown

"So in my plight I bethought me of Jebal, and found means to send him a letter sealed with his ring. Nor did

he forget his promise, for within twelve days Zobeide and I were galloping for Beirut on two horses so swift

that all the cavalry of Ayoub could not overtake them. We reached the city, and there were married,

Rosamund There too your mother was baptised a Christian. Thence, since it was not safe for us to stay in the

East, we took ship and came safe home, bearing this ring of Jebal with us, for I would not give it up, as his

servants demanded that I should do, except to him alone. But before that vessel sailed, a man disguised as a

fisherman brought me a message from Ayoub and his son Saladin, swearing that they would yet recapture

"That is the story, and you see that their oath has not been forgotten, though when in after years they learned

of my wife's death, they let the matter lie. But since then Saladin, who in those days was but a noble youth,

has become the greatest sultan that the East has ever known, and having been told of you, Rosamund, by that

traitor Lozelle, he seeks to take you in your mother's place, and, daughter, I tell you that I fear him."

"At least we have a year or longer ;n which to prepare ourselves, or to hide," said Rosamund."His palmer

"What of the attack on the quay?" asked Godwin, who had been thinking."The knight Lozelle was named

there. Yet if Saladin had to do with it, it seems strange that the blow should have come before the word."

So the man Nicholas, who was found still eating as though his hunger would never be satisfied, was brought

in by Wulf. He bowed low before the old knight and Rosamund, studying them the while with his sharp eyes,

and the roof and the floor, and every other detail of the chamber. For those eyes of his seemed to miss

"You have brought me a letter from far away, Sir Palmer, who are named Nicholas," said Sir Andrew.

"I have brought you a chest from Damascus, Sir Knight, but of its contents I know nothing. At least you will

"I find it strange," went on the old knight,"that one in your holy garb should be chosen as the messenger of

"But Saladin has much to do with Christian men, Sir Andrew. Thus he takes them prisoner even in times of

"The knight Lozelle?" repeated the palmer."Was he a big, redfaced man, with a scar upon his forehead, who

"Then he was not taken prisoner, but he came to visit the Sultan at Damascus while I lay in bonds there, for I

saw him twice or thrice, though what his business was I do not know. Afterwards he left, and at Jaffa I heard

Now the brethren looked at each other. So Lozelle was in England. But Sir Andrew made no comment, only

"Why should I not, who have nothing to hide?" answered Nicholas. "I was captured by some Arabs as I

journeyed to the Jordan upon a pilgrimage, who, when they found that I had no goods to be robbed of, would

have killed me. This, indeed, they were about to do, had not some of Saladin's soldiers come by and

commanded them to hold their hands and give me over to them. They did so, and the soldiers took me to

Damascus. There I was imprisoned, but not close, and then it was that I saw Lozelle, or, at least, a Christian

man who had some such name, and, as he seemed to be in favour with the Saracens, I begged him to

intercede for me. Afterwards I was brought before the court of Saladin, and having questioned me, the Sultan

himself told me that I must either worship the false prophet or die, to which you can guess my answer. So

"Three days later Saladin sent for me again, and offered to spare my life if I would swear an oath, which oath

was that I should take a certain package and deliver it to you, or to your daughter named the Lady Rosamund

here at your hall of Steeple, in Essex, and bring back the answer to Damascus. Not wishing to die, I said that I

would do this, if the Sultan passed his word, which he never breaks, that I should be set free afterwards."

"And now you are safe in England, do you purpose to return to Damascus with the answer, and, if so, why?"

"For two reasons, Sir Andrew. First, because I have sworn to do so, and I do not break my word any more

than does Saladin. Secondly, because I continue to wish to live, and the Sultan promised me that if I failed in

my mission, he would bring about my death wherever I might be, which I am sure he has the power to do by

magic or otherwise. Well, the rest of the tale is short. The chest was handed over to me as you see it, and with

it money sufficient for my faring to and fro and something to spare. Then I was escorted to Joppa, where I

took passage on a ship bound to Italy, where I found another ship named the Holy Mary sailing for Calais,

which we reached after being nearly cast away. Thence I came to Dover in a fishing boat, landing there eight

days ago, and having bought a mule, joined some travellers to London, and so on here."

"Yes; it is here," and he handed him the roll, which Nicholas hid away in the folds of his great cloak. Then

Sir Andrew added,"You say you know nothing of all the business in which you play this part?"

"Nothing; or, rather, only thisthe officer who escorted me to Jaffa told me that there was a stir among the

learned doctors and diviners at the court because of a certain dream which the Sultan had dreamed three

times. It had to do with a lady who was half of the blood of Ayoub and half English, and they said that my

mission was mixed up with this matter. Now I see that the noble lady before me has eyes strangely like those

"Sir Andrew, a poor palmer who wishes to preserve his throat unslit must keep his eyes open. Now I have

eaten well, and I am weary. Is there any place where I may sleep? I must be gone at daybreak, for those who

"There is a place," answered Sir Andrew. "Wulf, take him to it, and tomorrow, before he leaves, we will

With one more searching glance the palmer bowed and went. When the door closed behind him Sir Andrew

"Tomorrow, Godwin, you must take some men and follow this Nicholas to see where he goes and what he

does, for I tell you I do not trust himay, I fear him much! These embassies to and from Saracens are

strange traffic for a Christian man. Also, though he says his life hangs on it, I think that were he honest, once

safe in England here he would stop, since the first priest would absolve him of an oath forced from him by

"Were he dishonest would he not have stolen those jewels?" asked Godwin. "They are worth some risk. What

"I?" she answered."Oh, I think there is more in this than any of us dream. "I think," she added in a voice of

distress and with an involuntary wringing motion of the hands,"that for this house and those who dwell in it

time is big with death, and that sharpeyed palmer is its midwife. How strange is the destiny that wraps us all

about! And now comes the sword of Saladin to shape it, and the hand of Saladin to drag me from my peaceful

state to a dignity which I do not seek; and the dreams of Saladin, of whose kin I am, to interweave my life

with the bloody policies of Syria and the unending war between Cross and Crescent, that are, both of them,

"The maid is right. Great business is afoot in which all of us must bear our parts. For no little thing would

Saladin stir thushe who braces himself as I know well, for the last struggle in which Christ or Mahomet

must go down. Rosamund is right. On her brow shines the crescent diadem of the house of Ayoub, and at her

heart hangs the black cross of the Christian and round her struggle creeds and nations. What, Wulf, does the

"Like a dog with one eye open, perhaps. I do not wish that he should give us the slip during the night, as I

"No fear of that, uncle. I have locked the stable door, and a sainted palmer will scarcely leave us the present

"Not he, if I know his tribe," answered Sir Andrew. "Now let us sup and afterwards take counsel together, for

An hour before the dawn next morning Godwin and Wulf were up, and with them certain trusted men who

had been warned that their services would be needed. Presently Wulf, bearing a lantern in his hand, came to

"No. To place a man to watch the road to Steeple Hill, and another at the Creek path; also to feed his mule,

which is a very fine beast too good for a palmer. Doubtless he will be stirring soon, as he said that he must

Godwin nodded, and they sat together on the bench beside the fire, for the weather was bitter, and dozed till

"He will not think it uncourteous if we rouse him now," and walking to the far end of the hall, he drew a

curtain and called out, "Awake, holy Nicholas! awake! It is time for you to say your prayers, and breakfast

"Of a truth," grumbled Wulf, as he came back for his lantern, "that palmer sleeps as though Saladin had

"Back to his friend Saladin, I think," answered Wulf."Look, that is how he went." And he pointed to the

shutter of the sleepingplace, that stood wide open, and to an oaken stool beneath, by means of which the

"He must be without, grooming the mule which he would never have left," said Godwin.

"Honest guests do not part from their hosts thus," answered Wulf; "but let us go and see."

So they ran to the stable and found it locked and the mule safe enough within. Northough they looked

could they find any trace of the palmernot even a footstep, since the ground was frostbound. Only on

examining the door of the stable they discovered that an attempt had been made to lift the lock with some

"It seems that he was determined to be gone, either with or without the beast," said Wulf. "Well, perhaps we

can catch him yet," and he called to the men to saddle up and ride with him to search the country.

"The knave has slipped away like a night hawk, and left as little trace," reported Wulf. "Now, my uncle, what

"I do not know, save that it is of a piece with the rest, and that I like it little," answered the old knight

anxiously."Here the value of the beast was of no account, that is plain. What the man held of account was that

he should be gone in such a fashion that none could follow him or know whither he went. The net is about us,

Still less pleased would Sir Andrew have been, could he have seen the palmer Nicholas creeping round the

hall while all men slept, ere he girded up his long gown and ran like a hare for London. Yet he had done this

by the light of the bright stars, taking note of every window slit in it, more especially of those of the solar; of

the plan of the outbuildings also, and of the path that ran to Steeple Creek some five hundred yards away.

>From that day forward fear settled on the placefear of some blow that none were able to foresee, and

against which they could not guard. Sir Andrew even talked of leaving Steeple and of taking up his abode in

London, where he thought that they might be safer, but such foul weather set in that it was impossible to

travel the roads, and still less to sail the sea. So it was arranged that if they moved at alland there were

many things against it, not the least of which were Sir Andrew's weak health and the lack of a house to go

Thus the time went on, and nothing happened to disturb them. The friends of whom the old knight took

counsel laughed at his forebodings. They said that so long as they did not wander about unguarded, there was

little danger of any fresh attack upon them, and if one should by chance be made, with the aid of the men they

had they could hold the Hall against a company until help was summoned. Moreover, at heart, none of them

believed that Saladin or his emissaries would stir in this business before the spring, or more probably until

another year had passed. Still, they always set guards at night, and, besides themselves, kept twenty men

sleeping at the Hall. Also they arranged that on the lighting of a signal fire upon the tower of Steeple Church

So the time went on towards Christmas, before which the weather changed and became calm, with sharp

It was on the shortest day that Prior John rode up to the Hall and told them that he was going to Southminster

to buy some wine for the Christmas feast. Sir Andrew asked what wine there was at Southminster. The Prior

answered that he had heard that a ship, laden amongst other things with wine of Cyprus of wonderful quality,

had come into the river Crouch with her rudder broken. He added that as no shipwrights could be found in

London to repair it till after Christmas, the chapman, a Cypriote, who was in charge of the wine, was selling

as much as he could in Southminster and to the houses about at a cheap rate, and delivering it by means of a

Sir Andrew replied that this seemed a fair chance to get fine liquor, which was hard to come by in Essex in

those times. The end of it was that he bade Wulf, whose taste in strong drink was nice, to ride with the Prior

into Southminster, and if he liked the stuff to buy a few casks of it for them to make merry with at

So Wulf went, nothing loth. In this dark season of the year when there was no fishing, it grew very dull

loitering about the Hall, and since he did not read much, like Godwin, sitting for long hours by the fire at

night watching Rosamund going to and fro upon her tasks, but not speaking with her overmuch. For

notwithstanding all their pretense of forgetfulness, some sort of veil had fallen between the brethren and

Rosamund, and their intercourse was not so open and familiar as of old. She could not but remember that they

were no more her cousins only, but her lovers also, and that she must guard herself lest she seemed to show

preference to one above the other. The brethren for their part must always bear in mind also that they were

bound not to show their love, and that their cousin Rosamund was no longer a simple English lady, but also

by creation, as by blood, a princess of the East, whom destiny might yet lift beyond the reach of either of

Moreover, as has been said, dread sat upon that rooftree like a croaking raven, nor could they escape from the

shadow of its wing. Far away in the East a mighty monarch had turned his thoughts towards this English

home and the maid of his royal blood who dwelt there, and who was mingled with his visions of conquest

and of the triumph of his faith. Driven on by no dead oath, by no mere fancy or imperial desire, but by some

spiritual hope or need, he had determined to draw her to him, by fair means if he could; if not, by foul.

Already means both foul and fair had failed, for that the attack at Death Creek quay had to do with this matter

they could no longer doubt. It was certain also that others would be tried again and again till his end was won

or Rosamund was deadfor here, if even she would go back upon her word, marriage itself could not shield

So the house was sad, and saddest of all seemed the face of the old knight, Sir Andrew, oppressed as he was

with sickness, with memories and fears. Therefore, Wulf could find pleasure even in an errand to

Southminster to buy wine, of which, in truth, he would have been glad to drink deeply, if only to drown his

So away he rode up Steeple Hill with the Prior, laughing as he used to do before Rosamund led him to gather

Asking where the foreign merchant dwelt who had wine to sell, they were directed to an inn near the minster.

Here in a back room they found a short, stout man, wearing a red cloth cap, who was seated on a pillow

between two kegs. In front of him stood a number of folk, gentry and others, who bargained with him for his

wine and the silks and embroideries that he had to sell, giving the latter to be handled and samples of the

"Clean cups," he said, speaking in bad French, to the drawer who stood beside him. "Clean cups, for here

come a holy man and a gallant knight who wish to taste my liquor. Nay, fellow, fill them up, for the top of

Mount Trooidos in winter is not so cold as this cursed place, to say nothing of its damp, which is that of a

"Sir Abbot, which will you taste firstthe red wine or the yellow? The red is the stronger but the yellow is

the more costly and a drink for saints in Paradise and abbots upon earth. The yellow from Kyrenia? Well, you

are wise. They say it was my patron St. Helena's favourite vintage when she visited Cyprus, bringing with her

"Were I not a Christian would I visit this foggy land of yours to trade in winea liquor forbidden to the

Moslems?" answered the man, drawing aside the folds of his shawl and revealing a silver crucifix upon his

broad breast. "I am a merchant of Famagusta in Cyprus, Georgios by name, and of the Greek Church which

you Westerners hold to be heretical. But what do you think of that wine, holy Abbot?"

"Ay, and has been a drink for sinners ere nowfor this is the very tipple that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt,

drank with her Roman lover Antony, of whom you, being a learned man, may have heard. And you, Sir

Knight, what say you of the black stuff'Mavro,' we call itnot the common, but that which has been

"Ay, and will never taste better if you live as long as the Wandering Jew. Well, sirs, may I take your orders?

If you are wise you will make them large, since no such chance is likely to come your way again, and that

Then the chaffering began, and it was long and keen. Indeed, at one time they nearly left the place without

purchasing, but the merchant Georgios called them back and offered to come to their terms if they would take

double the quantity, so as to make up a cartload between them, which he said he would deliver before

Christmas Day. To this they consented at length, and departed homewards made happy by the gifts with

which the chapman clinched his bargain, after the Eastern fashion. To the Prior he gave a roll of worked silk

to be used as an edging to an altar cloth or banner, and to Wulf a dagger handle, quaintly carved in olive

wood to the fashion of a rampant lion. Wulf thanked him, and then asked him with a somewhat shamed face

if he had more embroidery for sale, whereat the Prior smiled. The quickeyed Cypriote saw the smile, and

inquired if it might be needed for a lady's wear, at which some neighbours present in the room laughed

"Do not laugh at me, gentlemen," said the Eastern;"for how can I, a stranger, know this young knight's

affairs, and whether he has mother, or sisters, or wife, or lover? Well here are broideries fit for any of them."

Then bidding his servant bring a bale, he opened it, and began to show his goods, which, indeed, were very

beautiful. In the end Wulf purchased a veil of gauzelike silk worked with golden stars as a Christmas gift for

Rosamund. Afterwards, remembering that even in such a matter he must take no advantage of his brother, he

added to it a tunic broidered with gold and silver flowers such as he had never seenfor they were Eastern

These silks were costly, and Wulf turned to the Prior to borrow money, but he had no more upon him.

Georgios said, however, that it mattered nothing, as he would take a guide from the town and bring the wine

in person, when he could receive payment for the broideries, of which he hoped to sell more to the ladies of

He offered also to go with the Prior and Wulf to where his ship lay in the river, and show them many other

goods aboard of her, which, he explained to them, were the property of a company of Cyprian merchants who

had embarked upon this venture jointly with himself. This they declined, however, as the darkness was not

far off; but Wulf added that he would come after Christmas with his brother to see the vessel that had made

so great a voyage. Georgios replied that they would be very welcome, but if he could make shift to finish the

repairs to his rudder, he was anxious to sail for London while the weather held calm, for there he looked to

sell the bulk of his cargo. He added that he had expected to spend Christmas at that city, but their helm

having gone wrong in the rough weather, they were driven past the mouth of the Thames, and had they not

drifted into that of the Crouch, would, he thought, have foundered. So he bade them farewell for that time,

Thus the pair of them departed, well pleased with their purchases and the Cypriote Georgios, whom they

found a very pleasant merchant. Prior John stopped to eat at the Hall that night, when he and Wulf told of all

their dealings with this man. Sir Andrew laughed at the story, showing them how they had been persuaded by

the Eastern to buy a great deal more wine than they needed, so that it was he and not they who had the best of

the bargain. Then he went on to tell tales of the rich island of Cyprus, where he had landed many years before

and stayed awhile, and of the gorgeous court of its emperor, and of its inhabitants. These were, he said, the

cunningest traders in the worldso cunning, indeed, that no Jew could overmatch them; bold sailors, also,

which they had from the Phoenicians of Holy Writ, who, with the Greeks, were their forefathers, adding that

what they told him of this Georgios accorded well with the character of that people.

Thus it came to pass that no suspicion of Georgios or his ship entered the mind of any one of them, which,

indeed, was scarcely strange, seeing how well his tale held together, and how plain were the reasons of his

The fourth day after Wulf's visit to Southminster was Christmas morning, and the weather being bad, Sir

Andrew and his household did not ride to Stangate, but attended mass in Steeple Church. Here, after service,

according to his custom on this day, he gave a largesse to his tenants and villeins, and with it his good wishes

and a caution that they should not become drunk at their Yuletide feast, as was the common habit of the time.

"We shall not get the chance," said Wulf, as they walked to the Hall, "since that merchant Georgios has not

"Perhaps he has sold it at a better price to someone else; it would be like a Cypriote," answered Sir Andrew,

Then they went into the hall, and as had been agreed between them, together the brethren gave their

Christmas gifts to Rosamund. She thanked them prettily enough, and much admired the beauty of the work.

When they told her that it had not yet been paid for, she laughed and said that, however they were come by,

she would wear both tunic and veil at their feast, which was to be held at nightfall.

About two o'clock in the afternoon a servant came into the hall to say that a wain drawn by three horses and

accompanied by two men, one of whom led the horses, was coming down the road from Steeple village.

"Our merchantand in time after all," said Wulf, and, followed by the others, he went out to meet them.

Georgios it was, sure enough, wrapped in a great sheepskin cloak such as Cypriotes wear in winter, and

"Your pardon, knights," he said as he scrambled nimbly to the ground. "The roads in this country are such

that, although I have left nearly half my load at Stangate, it has taken me four long hours to come from the

Abbey here, most of which time we spent in mudholes that have wearied the horses and, as I fear, strained

the wheels of this crazy wagon. Still, here we are at last, and, noble sir," he added, bowing to Sir

"Once more your pardon. I thought from their likeness to you that these knights were your sons."

"Has he bought all that stuff?" asked Sir Andrew for there were five tubs on the wagon, besides one or two

"No, alas!" answered the Cypriote ruefully, and shrugging his shoulders. "Only two of the Mavro. The rest I

took to the Abbey, for I understood the holy Prior to say he would purchase six casks, but it seems that it was

"Did he. sir?" Then doubtless the error was mine, who speak your tongue but ill. So I must drag the rest back

again over those accursed roads," and he made another grimace. "Yet I will ask you, sir," he added to Sir

Andrew, "to lighten the load a little by accepting this small keg of the old sweet vintage that grows on the

"I remember it well," said Sir Andrew, with a smile;"but, friend, I do not wish to take your wine for nothing."

"What, noble sir," he exclaimed,"do you know my land of Cyprus? Oh, then indeed I kiss your hands, and

surely you will not affront me by refusing this little present? Indeed, to be frank, I can afford to lose its price,

"As you will," said Sir Andrew. "I thank you, and perhaps you have other things to sell."

"I have indeed; a few embroideries if this most gracious lady would be pleased to look at them. Some carpets

also, such as the Moslems used to pray on in the name of their false prophet, Mahomet," and, turning, he spat

"I see that you are a Christian," said Sir Andrew. "Yet, although I fought against them, I have known many a

good Mussulman. Nor do I think it necessary to spit at the name of Mahomet, who to my mind was a a great

"Neither do I," said Godwin reflectively. "Its true servants should fight the enemies of the Cross and pray for

The merchant looked at them curiously, fingering the silver crucifix that hung upon his breast. "The captors

of the Holy City thought otherwise," he said,"when they rode into the Mosque El Aksa up to their horses'

knees in blood, and I have been taught otherwise. But the times grow liberal, and, after all, what right has a

poor trader whose mind, alas! is set more on gain than on the sufferings of the blessed Son of Mary," and he

crossed himself,"to form a judgment upon such high matters? Pardon me, I accept your reproof, who perhaps

Yet, had they but known it, this "reproof" was to save the life of many a man that night.

"May I ask help with these packages?" he went on, "as I cannot open them here, and to move the casks? Nay,

the little keg I will carry myself, as I hope that you will taste of it at your Christmas feast. It must be gently

handled, though I fear me that those roads of yours will not improve its quality." Then twisting the tub from

the end of the wain onto his shoulder in such a fashion that it remained upright, he walked off lightly towards

"For one not tall that man is strangely strong," thought Wulf, who followed with a bale of carpets.

Then the other casks of wine were stowed away in the stone cellar beneath the hall.

Leaving his servanta silent, stupidlooking, darkeyed fellow named Petrosto bait the horses, Georgios

entered the hall and began to unpack his carpets and embroideries with all the skill of one who had been

trained in the bazaars of Cairo, Damascus, or Nicosia. Beautiful things they were which he had to show;

broideries that dazzled the eye, and rugs of many hues, yet soft and bright as an otter's pelt. As Sir Andrew

"I will buy that rug," he said, "for of a truth it might be one on which I lay sick many a year ago in the house

of Ayoub at Damascus. Nay, I haggle not at the price. I will buy it." Then he fell to thinking how, whilst

Iying on such a rug (indeed, although he knew it not, it was the same), looking through the rounded beads of

the wooden latticework of his window, he had first seen his Eastern wife walking in the orange garden with

her father Ayoub. Afterwards, still recalling his youth, he began to talk of Cyprus, and so time went on until

Now Georgios said that he must be going, as he had sent back his guide to Southminster, where the man

desired to eat his Christmas feast. So the reckoning was paidit was a long oneand while the horses were

harnessed to the wain the merchant bored holes in the little cask of wine and set spigots in them, bidding

them all be sure to drink of it that night. Then calling down good fortune on them for their kindness and

liberality, he made his salaams in the Eastern fashion, and departed, accompanied by Wulf.

Within five minutes there was a sound of shouting, and Wulf was back again saying that the wheel of the

wain had broken at the first turn, so that now it was Iying upon its side in the courtyard. Sir Andrew and

Godwin went out to see to the matter, and there they found Georgios wringing his hands, as only an Eastern

"Noble knights," he said, "what am I to do? Already it is nearly dark, and how I shall find my way up yonder

steep hill I know not. As for the priceless broideries, I suppose they must stay here for the night, since that

"As you had best do also," said Sir Andrew kindly. "Come, man, do not grieve; we are used to broken axles

here in Essex, and you and your servant may as well eat your Christmas dinners at Steeple as in

"I thank you, Sir knight; I thank you. But why should I, who am but a merchant, thrust myself upon your

noble company? Let me stop outside with my man, Petros, and dine with your people in that barn, where I see

"By no means," answered Sir Andrew. "Leave your servant with my people, who will look after him, and

come you into the hall, and tell me some more of Cyprus till our food is ready, which will be soon. Do not

"All unworthy as I am, I obey," answered the obsequious Georgios. "Petros, do you understand? This noble

lord gives us hospitality for the night. His people will show you where to eat and sleep, and help you with

This man, who, he explained, was a Cypriotea fisherman in summer and a muleteer in winterbowed,

and fixing his dark eyes upon those of his master, spoke in some foreign tongue.

"You hear what he says, the silly fellow?" said Georgios."What? You do not understand Greekonly

Arabic? Well, he asks me to give him money to pay for his dinner and his night's lodging. You must forgive

him, for he is but a simple peasant, and cannot believe that anyone may be lodged and fed without payment. I

will explain to him, the pig!" And explain he did in shrill, high notes, of which no one else could understand a

"There, Sir Knight, I do not think he will offend you so again. Ah! look. He is walking offhe is sulky.

Well, let him alone; he will be back for his dinner, the pig! Oh, the wet and the wind! A Cypriote does not

So, Georgios still declaiming upon the shortcomings of his servant, they went back into the hall. Here the

conversation soon turned upon other matters, such as the differences between the creeds of the Greek and

Latin churchesa subject upon which he seemed to be an expert and the fear of the Christians in Cyprus

At length five o'clock came, and Georgios having first been taken to the lavatoryit was but a stone

trough to wash his hands, was led to the dinner, or rather to the suppertable, which stood upon a dais in

front of the entrance to the solar. Here places were laid for sixSir Andrew, his nephews, Rosamund, the

chaplain, Matthew, who celebrated masses in the church and ate at the hall on feastdays, and the Cypriote

merchant, Georgios himself. Below the dais, and between it and the fire, was another table, at which were

already gathered twelve guests, being the chief tenants of Sir Andrew and the reeves of his outlying lands. On

most days the servants of the house, with the huntsmen, swineherds, and others, sat at a third table beyond the

fire. But as nothing would stop these from growing drunken on the good ale at a feast, and though many

ladies thought little of it, there was no sin that Rosamund hated so much as this, now their lord sent them to

eat and drink at their ease in the barn which stood in the courtyard with its back to the moat.

When all had taken their seats, the chaplain said grace, and the meal began. It was rude but very plentiful.

First, borne in by the cook on a wooden platter, came a great codfish, whereof he helped portions to each in

turn, laying them on their "trenchers" that is, large slices of breadwhence they ate them with the spoons

that were given to each. After the fish appeared the meats, of which there were many sorts, served on silver

spits. These included fowls, partridges, duck, and, chief of all, a great swan, that the tenants greeted by

knocking their horn mugs upon the table; after which came the pastries, and with them nuts and apples. For

drink, ale was served at the lower table. On the dais however, they drank some of the black wine which Wulf

had boughtthat is, except Sir Andrew and Rosamund, the former because he dared not, and the latter

because she had always hated any drink but watera dislike that came to her, doubtless, with her Eastern

Thus they grew merry since their guest proved himself a cheerful fellow, who told them many stories of love

and war, for he seemed to know much of loves, and to have been in sundry wars. At these even Sir Andrew,

forgetting his ailments and forebodings, laughed well, while Rosamund, looking more beautiful than ever in

the goldstarred veil and the broidered tunic which the brethren had given her, listened to them, smiling

somewhat absently. At last the feast drew towards its end, when suddenly, as though struck by a sudden

"The wine! The liquid amber from Trooidos! I had forgotten it. Noble knight, have I your leave to draw?"

"Ay, excellent merchant," answered Sir Andrew. "Certainly you can draw your own wine."

So Georgios rose, and took a large jug and a silver tankard from the sideboard where such things were

displayed. With these he went to the little keg which, it will be remembered, had been stood ready upon the

trestles, and, bending over it while he drew the spigots, filled the vessels to the brim. Then he beckoned to a

reeve sitting at the lower table to bring him a leather jack that stood upon the board. Having rinsed it out with

wine, he filled that also, handing it with the jug to the reeve to drink their lord's health on this Yule night. The

silver vessel he bore back to the high table, and with his own hand filled the horn cups of all present,

Rosamund alone excepted, for she would touch none, although he pressed her hard and looked vexed at her

refusal. Indeed, it was because it seemed to pain the man that Sir Andrew, ever courteous, took a little

himself, although, when his back was turned, he filled the goblet up with water. At length, when all was

ready, Georgios charged, or seemed to charge, his own horn, and, lifting it, said:

"Let us drink, everyone of us here, to the noble knight, Sir Andrew D'Arcy, to whom I wish, in the phrase of

my own people, that he may live for ever. Drink, friends, drink deep, for never will wine such as this pass

Then, lifting his beaker, he appeared to drain it in great gulpsan example which all followed, even Sir

Andrew drinking a little from his cup, which was three parts filled with water. There followed a long murmur

"Ay," put in the chaplain, Matthew; "Adam might have drunk this in the Garden," while from the lower table

Certainly that wine was both rich and strong. Thus, after his sup of it, a veil as it were seemed to fall on the

mind of Sir Andrew and to cover it up. It lifted again, and lo! his brain was full of memories and foresights.

Circumstances which he had forgotten for many years came back to him altogether, like a crowd of children

tumbling out to play. These passed, and he grew suddenly afraid. Yet what had he to fear that night? The

gates across the moat were locked and guarded. Trusty men, a score or more of them, ate in his outbuildings

within those gates; while others, still more trusted, sat in his hall; and on his right hand and on his left were

those two strong and valiant knights, Sir Godwin and Sir Wulf. No, there was nothing to fearand yet he felt

"Why is there such silence, father? A while ago I heard the servants and bondsmen carousing in the barn;

But as she spoke Godwin's head fell forward on the board, while Wulf rose, half drew his sword, then threw

his arm about the neck of the priest, and sank with him to the ground. As it was with these, so it seemed with

all, for folk rocked to and fro, then sank to sleep, everyone of them, save the merchant Georgios, who rose to

"It would seem so, Sir Knight," he answered;"but I will wake them from their wassail." Springing from the

dais lightly as a cat, he ran down the hall crying, "Air is what they need. Air!" Now coming to the door, he

threw it wide open, and drawing a silver whistle from his robe, blew it long and loud. "What," he laughed,

"do they still sleep? Why, then, I must give a toast that will rouse them all," and seizing a horn mug, he

"Arouse you, ye drunkards, and drink to the lady Rose of the World, princess of Baalbec, and niece to my

As the words passed her lips there rose a sound of running feet, and through the open door at the far end of

the halI burst in a score or over of armed men. Then at last Sir Andrew saw and understood.

With a roar of rage like that of a wounded lion, he seized his daughter and dragged her back with him down

the passage into the solar where a fire burned and lights had been lit ready for their retiring, flinging to and

"Swift!" he said, as he tore his gown from him, "there is no escape, but at least I can die fighting for you.

She snatched his hauberk from the wall, and while they thundered at the door, did it on to himay, and his

"Now," he said,"help me." And they thrust the oak table forward, and overset it in front of the door, throwing

"There is a bow," he said,"and you can use it as I have taught you. Get to one side and out of reach of the

sword sweeps, and shoot past me as they rush; it may stay one of them. Oh, that Godwin and Wulf were here,

Rosamund made no answer but there came into her mind a vision of the agony of Godwin and of Wulf should

they ever wake again to learn what had chanced to her and them. She looked round. Against the wall stood a

little desk, at which Godwin was wont to write, and on it lay pen and parchment. She seized them, and as the

Then as the stout door at length crashed in Rosamund turned what she had written face downwards on the

desk, and seizing the bow, set an arrow to its string. Now it was down and on rushed the mob up the six feet

of narrow passage. At the end of it, in front of the overturned table, they halted suddenly. For there before

them, skullemblazoned, shield on arm, his long sword lifted, and a terrible wrath burning in his eyes, stood

the old knight, like a wolf at bay, and by his side, bow in hand, the beauteous lady Rosamund, clad in all her

"Yield you!" cried a voice. By way of answer the bowstring twanged, and an arrow sped home to its feathers

through the throat of the speaker, so that he went down, grabbing at it, and spoke no more for ever.

"We yield not to pagan dogs and poisoners. A D'Arcy! A D'Arcy! Meet D 'Arcy, meet Death!"

Thus for the last time did old Sir Andrew utter the warcry of his race, which he had feared would never pass

"Down with him! seize the Princess!" said a voice. It was that of Georgios, no longer humble with a

merchant's obsequious whine, but speaking in tones of cold command and in Arabic. For a moment the

swarthy mob hung back, as well they might in face of that glittering sword. Then with a cry of

"Salaheddin! Salaheddin!" on they surged, with flashing spears and scimitars. The overthrown table was

in front of them, and one leapt upon its edge, but as he leapt, the old knight, all his years and sickness

forgotten now, sprang forward and struck downwards, so heavy a blow that in the darkling mouth of the

passage the sparks streamed out, and where the Saracen's head had been, appeared his heels. Back Sir

Andrew stepped again to win space for his swordplay, while round the ends of the table broke two

fiercefaced men. At one of them Rosamund shot with her bow, and the arrow pierced his thigh, but as he

fell he struck with his keen scimitar and shore the end off the bow, so that it was useless. The second man

caught his foot in the bar of the oak chair which he did not see, and went down prone, while Sir Andrew,

taking no heed of him, rushed with a shout at the crowd who followed, and catching their blows upon his

shield, rained down others so desperate that, being hampered by their very number, they gave before him, and

"Guard your right, father!" cried Rosamund. He sprang round, to see the Saracen, who had fallen, on his feet

again. At him he went, nor did the man wait the onset, but turned to fly, only to find his death, for the great

sword caught him between neck and shoulders. Now a voice cried: "We make poor sport with this old lion,

But Rosamund, who understood their tongue, sprang in front of him, and answered in Arabic:

Then, clear and calm was heard the command of Georgios. "He who harms a hair of the Princess dies. Take

Rosamund touched her father and pointed to the man who lay upon the floor with an arrow through his thigh.

He was struggling to his knee, raising the heavy scimitar in his hand. Sir Andrew lifted his sword as a

"I fight not with the wounded. Drop that steel, and get you back to your own folk."

The fellow obeyed himyes, and even touched the floor with his forehead in salaam as he crawled away, for

he knew that he had been given his life, and that the deed was noble towards him who had planned a coward's

stroke. Then Georgios stepped forward, no longer the same Georgios who had sold poisoned wine and

Eastern broideries, but a proudlooking, highbrowed Saracen clad in the mail which he wore beneath his

merchant's robe, and in place of the crucifix wearing on his breast a great starshaped jewel, the emblem of

"Sir Andrew," he said, "hearken to me, I pray you. Noble was that act," and he pointed to the wounded man

being dragged away by his fellows, "and noble has been your defencewell worthy of your lineage and your

knighthood. It is a tale that my master," and he bowed as he said the word, "will love to hear if it pleases

Allah that we return to him in safety. Also you will think that I have played a knave's trick upon you,

overcoming the might of those gallant knights, Sir Godwin and Sir Wulf, not with sword blows but with

drugged wine, and treating all your servants in like fashion, since not one of them can shake off its fumes

before tomorrow's light. So indeed it isa very scurvy trick which I shall remember with shame to my life's

end, and that perchance may yet fall back upon my head in blood and vengeance. Yet bethink you how we

stand, and forgive us. We are but a little company of men in your great country, hidden, as it were, in a den of

lions, who, if they saw us, would slay us without mercy. That, indeed, is a small thing, for what are our lives,

of which your sword has taken tithe, and not only yours, but those of the twin brethren on the quay by the

"I thought it," broke in Sir Andrew contemptuously. "Indeed, that deed was worthy of youtwenty or more

"Judge us not harshly," he said, speaking slowly, who, for his own ends wished to gain time, "you who have

read the letter of our lord. See you, these were my commands: To secure the lady Rose of the World as best I

might, but if possible without bloodshed. Now I was reconnoitring the country with a troop of the sailors

from my ship who are but poor fighters, and a few of my own people, when my spies brought me word that

she had ridden out attended by only two men, and surely I thought that already she was in my hands. But the

knights foiled me by strategy and strength, and you know the end of it. So afterwards my messenger

presented the letter, which, indeed, should have been done at first. The letter failed also, for neither you, nor

the Princess"and he bowed to Rosamund"could be bought. More, the whole country was awakened; you

were surrounded with armed men, the knightly brethren kept watch and ward over you, and you were about

to fly to London, where it would have been hard to snare you. Therefore, because I must, Iwho am a prince

and an emir, who also, although you remember it not, have crossed swords with you in my youth; yes, at

"Now hearken. Yield you, Sir Andrew, who have done enough to make your name a song for generations,

and accept the love of Salaheddin, whose word you have, the word that, as you know well, cannot be

broken, which I, the lord ElHassanfor no meaner man has been sent upon this errandplight to you

afresh. Yield you, and save your life, and live on in honour, clinging to your own faith, till Azrael takes you

from the pleasant fields of Baalbec to the waters of Paradise if such there be for infidels, however gallant.

"For know, this deed must be done. Did we return without the princess Rose of the World, we should die,

every one of us, and did we offer her harm or insult, then more horribly than I can tell you. This is no fancy

of a great king that drives him on to the stealing of a woman, although she be of his own high blood. The

voice of God has spoken to Salaheddin by the mouth of his angel Sleep. Thrice has Allah spoken in

dreams, telling him who is merciful, that through your daughter and her nobleness alone can countless lives

be saved; therefore, sooner than she should escape him, he would lose even the half of all his empire. Outwit

us, defeat us now, capture us, cause us to be tortured and destroyed, and other messengers would come to do

his bidding indeed, they are already on the way. Moreover, it is useless to shed more blood, seeing it is

written in the Books that this lady, Rose of the World, must return to the East where she was begot, there to

"Not so, Princess," he answered, bowing, "for Allah alone has power over your life, and it is otherwise

decreed. Sir Andrew, the time grows short, and I must fulfil my mission. Will you take the peace of

The old knight listened, resting on his reddened sword; then he lifted his head, and spoke:

"I am aged and near my death, wineseller Georgios, or prince ElHassan, whichever you may be. In my

youth I swore to make no pact with Paynims, and in my eld I will not break that vow. While I can lift sword I

will defend my daughter, even against the might of Saladin. Get to your coward's work again, and let things

"Then, Princess," answered ElHassan, "bear me witness throughout the East that I am innocent of your

father's blood. On his own head be it, and on yours," and for the second time he blew upon the whistle that

As the echoes of Hassan's whistle died away there was a crash amongst the wooden shutters of the window

behind them, and down into the room leaped a long, lithe figure, holding an axe aloft. Before Sir Andrew

could turn to see whence the sound came, that axe dealt him a fearful blow between the shoulders which,

although the ringed mail remained unshorn, shattered his spine beneath. Down he fell, rolled on to his back,

and lay there, still able to speak and without pain, but helpless as a child. For he was paralysed, and never

In the silence that followed he spoke in a heavy voice, letting his eyes rest upon the man who had struck him

"A knightly blow, truly; one worthy of a Christian born who does murder for Paynim pay! Traitor to God and

man, who have eaten my bread and now slaughter me like an ox on my hearthstone, may your own end be

The palmer Nicholas, for it was he, although he no longer wore the palmer's robe, slunk away muttering, and

was lost among the crowd in the passage. Then, with a sudden and a bitter cry, Rosamund swooped forward,

as a bird swoops, snatched up the sword her sire would never lift again, and setting its hilt upon the floor, cast

herself forward. But its point never touched her breast, for the emir sprang swiftly and struck the steel aside;

then, as she fell, caught her in his arms. "Lady," he said, loosing her very gently. "Allah does not need you

yet. I have told you that it is not fated. Now will you pass me your wordfor being of the blood of

Salaheddin and D'Arcy, you, too, cannot liethat neither now nor afterwards you will attempt to harm

yourself? If not, I must bind you, which I am loth to doit is a sacrilege to which I pray you will not force

"Promise, Rosamund," said the hollow voice of her father, "and go to fulfil your fate. Selfmurder is a crime,

"I am satisfied, and henceforth we are your servants. Princess, the night air is bitter; you cannot travel thus. In

She pointed with her finger. A man took a taper, and, accompanied by two others, entered the place, to return

presently with their arms full of all the apparel they could find. Indeed, they even brought her missal and the

silver crucifix which hung above her bed and with it her leathern case of trinkets.

"Keep out the warmest cloak," said Hassan," and tie the rest up in those carpets."

So the rugs that Sir Andrew had bought that day from the merchant Georgios were made to serve as travelling

bags to hold his daughter's gear. Thus even in this hour of haste and danger thought was taken for her

"Princess," said Hassan, bowing, "my master, your uncle, sent you certain jewels of no mean value. Is it your

Without lifting her eyes from her dying father's face, Rosamund answered heavily:

"Your will is my law," he said, "and others will be found for you. Princess, all is ready; we wait your

"My pleasure? Oh, God, my pleasure?" exclaimed Rosamund in the same drear voice, still staring at her

"I cannot help it," said Hassan, answering the question in her eyes, and there was grief in his tone."He would

not come, he brought it on himself; though in truth I wish that accursed Frank had not struck so shrewdly. If

you ask it, we will bear him with you; but, lady, it is idle to hide the truthhe is sped. I have studied

"Nay," said Sir Andrew from the floor, "leave me here. Daughter, we must part awhile. As I stole his child

from Ayoub, so Ayoub's son steals my child from me. Daughter, cling to the faiththat we may meet again."

"Be comforted," said Hassan. "Has not Salaheddin passed his word that except her own will or that of

Allah should change her heart, a Crossworshipper she may live and die? Lady, for your own sake as well as

ours, let this sad farewell be brief. Begone, my servants, taking these dead and wounded with you. There are

They obeyed, and the three of them remained alone together. Then Rosamund knelt down beside her father,

and they whispered into each other's ears. Hassan turned his back upon them, and threw the corner of his

cloak over his head and eyes that he might neither see nor hear their voices in this dread and holy hour of

It would seem that they found some kind of hope and consolation in itat least when Rosamund kissed him

"Yes, yes; it may all be for the best. God will guard you, and His will be done. But I forgot. Tell me,

Again she whispered into his ear, and when he had thought a moment, he answered:

"Maybe you are right. I think that is wisest for all. And now on the three of youaye, and on your children's

"Say to Saladin, your master, that he has been too strong for me, and paid me back in my own coin. Well, had

it been otherwise, my daughter and I must soon have parted, for death drew near to me. At least it is the

decree of God, to which I bow my head, trusting there may be truth in that dream of his, and that our sorrows,

in some way unforeseen, will bring blessings to our brethren in the East. But to Saladin say also that

whatever his bigot faith may teach, for Christian and for Paynim there is a meetingplace beyond the grave.

Say that if aught of wrong or insult is done towards this maiden, I swear by the God who made us both that

there I will hold him to account. Now, since it must be so, take her and go your way, knowing that my spirit

follows after you and her; yes, and that even in this world she will find avengers."

"I hear your words, and I will deliver them," answered Hassan. "More, I believe that they are true, and for the

rest you have the oath of Salaheddinay, and my oath while she is in my charge. Therefore, Sir Andrew

"I, who have so much to be forgiven, forgive you," answered the old knight slowly.

Then his eyes fixed themselves upon his daughter's face with one long, searching look, and closed.

"I think that he is dead," said Hassan. "May God, the Merciful and Compassionate, rest his soul!" And taking

Thrice Rosamund looked at the shrouded figure on the floor; once she wrung her hands and seemed about to

fall. Then, as though a thought struck her, she lifted her father's sword from where it lay, and gathering her

strength, drew herself up and passed like a queen down the bloodstained passage and the steps of the solar.

In the hall beneath waited the band of Hassan, who bowed as she camea vision of despairing loveliness,

that held aloft a red and naked sword. There, too, lay the drugged men fallen this way and that, and among

"Have no fear," answered Hassan. "By my hope of paradise, they do but sleep, and will awake ere morning."

Rosamund pointed to the renegade Nicholashe that had struck down her father from behindwho, an evil

look upon his face, stood apart from the Saracens, holding in his hand a lighted torch.

"If you would know, lady," Nicholas answered with a sneer, "I wait till you are out of it to fire the hall."

"Prince Hassan," said Rosamund, "is this a deed that great Saladin would wish, to burn drugged men beneath

their own roof? Now, as you shall answer to him, in the name of Saladin I, a daughter of his House, command

you, strike the fire from that man's hand, and in my hearing give your order that none should even think of

"What?" broke in Nicholas, "and leave knights like these, whose quality you know"and he pointed to the

brethren"to follow in our path, and take our lives in vengeance? Why, it is madness!"

"Are you master here, traitor, or am I?" asked Hassan in cold contempt. "Let them follow if they will, and I

for one shall rejoice to meet foes so brave in open battle, and there give them their revenge. Ali," he added,

addressing the man who had been disguised as a merchant's underling, and who had drugged the men in the

barn as his master had drugged those in the hall, and opened the moat gate to the band, "Ali, stamp upon the

torch and guard that Frank till we reach the boat lest the fool should raise the country on us with his fires.

"Ay, having your word," she answered. "One moment, I pray you. I would leave a token to my knights."

Then, while they watched her with wondering eyes, she unfastened the go!d cross and chain that hung upon

her bosom, and slipping the cross from the chain, went to where Godwin lay, and placed it on his breast.

Next, with a swift movement, she wound the chain about the silver hilt of Sir Andrew's sword, and passing to

Wulf, with one strong thrust, drove the point between the oak boards of the table, so that it stood before

"His grandsire bore it,'' she said in Arabic, "when he leapt on to the walls of Jerusalem. It is my last gift to

Then taking the hand of Hassan, who stood searching her white, inscrutable face, with never a word or a

backward look, she swept down the length of the long hall, and out into the night beyond.

"It would have been well to take my counsel and fire the place, or at least to cut the throats of all within it,"

said the man Nicholas to his guard Ali as they followed with the rest. "If I know aught of these brethren,

cross and sword will soon be hard upon our track, and men's lives must pay the price of such soft folly." And

"It may be so, Spy," answered the Saracen, looking at him with sombre, contemptuous eyes."It may be that

Wulf was dreaming, dreaming that he stood on his head upon a wooden plank, as once he had seen a juggler

do, which turned round one way while he turned round the other, till at length some one shouted at him, and

he tumbled off the board and hurt himself. Then he awoke to hear a voice shouting surely enoughthe voice

"What is it?" he said, lifting his head sleepily, and becoming conscious of a dull pain across his forehead.

A servingwoman, pallid, dishevelled, heavyeyed, who was stumbling to and fro, lighting torches and

tapers, for it was still dark, brought it to him in a leathern jack, from which he drank deeply.

"That is better," he said. Then his eye fell upon the bloody sword set point downwards in the wood of the

table before him, and he exclaimed, "Mother of God! what is that? My uncle's silverhilted sword, red with

blood, and Rosamund's gold chain upon the hilt! Priest, where is the lady Rosamund?"

"Gone," answered the chaplain in a voice that sounded like a groan. "The women woke and found her gone,

and Sir Andrew lies dead or dying in the solarbut now I have shriven himand oh! we have all been

drugged. Look at them!" and he waved his hand towards the recumbent forms. "I say that the devil has been

"The devil? Ah! I have it now. You mean the Cyprian chapman Georgios. He who sold wine."

"He who sold drugged wine," echoed the chaplain, "and has stolen away the lady Rosamund."

"Stolen Rosamund over our sleeping carcases! Stolen Rosamund with never a blow struck by us to save her!

O, Christ, that such a thing should be! O, Christ, that I should live to hear it!" And he, the mighty man, the

knight of skill and strength, broke down and wept like a very child. But not for long, for presently he shouted

"Awake, ye drunkards! Awake, and learn what has chanced to us. Your lady Rosamund has been raped away

At the sound of that great voice a tall form arose from the floor, and staggered towards him, holding a gold

"What awful words are those my brother?" asked Godwin, who, pale and dulleyed, rocked to and fro before

him. Then he, too, saw the red sword and stared, first at it and next at the gold cross in his hand. "My uncle's

"Thus have we kept our oaths," went on Wulf."Oh, what can we do now, save die for very shame?"

"Nay," answered Godwin, dreamingly; "we can live on to save her. See, these are her tokensthe cross for

me, the bloodstained sword for you, and about its hilt the chain, a symbol of her slavery. Now both of us

must bear the cross; both of us must wield the sword, and both of us must cut the chain, or if we fail, then

"You rave," said Wulf; "and little wonder. Here, drink water. Would that we had never touched aught else, as

she did, and desired that we should do. What said you of my uncle, priest? Dead, or only dying? Nay, answer

"The old man made a good fight," he said,"while, like drunken brutes, we slept."

They were there, and before them, beneath the white, shroudlike cloak, lay Sir Andrew, the steel helm on

At the sound of their footsteps he opened his eyes. "At length, at length," he muttered."Oh, how many years

have I waited for you? Nay, be silent, for I do not know how long my strength will last, but listenkneel

So they knelt on either side of him, and in quick, fierce words he told them allof the drugging, of the fight,

of the long parley carried on to give the palmer knave time to climb to the window; of his cowardly blow, and

of what chanced afterwards. Then his strength seemed to fail him, but they poured drink down his throat, and

"Take horse swiftly," he gasped, pausing now and again to rest, "and rouse the countryside. There is still a

chance. Nay, seven hours have gone by; there is no chance. Their plans were too well laid; by now they will

be at sea. So hear me. Go to Palestine. There is money for your faring in my chest, but go alone, with no

company, for in time of peace these would betray you. Godwin, draw off this ring from my finger, and with it

as a token, find out Jebal, the black sheik of the Mountain Tribe at Masyaf on Lebanon. Bid him remember

the vow he made to Andrew D'Arcy, the English knight. If any can aid you, it will be Jebal, who hates the

Houses of Nureddin and of Ayoub. So, I charge you, let nothing I say nothingturn you aside from

"Afterwards act as God shall guide you. If they still live, kill that traitor Nicholas and Hugh Lozelle, but, save

in open war, spare the Emir Hassan, who did but do his duty as an Eastern reads it, and shown some mercy,

for he could have slain or burnt us all. This riddle has been hard for me; yet now, in my dying hour, I seem to

see its answer. I think that Saladin did not dream in vain. Keep brave hearts, for I think also that at Masyaf

you will find friends, and that things will yet go well, and our sorrows bear good fruit."

"What is that you said? She left you my father's sword, Wulf? Then wield it bravely, winning honour for our

name. She left you the cross, Godwin? Wear it worthily, winning glory for the Lord, and salvation to your

soul. Remember what you have sworn. Whate'er befall, bear no bitterness to one another. Be true to one

another, and to her, your lady, so that when at the last you make your report to me before high Heaven, I may

For a moment the dying man was silent, until his face lit up as with a great gladness, and he cried in a loud,

Then though his eyes stayed open, and the smile still rested on his face, his jaw fell.

Still kneeling on either side of him, the brethren watched the end, and, as his spirit passed, bowed their heads

"We have seen a great death," said Godwin presently ."Let us learn a lesson from it, that when our time

"Ay," answered Wulf, springing to his feet,"but first let us take vengeance for it. Why, what is this?

"Surely we will follow you, Rosamund," he cried aloud. "Follow you through life to death or victory."

Then he threw down the paper, and calling for the chaplain to come to watch the body, they ran into the hall.

By this time about half of the folk were awake from their drugged sleep, whilst others who had been doctored

by the man Ali in the barn staggered into the hall wildeyed, whitefaced, and holding their hands to their

heads and hearts. They were so sick and bewildered, indeed, that it was difficult to make them understand

what had chanced, and when they learned the truth, the most of them could only groan. Still, a few were

found strong enough in wit and body to grope their way through the darkness and the falling snow to

Stangate Abbey, to Southminster, and to the houses of their neighbours, although of these there were none

near, praying that every true man would arm and ride to help them in the hunt. Also Wulf, cursing the priest

Matthew and himself that he had not thought of it before, called him from his prayers by their dead uncle, and

charged him to climb the church tower as swiftly as he could, and set light to the beacon that was laid ready

Away he went, taking flint, steel, and tinder with him, and ten minutes later the blaze was flaring furiously

above the roof of Steeple Church, warning all men of the need for help. Then they armed, saddled such

horses as they had, amongst them the three that had been left there by the merchant Georgios, and gathered

all of them who were not too sick to ride or run, in the courtyard of the Hall. But as yet their haste availed

them little, for the moon was down. Snow fell also, and the night was still black as deathso black that a

man could scarcely see the hand he held before his face. So they must wait, and wait they did, eating their

At length the dawn began to break, and by its first grey light they saw men mounted and afoot feeling their

way through the snow, shouting to each other as they came to know what dreadful thing had happened at

Steeple. Quickly the tidings spread among them that Sir Andrew was slain, and the lady Rosamund snatched

away by Paynims, while all who feasted in the place had been drugged with poisoned wine by a man whom

they believed to be a merchant. So soon as a band was got togetherperhaps thirty men in all and there

was light to stir by, they set out and began to search, though where to look they knew not, for the snow had

"Ay," answered Wulf,"and landed near by, since, had they far to go, they would have taken the horses, and

must run the risk also of losing their path in the darkness. To the Staithe! Let us try Steeple Staithe."

So on they went across the meadow to the creek. It lay but three bowshots distant. At first they could see

nothing, for the snow covered the stones of the little pier, but presently a man cried out that the lock of the

water house, in which the brethren kept their fishingboat, was broken, and next minute, that the boat was

"She was small; she would hold but six men," cried a voice. "So great a company could never have crowded

So they looked again, and beneath the thin coating of rime, found a mark in the mud by the Staithe, made by

the prow of a large boat, and not far from it a hole in the earth into which a peg had been driven to make her

Now the thing seemed clear enough, but it was to be made yet clearer, for presently, even through the driving

snow, the quick eye of Wulf caught sight of some glittering thing which hung to the edge of a clump of dead

"I thought so," he said in a heavy voice; "it is a fragment of that starwrought veil which was my Christmas

gift to Rosamund, and she has torn it off and left it here to show us her road. To St. Peter'sontheWall! To

St. Peter's, I say, for there the boats or ship must pass, and maybe that in the darkness they have not yet won

So they turned their horses' heads, and those of them that were mounted rode for St. Peter's by the inland path

that runs through Steeple St. Lawrence and Bradwell town, while those who were not, started to search along

the Saltings and the river bank. On they galloped through the falling snow, Godwin and Wulf leading the

train of knights, squires and yeomen, who had seen the beacon flare on Steeple tower, or learned the tale from

Hard they rode, but the lanes were heavy with fallen snow and mud beneath, and the way was far, so that an

hour had gone by before Bradwell was left behind, and the shrine of St. Chad lay but half a mile in front.

Now of a sudden the snow ceased, and a strong northerly wind springing up, drove the thick mist before it

and left the sky hard and blue behind. Still riding in this mist, they pressed on to where the old tower loomed

"What is that?" said Godwin presently, pointing to a great, dim thing upon the vapourhidden sea.

As he spoke a strong gust of wind tore away the last veils of mist, revealing the red face of the risen sun, and

not a hundred yards away from themfor the tide was highthe tall masts of a galley creeping out to sea

beneath her banks of oars. As they stared the wind caught her, and on the mainmast rose her bellying sail,

while a shout of laughter told them that they themselves were seen. They shook their swords in the madness

of their rage, knowing well who was aboard that galley; while to the fore peak ran up the yellow flag of

Nor was this all, for on the high poop appeared the tall shape of Rosamund herself, and on one side of her,

clad now in coat of mail and turban, the emir Hassan, whom they had known as the merchant Georgios, and

on the other, a stout man, also clad in mail, who at that distance looked like a Christian knight. Rosamund

stretched out her arms towards them. Then suddenly she sprang forward as though she would throw herself

into the sea, had not Hassan caught her by the arm and held her back, whilst the other man who was watching

In his fury and despair Wulf drove his horse into the water till the waves broke about his middle, and there,

"Fear not! We follow! we follow!" in such a voice of thunder, that even through the wind and across the

everwidening space of foam his words may have reached the ship. At least Rosamund seemed to hear them,

But Hassan, one hand pressed upon his heart and the other on his forehead, only bowed thrice in courteous

Then the great sail filled, the oars were drawn in, and the vessel swept away swiftly across the dancing

waves, till at length she vanished, and they could only see the sunlight playing on the golden banner of

Many months had gone by since the brethren sat upon their horses that winter morning, and from the shrine

of St. Peter'sontheWall, at the mouth of the Blackwater in Essex, watched with anguished hearts the

galley of Saladin sailing southwards; their love and cousin, Rosamund, standing a prisoner on the deck.

Having no ship in which to follow herand this, indeed, it would have been too late to dothey thanked

those who had come to aid them, and returned home to Steeple, where they had matters to arrange. As they

went they gathered from this man and that tidings which made the whole tale clear to them.

They learned, for instance, then and afterwards, that the galley which had been thought to be a merchantman

put into the river Crouch by design, feigning an injury to her rudder, and that on Christmas eve she had

moved up with the tide, and anchored in the Blackwater about three miles from its mouth. Thence a great

boat, which she towed behind her, and which was afterwards found abandoned, had rowed in the dusk,

keeping along the further shore to avoid observation, to the mouth of Steeple Creek, which she descended at

dark, making fast to the Staithe, unseen of any. Her crew of thirty men or more, guided by the false palmer

Nicholas, next hid themselves in the grove of trees about fifty yards from the house, where traces of them

were found afterwards, waiting for the signal, and, if that were necessary, ready to attack and burn the Hall

while all men feasted there. But it was not necessary, since the cunning scheme of the drugged wine, which

only an Eastern could have devised, succeeded. So it happened that the one man they had to meet in arms was

an old knight, of which doubtless they were glad, as their numbers being few, they wished to avoid a

desperate battle, wherein many must fall, and, if help came, they might be all destroyed.

When it was over they led Rosamund to the boat, felt their way down the creek, towing behind them the little

skiff which they had taken from the waterhouseIaden with their dead and wounded. This, indeed, proved

the most perilous part of their adventures, since it was very dark, and came on to snow; also twice they

grounded upon mud banks. Still guided by Nicholas, who had studied the river, they reached the galley

before dawn, and with the first light weighed anchor, and very cautiously rowed out to sea. The rest is known.

Two days later, since there was no time to spare, Sir Andrew was buried with great pomp at Stangate Abbey,

in the same tomb where lay the heart of his brother, the father of the brethren, who had fallen in the Eastern

wars. After he had been laid to rest amidst much lamentation and in the presence of a great concourse of

people, for the fame of these strange happenings had travelled far and wide, his will was opened. Then it was

found that with the exception of certain sums of money left to his nephews, a legacy to Stangate Abbey, and

another to be devoted to masses for the repose of his soul, with some gifts to his servants and the poor, all his

estate was devised to his daughter Rosamund. The brethren, or the survivor of them, however, held it in trust

on her behalf, with the charge that they should keep watch and ward over her, and manage her lands till she

These lands, together with their own, the brethren placed in the hands of Prior John of Stangate, in the

presence of witnesses, to administer for them subject to the provisions of the will, taking a tithe of the rents

and profits for his pains. The priceless jewels also that had been sent by Saladin were given into his keeping,

and a receipt with a list of the same signed in duplicate, deposited with a clerk at Southminster. This, indeed,

was necessary, seeing that none save the brethren and the Prior knew of these jewels, of which, being of so

great a value, it was not safe to speak. Their affairs arranged, having first made their wills in favour of each

other with remainder to their heirsatlaw, since it was scarcely to be hoped that both of them would return

alive from such a quest, they received the Communion, and with it his blessing from the hands of the Prior

John. Then early one morning, before any were astir, they rode quietly away to London.

On the top of Steeple Hill, sending forward the servant who led the mule laden with their baggagethat

same mule which had been left by the spy Nicholasthe brethren turned their horses' heads to look in

farewell on their home. There to the north of them lay the Blackwater, and to the west the parish of Mayland,

towards which the laden barges crept along the stream of Steeple Creek. Below was the wide, flat, plain

outlined with trees, and in it, marked by the plantation where the Saracens had hid, the Hall and church of

Steeple, the home in which they had grown from childhood to youth, and from youth to man's estate in the

company of the fair, lost Rosamund, who was the love of both, and whom both went forth to seek. That past

was all behind them, and in front a dark and troublous future, of which they could not read the mystery nor

Would they ever look on Steeple Hall again? Were they who stood there about to match their strength and

courage against all the might of Saladin, doomed to fail or gloriously to succeed?

Through the darkness that shrouded their forward path shone one bright star of lovebut for which of them

did that star shine, or was it perchance for neither? They knew not. How could they know aught save that the

venture seemed very desperate. Indeed, the few to whom they had spoken of it thought them mad. Yet they

remembered the last words of Sir Andrew, bidding them keep a high heart, since he believed that things

would yet go well. It seemed to them, in truth, that they were not quite aloneas though his brave spirit

companioned them on their search, guiding their feet, with ghostly counsel which they could not hear.

They remembered also their oaths to him, to one another, and to Rosamund; and in silent token that they

would keep them to the death, pressed each other's hands. Then, turning their horses southwards, they rode

forward with light hearts, not caring what befell, if only at the last, living or dead, Rosamund and her father

Through the hot haze of a July morning a dromon, as certain merchant vessels of that time were called, might

have been seen drifting before a light breeze into St. George's Bay at Beirut, on the coast of Syria. Cyprus,

whence she had sailed last, was not a hundred miles away, yet she had taken six days to do the journey, not

on account of stormsof which there were none at this time of year, but through lack of wind to move her.

Still, her captain and the motley crowd of passengersfor the most part Eastern merchants and their

servants, together with a number of pilgrims of all nations thanked God for so prosperous a voyagefor

Among these passengers were Godwin and Wulf, travelling, as their uncle had bidden them, unattended by

squires or by servants. Upon the ship they passed themselves off as brothers named Peter and John of

Lincoln, a town of which they knew something, having stayed there on their way to the Scottish wars; simple

gentlemen of small estate, making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in penitence for their sins and for the repose

of the souls of their father and mother. At this tale their fellowpassengers, with whom they had sailed from

Genoa, to which place they travelled overland, shrugged their shoulders. For these brethren looked what they

were, knights of high degree; and considering their great stature, long swords, and the coats of mail they

always wore beneath their gambesons, none believed them but plain gentlefolk bent on a pious errand.

Indeed, they nicknamed them Sir Peter and Sir John, and as such they were known throughout the voyage.

The brethren were seated together in a little place apart in the bow of the ship, and engaged, Godwin in

reading from an Arabic translation of the Gospels made by some Egyptian monk, and Wulf in following it

with little ease in the Latin version. Of the former tongue, indeed, they had acquired much in their youth,

since they learned it from Sir Andrew with Rosamund, although they could not talk it as she did, who had

been taught to lisp it as an infant by her mother. Knowing, too, that much might hang upon a knowledge of

this tongue, they occupied their long journey in studying it from such books as they could get; also in

speaking it with a priest, who had spent many years in the East, and instructed them for a fee, and with

"Shut the book, brother," said Wulf; "there is Lebanon at last," and he pointed to the great line of mountains

revealing themselves dimly through their wrappings of mist. "Glad I am to see them, who have had enough of

"And the Land of Promise for us," answered his brother. "Well, thank God that the time has come to act,

"Doubtless time will show. As our uncle bade, we will seek out this Sheik Jebal"

"Hush!" said Wulf, for just then some merchants, and with them a number of pilgrims, their travelworn

faces full of rapture at the thought that the terrors of the voyage were done, and that they were about to set

foot upon the ground their Lord had trodden, crowded forward to the bow to obtain their first view of it, and

there burst into prayers and songs of thanksgiving. Indeed, one of these mena trader known as Thomas of

Ipswichwas, they found, standing close to them, and seemed as though he listened to their talk.

The brethren mingled with them while this same Thomas of Ipswich, who had visited the place before, or so

it seemed, pointed out the beauties of the city, of the fertile country by which it was surrounded, and of the

distant cedarclad mountains where, as he said, Hiram, King of Tyre, had cut the timber for Solomon's

"Ay, following my business," he answered, "so far." And he showed them a great snowcapped peak to the

"Because there begins the territory of the Sheik Aljebal"and he looked at them meaningly"whom," he

added, "neither Christian nor Saracen visit without an invitation, which is seldom given."

"Because," answered the trader, still watching them, "most men love their lives, and that man is the lord of

death and magic. Strange things are to be seen in his castle, and about it lie wonderful gardens inhabited by

lovely women that are evil spirits, who bring the souls of men to ruin. Also, this Old Man of the Mountain is

a great murderer, of whom even all the princes of the East are terrified, for he speaks a word to his fedaisor

servants who are initiated, and they go forth and bring to death any whom he hates. Young men, I like you

well, and I say to you, be warned. In this Syria there are many wonders to be seen; leave those of Masyaf and

"Fear not; we will," answered Godwin, "who come to seek holy placesnot haunts of devils."

"Of course we will," added Wulf. "Still, that country must be worth travelling in."

Then boats came out to greet them from the shorefor at that time Beirut was in the hands of the

Franksand in the shouting and confusion which followed they saw no more of this merchant Thomas. Nor

did they seek him out again, since they thought it unwise to show themselves too curious about the Sheik

Aljebal. Indeed, it would have been useless, since that trader was ashore two full hours before they were

At length they stood in the motley Eastern crowd upon the quay, wondering where they could find an inn that

was quiet and of cheap charges, since they did not wish to be considered persons of wealth or importance. As

they lingered here, somewhat bewildered, a tall, veiled woman whom they had noted watching them, drew

near, accompanied by a porter, who led a donkey. This man, without more ado, seized their baggage, and

helped by other porters began to fasten it upon the back of the donkey with great rapidity, and when they

"Your pardon," said Godwin to her at length and speaking in French, "but this man"

"Loads up your baggage to take it to my inn. It is cheap, quiet and comfortablethings which I heard you

say you required just now, did I not?" she answered in a sweet voice, also speaking in good French.

Godwin looked at Wulf, and Wulf at Godwin, and they began to discuss together what they should do. When

they had agreed that it seemed not wise to trust themselves to the care of a strange woman in this fashion,

they looked up to see the donkey laden with their trunks being led away by the porter.

"Too late to say no, I fear me," said the woman with a laugh, "so you must be my guests awhile if you would

not lose yourbaggage. Come, after so long a journey you need to wash and eat. Follow me, sirs, I pray you."

Then she walked through the crowd, which, they noted, parted for her as she went, to a post where a fine

mule was tied. Loosing it, she leaped to the saddle without help, and began to ride away, looking back from

"Whither go we, I wonder," said Godwin, as they trudged through the sands of Beirut, with the hot sun

At last the woman on the mule turned through a doorway in a wall of unburnt brick, and they found them

selves before the porch of a white, rambling house which stood in a large garden planted with mulberries,

oranges and other fruit trees that were strange to them, and was situated on the borders of the city.

Here the woman dismounted and gave the mule to a Nubian who was waiting. Then, with a quick movement

she unveiled herself, and turned towards them as though to show her beauty. Beautiful she was, of that there

could be no doubt, with her graceful, swaying shape, her dark and liquid eyes, her rounded features and

strangely impassive countenance. She was young alsoperhaps twentyfive, no more and very

"My poor house is for pilgrims and merchants, not for famous knights; yet, sirs, I welcome you to it," she

"We are but squires in our own country, who make the pilgrimage," replied Godwin. "For what sum each day

"What is that to you?" he answered, as he busied himself in loosening the baggage. "They will pay their

score, and all sorts of mad folk come to this country, pretending to be what they are not. Also you sought

"Mad or sane, they are proper men," said the impassive woman, as though to herself, then added in French,

"Sirs, I repeat, this is but a humble place, scarce fit for knights like you, but if you will honour it, the charge

"We are satisfied," said Godwin, "especially," he added, with a bow and removing the cap from his head, "as,

having brought us here without leave asked, we are sure that you will treat us who are strangers kindly."

"As kindly as you wishI mean as you can pay for," said the woman. "Nay, I will settle with the porter; he

Then followed a wrangle five minutes long between this curious, handsome, stillfaced woman and the

porter who, after the eastern fashion, lashed himself into a frenzy over the sum she offered, and at length

She stood looking at him quite unmoved, although Godwin, who understood all, but pretended to understand

nothing, wondered at her patience. Presently, however, in a perfect foam of passion he said, or rather spat out:

"No wonder, Masouda the Spy, that after hiring me to do your evil work, you take the part of these Christian

"Who is he?" she said coldly. "Do you mean the lordwho kills?" And she looked at hima terrible look.

"Your pardon, widow Masouda," he said. "I forgot that you are a Christian, and naturally side with

Christians. The money will not pay for the wear of my ass's hoofs, but give it me, and let me go to pilgrims

She gave him the sum, adding in her quiet voice: "Go; and if you love life, keep better watch over your

Then the porter went, and now so humble was his mien that in his dirty turban and long, tattered robe he

looked, Wulf thought, more like a bundle of rags than a man mounted on the donkey's back. Also it came into

his mind that their strange hostess had powers not possessed by innkeepers in England. When she had

"Forgive me, but here in Beirut these Saracen porters are extortionate, especially towards us Christians. He

was deceived by your appearance. He thought that you were knights, not simple pilgrims as you avow

yourselves, who happen to be dressed and armed like knights beneath your gambesons; and," she added,

fixing her eyes upon the line of white hair on Godwin's head where the sword had struck him in the fray on

Death Creek quay, "show the wounds of knights, though it is true that a man might come by such in any

brawl in a tavern. Well, you are to pay me a good price, and you shall have my best room while it pleases you

to honour me with your company. Ah! your baggage. You do not wish to leave it. Slave. come here."

With startling suddenness the Nubian who had led away the mule appeared, and took up some of the

packages. Then she led them down a passage into a large, sparselyfurnished room with high windows, in

which were two beds laid on the cement floor, and asked them if it pleased them.

They said: "Yes; it will serve." Reading what passed in their minds, she added: "Have no fear for your

baggage. Were you as rich as you say you are poor, and as noble as you say you are humble, both it and you

"O, my guests, Peter and John, who have come to visit the land of Peter and John and other holy founders of

"And have been so fortunate as to be captured on its shore by the widow Masouda," answered Godwin,

"Wait to speak of the fortune until you have done with her, Siris it Peter, or John?" she replied, with

"Peter," answered Godwin. "Remember the pilgrim with the line of white hair is Peter."

"You need it to distinguish you apart, who, I suppose, are twins. Let me seePeter has a line of white hair

and grey eyes. John has blue eyes. John also is the greater warrior, if a pilgrim can be a warrior look at his

muscles; but Peter thinks the more. It would be hard for a woman to choose between Peter and John, who

"A strange hostess," said Wulf, laughing, when she had left the room; "but I like her, though she netted us so

finely. I wonder why? What is more, brother Godwin, she likes you, which is as well, since she may be

useful. But, friend Peter, do not let it go too far, since, like that porter, I think also that she may be dangerous.

Godwin turned to reprove him, when the voice of the widow Masouda was heard without saying:

"Brothers Peter and John, I forgot to caution you to speak low in this house, as there is latticework over the

doors to let in the air. Do not be afraid. I only heard the voice of John, not what he said."

Then they undid their baggage, and having taken from it clean garments, washed themselves after their long

journey with the water that had been placed ready for them in great jars. This, indeed, they needed, for on that

crowded dromon there was little chance of washing. By the time they had clothed themselves afresh, putting

on their shirts of mail beneath their tunics, the Nubian came and led them to another room, large and lighted

with highset lattices, where cushions were piled upon the floor round a rug that also was laid upon the floor.

Motioning them to be seated on the cushions, he went away, to return again presently, accompanied by

Masouda bearing dishes upon brass platters. These she placed before them, bidding them eat. What that food

was they did not know, because of the sauces with which it had been covered, until she told them that it was

After the fish came flesh, and after the flesh fowls, and after the fowls cakes and sweetmeats and fruits, until,

ravenous as they were, who for days had fed upon salted pork and biscuits full of worms washed down with

"Drink another cup of wine at least," she said, smiling and filling their mugs with the sweet vintage of

They obeyed, mixing the wine with water. While they drank she asked them suddenly what were their plans,

and how long they wished to stay in Beirut. They answered that for the next few days they had none, as they

needed to rest, to see the town and its neighbourhood, and to buy good horsesa matter in which perhaps

she could help them. Masouda nodded again, and asked whither they wished to ride on horses.

"Out yonder," said Wulf, waving his hand towards the mountains. "We desire to look upon the cedars of

"Cedars of Lebanon?" she replied. "That is scarcely safe for two men alone, for in those mountains are many

wild beasts and wilder people who rob and kill. Moreover, the lord of those mountains has just now a quarrel

"Sinan," she answered, and they noted that she looked round quickly as she spoke the word.

"He is so called also; but, Sir Pilgrims, what know you of the dread lord Aljebal?"

"Are you mad?" she queried, then checked herself, and clapped her hands for the slave to remove the dishes.

"Good," answered Masouda, "the man shall accompany younay, it is best that you do not go alone, as you

might lose your way. Also, the place is not always safe for strangers, however humble they may seem," she

added with meaning. "Would you wish to visit the governor at the castle, where there are a few English

"We think not," answered Godwin;"we are not worthy of such high company. But, lady, why do you look at

"I am wondering, Sir Peter and Sir John, why you think it worth while to tell lies to a poor widow? Say, in

your own country did you ever hear of certain twin brethren namedoh, how are they named?Sir Godwin

Now Godwin's jaw dropped, but Wulf laughed out loud, and seeing that they were alone in the room, for the

"Surely those twins would be pleased to find themselves so famous. But how did you chance to hear of them,

"I? Oh, from a man on the dromon who called here while I made ready your food, and told me a strange story

that he had learned in England of a band sent by Salaheddinmay his name be accursed!to capture a

certain Iady. Of how the brethren named Godwin and Wulf fought all that band alsoay, and held them

offa very knightly deed he said it waswhile the lady escaped; and of how afterwards they were taken in

a snare, as those are apt to be who deal with the Sultan, and this time the lady was snatched away."

"A wild tale truly," said Godwin. "But did this man tell you further whether that lady has chanced to come to

"Of that he told me nothing, and I have heard nothing. Now listen, my guests. You think it strange that I

should know so much, but it is not strange, since here in Syria, knowledge is the business of some of us. Did

you then believe, O foolish children, that two knights like you, who have played a part in a very great story,

whereof already whispers run throughout the East, could travel by land and sea and not be known? Did you

then think that none were left behind to watch your movements and to make report of them to that mighty one

who sent out the ship of war, charged with a certain mission? Well, what he knows I know. Have I not said it

is my business to know? Now, why do I tell you this? Well, perhaps because I like such knights as you are,

and I like that tale of two men who stood side by side upon a pier while a woman swam the stream behind

them, and afterwards, sore wounded, charged their way through a host of foes. In the East we love such deeds

of chivalry. Perhaps also because I would warn you not to throw away lives so gallant by attempting to win

"What, you still stare at me and doubt? Good, I have been telling you lies. I was not awaiting you upon the

quay, and that porter with whom I seemed to quarrel was not charged to seize your baggage and bring it to

my house. No spies watched your movements from England to Beirut. Only since you have been at dinner I

visited your room and read some writings which, foolishly, you and John have left among your baggage, and

opened some books in which other names than Peter and John were written, and drew a great sword from its

scabbard on which was engraved a motto: 'Meet D 'Arcy, meet Death!' and heard Peter call John Wulf, and

"It seems," said Wulf in English, "that we are flies in a web, and that the spider is called the widow Masouda,

though of what use we are to her I know not. Now, brother, what is to be done? Make friends with the

"An ill ally," answered Godwin. Then looking her straight in the face he asked, "Hostess, who know so much,

tell me why, amongst other names, did that donkey driver call you 'daughter of Aljebal'?"

"So you understand Arabic? I thought it. Why do you ask? What does it matter to you?"

"Not much, except that, as we are going to visit Aljebal, of course we think ourselves fortunate to have

"Going to visit Aljebal? Yes, you hinted as much upon the ship, did you not? Perhaps that is why I came to

meet you. Well, your throats will be cut before ever you reach the first of his castles."

"I think not," said Godwin, and, putting his hand into his breast, he drew thence a ring, with which he began

"Whence that ring?" she said, with fear and wonder in her eyes. "It is" and she ceased.

"From one to whom it was given and who has charged us with a message. Now, hostess, let us be plain with

one another. You know a great deal about us, but although it has suited us to call ourselves the pilgrims Peter

and John, in all this there is nothing of which we need be ashamed, especially as you say that our secret is no

secret, which I can well believe. Now, this secret being out, I propose that we remove ourselves from your

roof, and go to stay with our own people at the castle, where, I doubt not, we shall be welcome, telling them

that we would bide no longer with one who is called a spy, whom we have discovered also to be a 'daughter

of Aljebal.' After which, perhaps, you will bide no longer in Beirut, where, as we gather, spies and the

She listened with an impassive face, and answered: "Doubtless you have heard that one of us who was so

"Yes," broke in Wulf, who now learned this fact for the first time, "we heard that."

"And think to bring a like fate upon me. Why, foolish men, I can lay you both dead before ever those words

"You think you can," said Godwin, "but for my part I am sure that this is not fated, and am sure also that you

do not wish to harm us any more than we wish to harm you. To be plain, then, it is necessary for us to visit

Aljebal. As chance has brought us togetherif it be chancewill you aid us in this, as I think you can, or

"I do not know. I will tell you after four days. If you are not satisfied with that, go, denounce me, do your

"Where is the security that you will not do it if we are satisfied?" asked Wulf bluntly.

"You must take the word of a 'daughter of Aljebal.' I have none other to offer," she replied.

"You said just now that was not fated, and although I have sought your company for my own reasons, I have

no quarrel with youas yet. Choose your own path. Still, I tell you that if you go, who, chancing to know

Arabic, have learned my secret, you die, and that if you stay you are safeat least while you are in this

house. I swear it on the token of Aljebal," and bending forward she touched the ring in Godwin's hand,

"I think that we will trust you, and stay," words at which she smiled a little as though she were pleased, then

"Now, if you wish to walk abroad, guests Peter and John, I will summon the slave to guide you, and in four

days we will talk more of this matter of your journey, which, until then, had best be forgotten."

So the man came, armed with a sword, and led them out, clad in their pilgrims' robes, through the streets of

this Eastern town, where everything was so strange, that for awhile they forgot their troubles in studying the

new life about them. They noted, moreover, that though they went into quarters where no Franks were to be

seen, and where fiercelooking servants of the Prophet stared at them sourly, the presence of this slave of

Masouda seemed to be sufficient to protect them from affront, since on seeing him even the turbaned

Saracens nudged each other and turned aside. In due course they came to the inn again, having met no one

whom they knew, except two pilgrims who had been their fellowpassengers on the dromon. These men

were astonished when they said that they had been through the Saracen quarter of the city, where, although

this town was in the hands of the Christians, it was scarcely thought safe for Franks to venture without a

When the brethren were back in their chamber, seated at the far end of it, and speaking very low, lest they

should be overheard, they consulted together long and earnestly as to what they should do. This was

clearthey and something of their mission were known, and doubtless notice of their coming would soon be

given to the Sultan Saladin. From the king and great Christian lords in Jerusalem they could expect little help,

since to give it might be to bring about an open rupture with Saladin, such as the Franks dreaded, and for

which they were ill prepared. Indeed, if they went to them, it seemed likely that they would be prevented

from stirring in this dangerous search for a woman who was the niece of Saladin, and for aught they knew

thrown into prison, or shipped back to Europe. True, they might try to find their way to Damascus alone, but

if the Sultan was warned of their coming, would he not cause them to be killed upon the road, or cast into

some dungeon where they would languish out their lives? The more they spoke of these matters the more

"Brother, our uncle bade us earnestly to seek out this Aljebal, and though it seems that to do so is very

dangerous, I think that we had best obey him who may have been given foresight at the last. When all paths

"A good saying," answered Wulf. "I am weary of doubts and troublings. Let us follow our uncle's will, and

visit this Old Man of the Mountains, to do which I think the widow Masouda is the woman to help us. If we

On the following morning, when they came into the eatingroom of the inn, Godwin and Wulf found they

were no longer alone in the house, for sundry other guests sat there partaking of their morning meal. Among

them were a grave merchant of Damascus, another from Alexandria in Egypt, a man who seemed to be an

Arab chief, a Jew of Jerusalem, and none other than the English trader Thomas of Ipswich, their

Truly they seemed a strange and motley set of men. Considering them as the young and stately widow

Masouda moved from one to the other, talking to each in turn while she attended to their wants, it came into

Godwin's mind that they might be spies meeting there to gain or exchange information, or even to make

report to their hostess, in whose pay perhaps they were. Still if so, of this they showed no sign. Indeed, for the

most part they spoke in French, which all of them understood, on general matters, such as the heat of the

weather, the price of transport animals or merchandise, and the cities whither they purposed to travel.

The trader Thomas, it appeared, had intended to start for Jerusalem that morning with his goods. But the

riding mule he had bought proved to be lame from a prick in the hoof, nor were all his hired camels come

Under these circumstances, he offered the brethren his company in their ramblings about the town. This they

thought it wise not to refuse, although they felt little confidence in the man, believing that it was he who had

found out their story and true names and revealed them to Masouda, either through talkativeness or with a

However these things might be, this Thomas proved of service to them, since, although he was but just

landed, he seemed to know all that had passed in Syria since he left it, and all that was passing then. Thus he

told them how Guy of Lusignan had just made himself king in Jerusalem on the death of the child Baldwin,

and how Raymond of Tripoli refused to acknowledge him and was about to be besieged in Tiberias. How

Saladin also was gathering a great host at Damascus to make war upon the Christians, and many other things,

In his company, then, and sometimes in that of the other guests none of whom showed any curiosity

concerning them, though whether this was from good manners or for other reasons they could not be

It was on the third morning of their stay that their hostess Masouda, with whom as yet they had no further

private talk, asked them if they had not said that they wished to buy horses. On their answering "Yes," she

added that she had told a certain man to bring two for them to look at, which were now in the stable beyond

the garden. Thither they went, accompanied by Masouda, to find a grave Arab, wrapped in a garment of

camel's hair and carrying a spear in his hand, standing at the door of the cave which served the purpose of a

stable, as is common in the East where the heat is so great. As they advanced towards him, Masouda said:

"If you like the horses, leave me to bargain, and seem to understand nothing of my talk."

The Arab, who took no notice of them, saluted Masouda, and said to her in Arabic:

"Is it then for Franks that I have been ordered to bring the two priceless ones?"

"What is that to you, my Uncle, Son of the Sand?" she asked. "Let them be led forth that I may know whether

"Flame, come hither!" As he spoke, there was a sound of hoofs, and through the low archway leapt the most

beautiful horse that ever their eyes had seen. It was grey in colour, with flowing mane and tail, and on its

forehead was a black star; not over tall, but with a barrellike shape of great strength, smallheaded,

largeeyed; widenostriled, bigboned, but fine beneath the knee, and roundhoofed. Out it sprang snorting;

then seeing its master, the Arab, checked itself and stood still by him as though it had been turned to stone.

"Come hither, Smoke," called the Arab again, and another horse appeared and ranged itself by the first. In

size and shape it was the same, but the colour was coalblack and the star upon its forehead white. Also the

"These are the horses," said the Arab, Masouda translating. "They are twins, seven years old and never

backed until they were rising six, cast at a birth by the swiftest mare in Syria, and of a pedigree that can be

Masouda repeated the question in Arabic, whereon the man replied in the same tongue with a slight shrug of

"Be not foolish. You know this is no question of price, for they are beyond price. Say what you will."

"He says," said Masouda, "that it is a hundred gold pieces for the pair. Can you pay as much?"

"Such horses have saved men's lives ere now," added Masouda, "and I do not think that I can ask him to take

less, seeing that, did he but know it, in Jerusalem they could be sold for thrice as much. But if you wish, I

could lend you money, since doubtless you have jewels or other articles of value you could give as

"We have the gold itself," answered Wulf, who would have paid to his last piece for those horses.

"They buy, but can they ride?" asked the Arab. "These horses are not for children or pilgrims. Unless they

Godwin said that he thought soat least, they would try. Then the Arab, leaving the horses standing there,

went into the stable, and with the help of two of the inn servants, brought out bridles and saddles unlike any

they had seen. They were but thicklyquilted pads stretching far back upon the horses' loins, with strong hide

girths strapped with wool and chased stirrups fashioned like half hoofs. The bits also were only snaffles

When all was ready and the stirrups had been let down to the length they desired, the Arab motioned to them

to mount. As they prepared to do so, however, he spoke some word, and suddenly those meek, quiet horses

were turned into two devils, which reared up on their hind legs and threatened them with their teeth and their

front hoofs, that were shod with thin plates of iron. Godwin stood wondering, but Wulf, who was angry at the

trick, got behind the horses, and watching his chance, put his hands upon the flanks of the stallion named

Smoke, and with one spring leapt into the saddle. Masouda smiled, and even the Arab muttered "Good,"

while Smoke, feeling himself backed, came to the ground again and became quiet as a sheep. Then the Arab

Masouda said they would show them, and, accompanied by her and the Arab, they walked the horses until

they were quite clear of the town, to find themselves on a road that had the sea to the left, and to the right a

stretch of flat land, some of it cultivated, above which rose the steep and stony sides of hills. Here on this

road the brethren trotted and cantered the horses to and fro, till they began to be at home in their strange

saddles who from childhood had ridden barebacked in the Essex marshes, and to learn what pressure on the

bit was needed to check or turn them. When they came back to where the pair stood, Masouda said that if

they were not afraid the seller wished to show them that the horses were both strong and swift.

"We fear no ride that he dares to take himself," answered Wulf angrily, whereon the Arab smiled grimly and

said something in a low voice to Masouda. Then, placing his hand upon Smoke's flank, he leapt up behind

"Say, Peter, are you minded to take a companion for this ride?" asked Masouda; and as she spoke a strange

Her reply was to do as the Arab had done, and seating herself straddlelegged behind Godwin, to clasp him

"Truly you look a pretty pilgrim now, brother," said Wulf, laughing aloud, while even the grave Arab smiled

and Godwin muttered between his teeth the old proverb "Woman on croup, devil on bow." But aloud he said,

"I am indeed honoured; yet, friend Masouda, if harm should come of this, do not blame me."

" No harm will cometo you, friend Peter; and I have been so long cooped in an inn that I, who am

desertborn, wish for a gallop on the mountains with a good horse beneath me and a brave knight in front.

Listen, you brethren; you say you do not fear; then leave your bridles loose, and where'er we go and whate'er

we meet seek not to check or turn the horses Flame and Smoke. Now, Son of the Sand, we will test these nags

"On your head be it then, daughter," answered the old Arab. "Pray Allah that these Franks can sit a horse! "

Then his sombre eyes seemed to take fire, and gripping the encircling saddle girth, he uttered some word of

command, at which the stallions threw up their heads and began to move at a long, swinging gallop towards

the mountains a mile away. At first they went over cultivated land off which the crops had been already cut,

taking two or three ditches and a low wall in their stride so smoothly that the brethren felt as though they

were seated upon swallows. Then came a space of sandy sward, half a mile or more, where their pace

quickened, after which they began to breast the long slope of a hill, picking their way amongst its stones like

Ever steeper it grew, till in places it was so sheer that Godwin must clutch the mane of Flame, and Masouda

must cling close to Godwin's middle to save themselves from slipping off behind. Yet, notwithstanding the

double weights they bore, those gallant steeds never seemed to falter or to tire. At one spot they plunged

through a mountain stream. Godwin noted that not fifty yards to their right this stream fell over a little

precipice cutting its way between cliffs which were full eighteen feet from bank to bank, and thought to

himself that had they struck it lower down, that ride must have ended. Beyond the stream lay a hundred yards

or so of level ground, and above it still steeper country, up which they pushed their way through bushes, till

at length they came to the top of the mountain and saw the plain they had left Iying two miles or more below

"These horses climb hills like goats," Wulf said; "but one thing is certain: we must lead them down."

Now on the top of the mountain was a stretch of land almost flat and stoneless, over which they cantered

forward, gathering speed as the horses recovered their wind till the pace grew fast. Suddenly the stallions

threw themselves on to their haunches and stopped, as well they might, for they were on the verge of a

chasm, at whose far foot a river brawled in foam. For a moment they stood; then, at some word from the

Arab, wheeled round, and, bearing to the left, began to gallop back across the tableland, until they

approached the edge of the mountainside, where the brethren thought that they would stop.

But Masouda cried to the Arab, and the Arab cried to the horses, and Wulf cried to Godwin in the English

"Pray God that the girths may hold," answered Godwin, leaning back against the breast of Masouda behind

him. As he spoke they began to descend the hill, slowly at first, afterwards faster and yet more fast, till they

How did those horses keep their footing? They never knew, and certainly none that were bred in England

could have done so. Yet never falling, never stumbling even, on they sped, taking great rocks in their stride,

till at length they reached the level piece of land above the stream, or rather above the cleft full eighteen feet

in width at the foot of which that stream ran. Godwin saw and turned cold. Were these folk mad that they

would put doubleladen horses at such a jump? If they hung back, if they missed their stride, if they caught

But the old Arab seated behind Wulf only shouted aloud, and Masouda only tightened her round arms about

Godwin's middle and laughed in his ear. The horses heard the shout, and seeming to see what was before

Now they were on the edge of the terrible place, and, like a man in a dream, Godwin noted the sharp, sheer

lips of the cliff, the gulf between them, and the white foam of the stream a score of yards beneath. Then he

felt the brave horse Flame gather itself together and next instant fly into the air like a bird. Alsoand was

this dream indeed, or even as they sped over that horrible pit did he feel a woman's lips pressed upon his

cheek? He was not sure. Who could have been at such a time, with death beneath them? Perchance it was the

Indeed, at the moment he thought of other things than women's lips those of the black and yawning gulf,

They swooped through the air, the white foam vanished, they were safe. No; the hind feet of Flame had

missed their footing, they fell, they were lost. A struggle. How tight those arms clung about him. How close

that face was pressed against his own. Lo! it was over. They were speeding down the hill, and alongside of

the grey horse Flame raced the black horse Smoke. Wulf on its back, with eyes that seemed to be starting

from his head, was shouting, "A D'Arcy! A D'Arcy!" and behind him, turban gone, and white burnous

Swifter and yet swifter. Did ever horses gallop so fast? Swifter and yet swifter, till the air sang past them and

the ground seemed to fly away beneath. The slope was done. They were on the flat; the flat was past, they

were in the fields; the fields were left behind; and, behold! side by side, with hanging heads and panting

flanks, the horses Smoke and Flame stood still upon the road, their sweating hides dyed red in the light of the

The grip loosened from about Godwin's middle. It had been close; on Masouda's round and naked arms were

the prints of the steel shirt beneath his tunic, for she slipped to the ground and stood looking at them. Then

she smiled one of her slow, thrilling smiles, gasped and said: "You ride well, pilgrim Peter, and pilgrim John

rides well also, and these are good horses; and, oh! that ride was worth the riding, even though death had

"Nothing to win?" said Masouda. "I am not so sure!" and she looked at Godwin. "Well, you have sold your

horses to pilgrims who can ride, and they have proved them, and I have had a change from my cooking in the

"I always heard the East was full of madmen and devils; now I know that it is true."

They led the horses back to the inn, where the brethren groomed them down under the direction of the Arab,

that the gallant beasts might get used to them, which, after carrying them upon that fearful ride, they did

readily enough. Then they fed them with chopped barley, ear and straw together, and gave them water to

drink that had stood in the sun all day to warm, in which the Arab mixed flour and some white wine.

Next morning at the dawn they rose to see how Flame and Smoke fared after that journey. Entering the stable,

they heard the sound of a man weeping, and hidden in the shadow, saw by the low light of the morning that it

was the old Arab, who stood with his back to them, an arm around the neck of each horse, which he kissed

from time to time. Moreover, he talked aloud in his own tongue to them, calling them his children, and saying

"But," he added, " she has spokenwhy, I know notand I must obey. Well, at least they are gallant men

and worthy of such steeds. Half I hoped that you and the three of us and my niece Masouda, the woman with

the secret face and eyes that have looked on fear, might perish in the cleft of the stream; but it was not willed

of Allah. So farewell, Flame, and farewell, Smoke, children of the desert, who are swifter than arrows, for

never more shall I ride you in battle. Well, at least I have others of your matchless blood."

Then Godwin touched Wulf on the shoulder, and they crept away from the stable without the Arab knowing

that they had been there, for it seemed shameful to pry upon his grief. When they reached their room again

"Ah!" replied Wulf. "He called her 'the woman with the secret face and eyes that have looked on fear,' didn't

he? Well, for reasons that have to do with his family perhaps, or with her secrets, or us, with whom she plays

some game of which we know neither the beginning nor the end. But, Brother Godwin, you are wiser than I.

Why do you ask me these riddles? For my part, I do not wish to trouble my head about them. All I know is

that the game is a brave one, and I mean to go through with it, especially as I believe that this playing will

"May it lead us nowhere worse," answered Godwin with something like a groan, for he remembered that

dream of his which he dreamed in midair between the edges of black rock with the bubbling foam beneath.

When the sun was fully up they prepared to go out again, taking with them the gold to pay the Arab; but on

opening the door of their room they met Masouda, apparently about to knock upon it.

"Whither go you, friends Peter and John, and so early?" she asked, looking at them with a smile upon her

Godwin thought to himself that it was like another smile, that on the face of the womanheaded, stone sphinx

"Indeed! I thought I saw you do the first an hour ago, and as for the second, it is useless; Son of the Sand has

It was easy to see that Masouda was pleased at this courteous word, for her voice, which in general seemed a

little hard, softened as she answered, for the first time giving him his own title.

"Why do you call me 'lady,' Sir Godwin D'Arcy, who am but an innkeeper, for whom sometimes men find

hard names ? Well, perhaps I was a lady once before I became an innkeeper; but now I amthe widow

Masouda, as you are the pilgrim Peter. Still, I thank you for thisbad guess of yours." Then stepping back a

foot or two towards the door, which she had closed behind her, she made him a curtsey so full of dignity and

grace that any who saw it must be sure that, wherever she might dwell, Masouda was not bred in inns.

Godwin returned the bow, doffing his cap. Their eyes met and in hers he learned that he had no treachery to

fear from this woman, whatever else he might have to fear. Indeed, from that moment, however black and

doubtful seemed the road, he would have trusted his life to her; for this was the message written there, a

message which she meant that he should read. Yet at his heart he felt terribly afraid.

Wulf, who saw something of all this and guessed more, also was afraid. He wondered what Rosamund would

have thought of it, if she had seen that strange and turbulent look in the eyes of this woman who had been a

lady and was an innkeeper; of one whom men called Spy, and daughter of Satan, and child of Aljebal. To

his fancy that look was like a flash of lightning upon a dark night, which for a second illumines some

magical, unguessed landscape, after which comes the night again, blacker than before.

"No; I did not pay him. At the last he would take no money; but, having passed it, neither would he break his

word to knights who ride so well and boldly. So I made a bargain with him on behalf of both of you, which I

expect that you will keep, since my good faith is pledged, and this Arab is a chief and my kinsman. It is this,

that if you and these horses should live, and the time comes when you have no more need of them, you will

cause it to be cried in the marketplace of whatever town is nearest to you, by the voice of the public crier,

that for six days they stand to be returned to him who lent them. Then if he comes not they can be sold, which

must not be sold or given away to any one without this proclamation. Do you consent?"

"Ay," answered both of them, but Wulf added: "Only we should like to know why the Arab,

SonoftheSand, who is your kinsman, trusts his glorious horses to us in this fashion."

"Your breakfast is served, my guests," answered Masouda in tones that rang like the clash of metal, so steely

were they. Whereon Wulf shook his head and followed her into the eatingroom, which was now empty

Most of that day they spent with their horses. In the evening, this time unaccompanied by Masouda, they rode

out for a little way, though rather doubtfully, since they were not sure that these beasts which seemed to be

almost human would not take the bits between their teeth and rush with them back to the desert whence they

came. But although from time to time they looked about them for their master, the Arab, whinnying as they

looked, this they did not do, or show vice of any kind; indeed, two Iadies' palfreys could not have been more

quiet. So the brethren brought them home again, groomed, fed and fondled them, while they pricked their

ears, sniffing them all over, as though they knew that these were their new lords and wished to make friends

The morrow was a Sunday, and, attended by Masouda's slave, without whom she would not suffer them to

walk in the town, the brethren went to mass in the big church which once had been a mosque, wearing

"Nay," answered Masouda, "I am in no mood to make confession. This day I count my beads at home."

So they went alone, and mingling with a crowd of humble persons at the back of the church, which was large

and dim, watched the knights and priests of various nations struggling for precedence of place beneath the

dome. Also they heard the bishop of the town preach a sermon from which they learnt much. He spoke at

length of the great coming war with Saladin, whom he named AntiChrist. Moreover, he prayed them all to

compose their differences and prepare for that awful struggle, lest in the end the Cross of their Master should

be trampled under foot of the Saracen, His soldiers slain, His fanes desecrated, and His people slaughtered or

"Four full days have gone by. Let us ask our hostess if she has any news for us," said Wulf as they walked

As it chanced, there was no need, for when they entered their chamber they found Masouda standing in the

"I have come to speak with you," she said, looking up. "Do you still wish to visit the Sheik Aljebal?"

"Good. I have leave for you to go; but I counsel you not to go, since it is dangerous. Let us be open with one

another. I know your object. I knew it an hour before ever you set foot upon this shore, and that is why you

were brought to my house. You would seek the help of the lord Sinan against Salaheddin, from whom you

hope to rescue a certain great lady of his blood who is your kinswoman and whom both of youdesire in

marriage. You see, I have learned that also. Well, this land is full of spies, who travel to and from Europe and

make report of all things to those who pay them enough. For instanceI can say it, as you will not see him

againthe trader Thomas, with whom you stayed in this house, is such a spy. To him your story has been

"I am what I am," she answered coldly. "Perhaps I also have sworn oaths and serve as you serve. Who my

master is or why I do so is naught to you. But I like you well, and we have ridden together a wild ride.

Therefore I warn you, though perhaps I should not say so much, that the lord Aljebal is one who takes

"You warned us against Saladin also," said Godwin, "so what is left to us if we may dare a visit to neither?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "To take service under one of the great Frankish lords and wait a chance that will

never come. Or, better still, to sew some cockle shells into your hats, go home as holy men who have made

the pilgrimage, marry the richest wives that you can find, and forget Masouda the widow, and Aljebal and

Salaheddin and the lady about whom he has dreamed a dream. Only then," she added in a changed voice,

"We wish to ride those horses," said Wulf lightly, and Godwin turned on her with anger in his eyes.

"You seem to know our story," he said, "and the mission to which we are sworn. What sort of knights do you

think us, then, that you offer us counsel which is fitter for those spies from whom you learn your tidings?

You talk of our lives. Well, we hold our lives in trust, and when they are asked of us we will yield them up,

"Well spoken," answered Masouda. "III should I have thought of you had you said otherwise. But why would

"Because our uncle at his death bade us so to do without fail, and having no other counsel we will take that of

"Well spoken again! Then to Aljebal you shall go, and let come what come mayto all three of us!"

"I do not know, but perhaps more than you think. At least, I must be your guide."

"Ask your brother if he thinks that I mean to betray you. No; I mean to save you, if I can, and it comes into

my mind that before all is done you will need saving, who speak so roughly to those who would befriend you.

Nay, answer not; it is not strange that you should doubt. Pilgrims to the fearful shrine of Aljebal, if it

pleases you, we will ride at nightfall. Do not trouble about food and such matters. I will make preparation, but

we go alone and secretly. Take only your arms and what garments you may need; the rest I will store, and for

it give you my receipt. Now I go to make things ready. See, I pray of you, that the horses Flame and Smoke

At sundown, accordingly, the brethren stood waiting in their room. They were fully armed beneath their

rough pilgrims' robes, even to the bucklers which had been hidden in their baggage. Also the saddlebags of

carpet which Masouda had given them were packed with such things as they must take, the rest having been

Presently the door opened, and a young man stood before them clothed in the rough camelhair garment, or

"I want you, brothers Peter and John," was the reply, and they saw that the slim young man was Masouda.

"What! you English innocents, do you not know a woman through a camelhair cloak?" she added as she led

the way to the stable. "Well, so much the better, for it shows that my disguise is good. Henceforth be pleased

to forget the widow Masouda and, until we reach the land of Aljebal, to remember that I am your servant,

In the stable the horses stood saddled, and near to them anothera good Araband two laden Cyprian

mules, but no attendant was to be seen. They brought them out and mounted, Masouda riding like a man and

leading the mules, of which the head of one was tied to the tail of the other. Five minutes later they were clear

of Beirut, and through the solemn twilight hush, followed the road whereon they had tried the horses, towards

the Dog River, three leagues away, which Masouda said they would reach by moonrise.

Soon it grew very dark, and she rode alongside of them to show them the path, but they did not talk much.

Wulf asked her who would take care of the inn while she was absent, to which she answered sharply that the

inn would take care of itself, and no more. Picking their way along the stony road at a slow amble, they

crossed the bed of two streams then almost dry, till at length they heard running water sounding above that of

the slow wash of the sea to their left, and Masouda bade them halt. So they waited, until presently the moon

rose in a clear sky, revealing a wide river in front, the pale ocean a hundred feet beneath them to the left, and

to the right great mountains, along the face of which their path was cut. So bright was it that Godwin could

see strange shapes carven on the sheer face of the rock, and beneath them writing which he could not read.

"The tablets of kings," she answered, "whose names are written in your holy book, who ruled Syria and

Egypt thousands of years ago. They were great in their day when they took this land, greater even than

Salaheddin, and now these seals which they set upon this rock are all that is left of them."

Godwin and Wulf stared at the weatherworn sculptures, and in the silence of that moonlit place there arose

in their minds a vision of the mighty armies of different tongues and peoples who had stood in their pride on

this road and looked upon yonder river and the great stone wolf that guarded it, which wolf, so said the

legend, howled at the approach of foes. But now he howled no more, for he lay headless beneath the waters,

and there he lies to this day. Well, they were dead, everyone of them, and even their deeds were forgotten;

and oh! how small the thought of it made them feel, these two young men bent upon a desperate quest in a

strange and dangerous land. Masouda read what was passing in their hearts, and as they came to the brink of

the river, pointed to the bubbles that chased each other towards the sea, bursting and forming again before

"Such are we," she said briefly; "but the ocean is always yonder, and the river is always here, and of fresh

bubbles there will always be a plenty. So dance on life's water while you may, in the sunlight, in the

moonlight, beneath the storm, beneath the stars, for ocean calls and bubbles burst. Now follow me, for I know

the ford, and at this season the stream is not deep. Pilgrim Peter, ride you at my side in case I should be

washed from the saddle; and pilgrim John, come you behind, and if they hang back, prick the mules with

Thus, then, they entered the river, which many might have feared to do at night, and, although once or twice

the water rose to their saddles and the mules were stubborn in the swift stream, in the end gained the further

bank in safety. Thence they pursued their path through mountains till at length the sun rose and they found

themselves in a lonely land where no one was to be seen. Here they halted in a grove of oaks, offsaddled

their animals, tethered and fed them with barley which they had brought upon a mule, and ate of the food that

Masouda had provided. Then, having secured the beasts, they lay down to sleep, all three of them, since

Masouda said that here there was nothing to fear; and being weary, slept on till the heat of noon was past,

when once more they fed the horses and mules, and having dined themselves, set forward upon their way.

Now their roadif road it could be called, for they could see noneran ever upwards through rough,

mountainous country, where seemed to dwell neither man nor beast. At sunset they halted again, and at

moonrise went forward till the night turned towards morning, when they came to a place where was a little

Before they reached this spot of a sudden the silence of those lonely hills was broken by a sound of roaring,

not very near to them, but so loud and so long that it echoed and reechoed from the cliff. At it the horses

Flame and Smoke pricked their ears and trembled, while the mules strove to break away and run back.

"Lions," answered Masouda. "We draw near the country where there are many of them, and therefore shall do

well to halt presently, since it is best to pass through that land in daylight."

So when they came to the cave, having heard no more of the lion, or lions, they unsaddled there, purposing to

put the horses into it, where they would be safe from the attack of any such ravening beast. But when they

tried to do this, Smoke and Flame spread out their nostrils, and setting their feet firm before them, refused to

"Perhaps jackals have been here," said Masouda "Let us tether them all in the open."

This then they did, building a fire in front of them with dry wood that lay about in plenty, for here grew

sombre cedar trees. The brethren sat by this fire; but, the night being hot, Masouda laid herself down about

fifteen paces away under a cedar tree, which grew almost in front of the mouth of the cave, and slept, being

tired with long riding. Wulf slept also, since Godwin had agreed to keep watch for the first part of the night.

For an hour or more he sat close by the horses, and noted that they fed uneasily and would not lie down.

Soon, however, he was lost in his own thoughts, and, as he heard no more of the lions, fell to wondering over

the strangeness of their journey and of what the end of it might be. He wondered also about Masouda, who

she was, how she came to know so much, why she befriended them if she really was a friend, and other

thingsfor instance, of that leap over the sunken stream; and whether no, surely he had been mistaken,

her eyes had never looked at him like that. Why, he was sleeping at his post, and the eyes in the darkness

yonder were not those of a woman. Women's eyes were not green and gold; they did not grow large, then

Godwin sprang to his feet. As he thought, they were no eyes. He had dreamed, that was all. So he took cedar

boughs and threw them on to the fire, where soon they flared gloriously, which done he sat himself down

The night was very still and the silence so deep that it pressed upon him like a weight. He could bear it no

longer, and rising, began to walk up and down in front of the cave, drawing his sword and holding it in his

hand as sentries do. Masouda lay upon the ground, with her head pillowed on a saddlebag, and the

moonlight fell through the cedar boughs upon her face. Godwin stopped to look at it, and wondered that he

had never noted before how beautiful she was. Perhaps it was but the soft and silvery light which clothed

those delicate features with so much mystery and charm. She might be dead, not sleeping; but even as he

thought this, life came into her face, colour stole up beneath the pale, olivehued skin, the red lips opened,

seeming to mutter some words, and she stretched out her rounded arms as though to clasp a vision of her

Godwin turned aside; it seemed not right to watch her thus, although in truth he had only come to know that

she was safe. He went back to the fire, and lifting a cedar bough, which blazed like a torch in his left hand,

was about to lay it down again on the centre of the flame, when suddenly he heard the sharp and terrible cry

of a woman in an agony of pain or fear, and at the same moment the horses and mules began to plunge and

snort. In an instant, the blazing bough still in his hand, he was back by the cave, and lo! there before him, the

form of Masouda, hanging from its jaws, stood a great yellow beast, which, although he had never seen its

like, he knew must be a lioness. It was heading for the cave, then catching sight of him, turned and bounded

But the woman in its mouth cumbered it, and running swiftly, Godwin came face to face with the brute just

opposite the fire. He hurled the burning bough at it, whereon it dropped Masouda, and rearing itself straight

upon its hind legs, stretched out its claws, and seemed about to fall on him. For this Godwin did not wait. He

was afraid, indeed, who had never before fought lions, but he knew that he must do or die. Therefore he

charged straight at it, and with all the strength of his strong arm drove his long sword into the yellow breast,

till it seemed to him that the steel vanished and he could see nothing but the hilt.

Then a shock, a sound of furious snarling, and down he went to earth beneath a soft and heavy weight, and

When they came back again something soft was still upon his face; but this proved to be only the hand of

Masouda, who bathed his brow with a cloth dipped in water, while Wulf chafed his hands. Godwin sat up,

and in the light of the new risen sun, saw a dead lioness Iying before him, its breast still transfixed with his

"Yes, you saved me," answered Masouda, and kneeling down she kissed his feet; then rising again, with her

Rosamund was led from the Hall of Steeple across the meadow down to the quay at Steeple Creek, where a

great boat waitedthat of which the brethren had found the impress in the mud. In this the band embarked,

placing their dead and wounded, with one or two to tend them, in the fishing skiff that had belonged to her

father. This skiff having been made fast to the stern of the boat, they pushed off, and in utter silence rowed

down the creek till they reached the tidal stream of the Blackwater, where they turned their bow seawards.

Through the thick night and the falling snow slowly they felt their way along, sometimes rowing, sometimes

drifting, while the false palmer Nicholas steered them. The journey proved dangerous, for they could scarcely

The end of it was that they grounded on a mud bank, and, do what they would, could not thrust themselves

free. Now hope rose in the heart of Rosamund, who sat still as a statue in the middle of the boat, the prince

Hassan at her side and the armed mentwenty or thirty of themall about her. Perhaps, she thought, they

would remain fast there till daybreak, and be seen and rescued when the brethren woke from their drugged

"Be not deceived, lady, for I must tell you that if the worst comes to the worst, we shall place you in the little

As it happened, at the full tide they floated off the bank and drifted with the ebb down towards the sea. At the

first break of dawn she looked up, and there, looming large in the mist, lay a galley, anchored in the mouth of

the river. Giving thanks to Allah for their safe arrival, the band brought her aboard and led her towards the

cabin. On the poop stood a tall man, who was commanding the sailors that they should get up the anchor. As

"Lady Rosamund, thus you find me once more, who doubtless you never thought to see again."

She looked at him in the faint light and her blood went cold. It was the knight Lozelle.

"Where you are, there I am," he answered, with a sneer upon his coarse, handsome face. "Did I not swear that

it should be so, beauteous Rosamund, after your saintly cousin worsted me in the fray?"

"In the pay of anyone who leads me to you, Rosamund." Then, seeing the emir Hassan approach, he turned to

give some orders to the sailors, and she passed on to the cabin and in her agony fell upon her knees.

When Rosamund rose from them she felt that the ship was moving, and, desiring to look her last on Essex

land, went out again upon the poop, where Hassan and Sir Hugh placed themselves, one upon either side of

her. Then it was that she saw the tower of St. Peter'sontheWall and her cousins seated on horseback in

front of it, the light of the risen sun shining upon their mail. Also she saw Wulf spur his horse into the sea,

A thought came to her, and she sprang towards the bulwark; but they were watching and held her, so that all

Now the wind caught the sail and the ship went forward swiftly, so that soon she lost sight of them. Then in

her grief and rage Rosamund turned upon Sir Hugh Lozelle and beat him with bitter words till he shrank

"Coward and traitor!" she said. "So it was you who planned this, knowing every secret of our home, where

often you were a guest! You who for Paynim gold have murdered my father, not daring to show your face

before his sword, but hanging like a thief upon the coast, ready to receive what braver men had stolen. Oh!

may God avenge his blood and me on you, false knightfalse to Him and me and faith and honouras

avenge He will! Heard you not what my kinsman called to me? 'We follow. We follow !' Yes, they follow,

and their swordsthose swords you feared to look onshall yet pierce your heart and give up your soul to

your master Satan," and she paused, trembling with her righteous wrath, while Hassan stared at her and

"By Allah, a princess indeed! So have I seen Salaheddin look in his rage. Yes, and she has his very eyes."

"Let them followone or both. I fear them not and out there my foot will not slip in the snow."

"Then I say that it shall slip in the sand or on a rock," she answered, and turning, fled to the cabin and cast

Well might Rosamund weep whose beloved sire was slain, who was torn from her home to fend herself in the

power of a man she hated. Yet there was hope for her. Hassan, Eastern trickster as he might be, was her

friend; and her uncle, Saladin, at least, would never wish that she should be shamed. Most like he knew

nothing of this man Lozelle, except as one of those Christian traitors who were ever ready to betray the Cross

for gold. But Saladin was far away and her home lay behind her, and her cousins and lovers were eating out

their hearts upon that fading shore. And sheone woman alonewas on this ship with the evil man Lozelle,

who thus had kept his promise, and there were none save Easterns to protect her, none save themand God,

The ship swayed, she grew sick and faint. Hassan brought her food with his own hands, but she loathed it

who only desired to die. The day turned to night, the night turned to day again, and always Hassan brought

Then came a long, long sleep, and in the sleep dreams of her father standing with his face to the foe and

sweeping them down with his long sword as a sickle sweeps cornof her father felled by the pilgrim knave,

dying upon the floor of his own house, and saying "God will guard you. His will be done." Dreams of

Godwin and Wulf also fighting to save her, plighting their troths and swearing their oaths, and between the

Rosamund awoke to feel the sun streaming warmly through the shutter of her cabin, and to see a woman who

held a cup in her hand, watching hera stout woman of middle age with a not unkindly face. She looked

"From France, lady. This ship put in at Marseilles, and there I was hired to nurse one who lay sick, which

suited me very well, as I wished to go to Jerusalem to seek my husband, and good money was offered me.

Still, had I known that they were all Saracens on this ship, I am not sure that I should have comethat is,

except the captain, Sir Hugh, and the palmer Nicholas; though what they, or you either, are doing in such

"MarieMarie Bouchet. My husband is a fishmonger, or was, until one of those crusading priests got hold

of him and took him off to kill Paynims and save his soul, much against my will. Well, I promised him that if

he did not return in five years I would come to look for him. So here I am, but where he may be is another

"It is brave of you to go," said Rosamund, then added by an afterthought, "How long is it since we left

"Fivenearly six weeks. You have been wandering in your mind all that time, talking of many strange

things, and we have called at three ports. I forget their names, but the last one was an island with a beautiful

harbour. Now, in about twenty days, if all goes well, we should reach another island called Cyprus. But you

must not talk so much, you must sleep. The Saracen called Hassan, who is a clever doctor, told me so."

So Rosamund slept, and from that time forward, floating on the calm Mediterranean sea, her strength began

to come back again rapidly, who was young and strong in body and constitution. Three days later she was

helped to the deck, where the first man she saw was Hassan, who came forward to greet her with many

"I give thanks to Allah for your sake and my own," he said. "For yours that you still live whom I thought

would die, and for myself that had you died your life would have been required at my hands by

"If so, he should have blamed Azrael, not you," answered Rosamund, smiling; then suddenly turned cold, for

before her was Sir Hugh Lozelle, who also thanked Heaven that she had recovered. She listened to him

coldly, and presently he went away, but soon was at her side again. Indeed, she could never be free of him,

for whenever she appeared on deck he was there, nor could he be repelled, since neither silence nor rebuff

would stir him. Always he sat near, talking in his false, hateful voice, and devouring her with the greedy eyes

which she could feel fixed upon her face. With him often was his jackal, the false palmer Nicholas, who

crawled about her like a snake and strove to flatter her, but to this man she would never speak a word.

At last she could bear it no longer, and when her health had returned to her, summoned Hassan to her cabin.

"Three people," he answered, bowing. "The knight, Sir Hugh Lozelle, who, as a skilled navigator, is the

captain and rules the sailors; I, who rule the fighting men; and you, Princess, who rule us all."

"Then I command that the rogue named Nicholas shall not be allowed to approach me. Is it to be borne that I

"I fear that in that business we all had a hand, nevertheless your order shall be obeyed. To tell you the truth,

"That is more difficult," said Hassan, "since he is the captain whom my master ordered me to obey in all

"I have nothing to do with the ship," answered Rosamund; "and surely the princess of Baalbec, if so I am,

may choose her own companions. I wish to see more of you and less of Sir Hugh Lozelle."

For some days after this, although he was always watching her, Lozelle approached Rosamund but seldom,

and whenever he did so he found Hassan at her side, or rather standing behind her like a guard.

At length, as it chanced, the prince was taken with a sickness from drinking bad water which held him to his

bed for some days, and then Lozelle found his opportunity. Rosamund strove to keep her cabin to avoid him,

but the heat of the summer sun in the Mediterranean drove her out of it to a place beneath an awning on the

poop, where she sat with the woman Marie. Here Lozelle approached her, pretending to bring her food or to

inquire after her comfort, but she would answer him nothing. At length, since Marie could understand what

he said in French, he addressed her in Arabic, which he spoke well, but she feigned not to understand him.

Then he used the English tongue as it was talked among the common people in Essex, and said:

"Lady, how sorely you misjudge me. What is my crime against you? I am an Essex man of good lineage, who

met you in Essex and learnt to love you there. Is that a crime, in one who is not poor, who, moreover, was

knighted for his deeds by no mean hand? Your father said me nay, and you said me nay, and, stung by my

disappointment and his wordsfor he called me seathief and raked up old tales that are not true against

meI talked as I should not have done, swearing that I would wed you yet in spite of all. For this I was

called to account with justice, and your cousin, the young knight Godwin, who was then a squire, struck me

in the face. Well, he worsted and wounded me, fortune favouring him, and I departed with my vessel to the

"Now, as it chanced, there being peace at the time between the Sultan and the Christians, I visited Damascus

to buy merchandise. Whilst I was there Saladin sent for me and asked if it were true that I belonged to a part

of England called Essex. When I answered yes, he asked if I knew Sir Andrew D'Arcy and his daughter.

Again I said yes, whereon he told me that strange tale of your kinship to him, of which I had heard already;

also a still stranger tale of some dream that he had dreamed concerning you, which made it necessary that you

should be brought to his court, where he was minded to raise you to great honour. In the end, he offered to

hire my finest ship for a large sum, if I would sail it to England to fetch you; but he did not tell me that any

force was to be used, and I, on my part, said that I would lift no hand against you or your father, nor indeed

"Who remembered the swords of Godwin and Wulf," broke in Rosamund scornfully, "and preferred that

"Lady," answered Lozelle, colouring, "hitherto none have accused me of a lack of courage. Of your courtesy,

listen, I pray you. I did wrong to enter on this business; but lady, it was love for you that drove me to it, for

the thought of this long voyage in your company was a bait I could not withstand."

"Paynim gold was the bait you could not withstandthat is what you mean. Be brief, I pray you. I weary.

"Lady, you are harsh and misjudge me, as I will show," and he looked about him cautiously. "Within a week

from now, if all goes well, we cast anchor at Limazol in Cyprus, to take in food and water before we run to a

secret port near Antioch, whence you are to be taken overland to Damascus, avoiding all cities of the Franks.

Now, the Emperor Isaac of Cyprus is my friend, and over him Saladin has no power. Once in his court, you

would be safe until such time as you found opportunity to return to England. This, then, is my planthat you

"My payment, lady, isyourself. In Cyprus we will be wedoh! think before you answer. At Damascus

many dangers await you; with me you will find safety and a Christian husband who loves you wellso well

that for your sake he is willing to lose his ship and, what is more, to break faith with Saladin, whose arm is

"Have done," she said coldly. "Sooner will I trust myself to an honest Saracen than to you, Sir Hugh, whose

spurs, if you met your desert, should be hacked from your heels by scullions. Yes, sooner would I take death

for my lord than you, who for your own base ends devised the plot that brought my father to his murder and

me to slavery. Have done, I say, and never dare again to speak of love to me," and rising, she walked past

But Lozelle looking after her muttered to himself, "Nay, fair lady, I have but begun; nor will I forget your

>From her cabin Rosamund sent a message to Hassan, saying that she would speak with him.

He came, still pale with illness, and asked her will, whereon she told him what had passed between Lozelle

"Sir captain," he began, addressing Lozelle, "the Princess here tells me a strange storythat you have dared

"What of it, Sir Saracen?" answered Lozelle, insolently. "Is not a Christian knight fit mate for the blood of an

"You!" answered Hassan, with rage in his low voice, "you, huckstering thief and renegade, who swear by

Mahomet in Damascus and by your prophet Jesus in Englanday, deny it not, I have heard you, as I have

heard that rogue, Nicholas, your servant. You, her fit mate? Why, were it not that you must guide this ship,

and that my master bade me not to quarrel with you till your task was done, I would behead you now and cut

from your throat the tongue that dared to speak such words," and as he spoke he gripped the handle of his

Lozelle quailed before his fierce eyes, for well he knew Hassan, and knew also that if it came to fighting his

"When our duty is done you shall answer for those words," he said, trying to look brave.

"By Allah! I hold you to the promise," replied Hassan. "Before Salaheddin I will answer for them when

"Of what, then, am I accused?" asked Lozelle. "Of loving the lady Rosamund, as do all menperhaps

"Ay, and for that crime I will repay you, old and withered as I am, Sir Renegade. But with Salaheddin you

have another score to settlethat by promising her escape you tried to seduce her from this ship, where you

were sworn to guard her, saying that you would find her refuge among the Greeks of Cyprus."

"Were this true," replied Lozelle, "the Sultan might have cause of complaint against me. But it is not true.

Hearken, since speak I must. The lady Rosamund prayed me to do this deed, and I told her that for my

honour's sake it is not possible, although it was true that I loved her now as always, and would dare much for

her. Then she said that if I did but save her from you Saracens, I should not go without my reward, since she

would wed me. Again, although it cost me sore, I answered that it might not be, but when once I had brought

my ship to land, I was her true knight, and being freed of my oath, would do my best to save her."

"I say," she answered coldly, "that this man lies to save himself. I say, moreover, that I answered to him, that

"I hold also that he lies," said Hassan. "Nay; unclasp that dagger if you would live to see another sun. Here, I

will not fight with you, but Salaheddin shall learn all this case when we reach his court, and judge between

the word of the princess of Baalbec and of his hired servant, the false Frank and pirate, Sir Hugh Lozelle."

"Let him learn itwhen we reach his court," answered Lozelle, with meaning; then added, "Have you aught

else to say to me, prince Hassan? Because if not, I must be attending to the business of my ship, which you

"Only this, that the ship is the Sultan's and not yours, for he bought it from you, and that henceforth this lady

will be guarded day and night, and doubly guarded when we come to the shores of Cyprus, where it seems

"I understand, and certainly I will remember," replied Lozelle, and so they parted.

"I think," said Rosamund, when he had gone, "that we shall be fortunate if we land safe in Syria."

"That was in my mind, also, lady. I think, too, that I have forgot my wisdom, but my heart rose against this

man, and being still weak from sickness, I lost my judgment and spoke what was in my heart, who would

have done better to wait. Now, perhaps, it will be best to kill him, if it were not that he alone has the skill to

navigate the ship, which is a trade that he has followed from his youth. Nay, let it go as Allah wills. He is

>From that time forward armed men watched all the night through before Rosamund's cabin, and when she

walked the deck armed men walked after her. Nor was she troubled by Lozelle, who sought to speak with her

At length upon one golden eveningfor Lozelle was a skilful pilot, one of the best, indeed, who sailed those

seasthey came to the shores of Cyprus, and cast anchor. Before them, stretched along the beach, lay the

white town of Limazol, with palm trees standing up amidst its gardens, while beyond the fertile plain rose the

mighty mountain range of Trooidos. Sick and weary of the endless ocean, Rosamund gazed with rapture at

this green and beauteous shore, the home of so much history, and sighed to think that on it she might set no

foot. Lozelle saw her look and heard her sigh, and as he climbed into the boat which had come out to row him

"Will you not change your mind, lady, and come with me to visit my friend, the Emperor Isaac? I swear that

his court is gay, not packed full of sour Saracens or pilgrims thinking of their souls. In Cyprus they only

make pilgrimages to Paphos yonder, where Venus was born from out the foam, and has reigned since the

Rosamund made no answer, and Lozelle, descending into the boat, was rowed shorewards through the

breakers by the darkskinned, Cyprian oarsmen, who wore flowers in their hair and sang as they laboured at

For ten whole days they rolled off Limazol, although the weather was fair and the wind blew straight for

Syria. When Rosamund asked why they bided there so long, Hassan stamped his foot and said it was because

the Emperor refused to supply them with more food or water than was sufficient for their daily need, unless

he, Hassan, would land and travel to an inland town called Nicosia, where his court lay, and there do homage

to him. This, scenting a trap, he feared to do, nor could they put out to sea without provisions.

"Doubtless, if he will," answered Hassan, grinding his teeth; "but he swears that he is powerless."

So there they bode day after day, baked by the sweltering summer sun and rocked to and fro on the long

ocean rollers till their hearts grew sick within them, and their bodies also, for some of them were seized with

a fever common to the shores of Cyprus, of which two died. Now and again some officer would come off

from the shore with Lozelle and a little food and water, and bargain with them, saying that before their wants

were supplied the prince Hassan must visit the Emperor and bring with him the fair lady who was his

Hassan would answer no, and double the guard about Rosamund, for at nights boats appeared that cruised

round them. In the daytime also bands of men, fantastically dressed in silks, and with them women, could be

seen riding to and fro upon the shore and staring at them, as though they were striving to make up their minds

Then Hassan armed his grim Saracens and bade them stand in line upon the bulwarks, drawn scimitar in

hand, a sight that seemed to frighten the Cypriotesat least they always rode away towards the great square

At length Hassan would bear it no more. One morning Lozelle came off from Limazol, where he slept at

night, bringing with him three Cyprian lords, who visited the shipnot to bargain as they pretended, but to

obtain sight of the beauteous princess Rosamund. Thereon the common talk began of homage that must be

paid before food was granted, failing which the Emperor would bid his seamen capture the ship. Hassan

listened a while, then suddenly issued an order that the lords should be seized.

"Now," he said to Lozelle, "bid your sailors haul up the anchor, and let us begone for Syria."

"But," answered the knight, "we have neither food nor water for more than one day."

"I care not," answered Hassan, "as well die of thirst and starvation on the sea as rot here with fever. What we

can bear these Cyprian gallants can bear also. Bid the sailors lift the anchor and hoist the sail, or I loose my

Now Lozelle stamped and foamed, but without avail, so he turned to the three lords, who were pale with fear,

"Which will you do: find food and water for this ship, or put to sea without them, which is but to die?"

In the end, then, this happened, for one of the lords chanced to be a nephew of the Emperor, who, when he

learned that he was captive, sent supplies in plenty. Thus it came about that the Cyprian lords having been

Now Rosamund missed the hated face of the spy, Nicholas, and told Hassan, who made inquiry, to findor

so said Lozellethat he went ashore and vanished there on the first day of their landing in Cyprus, though

whether he had been killed in some brawl, or fallen sick, or hidden himself away, he did not know. Hassan

shrugged his shoulders, and Rosamund was glad enough to be rid of him, but in her heart she wondered for

When the galley was one day out from Cyprus steering for the coast of Syria, they fell into a calm such as is

common in those seas in summer. This calm lasted eight whole days, during which they made but little

progress. At length, when all were weary of staring at the oillike sea, a wind sprang up that grew gradually

to a gale blowing towards Syria, and before it they fled along swiftly. Worse and stronger grew that gale, till

on the evening of the second day, when they seemed in no little danger of being pooped, they saw a great

"Nay," he answered, "they are more than fifty miles south of them, between Ladikiya and Jebela. There, by

the mercy of Heaven, is a good haven, for I have visited it, where we can lie till this storm is past."

"But we are steering for Darbesak, not for a haven near Jebela, which is a Frankish port," answered Hassan,

"Then put the ship about and steer there yourself," said Lozelle, "and I promise you this, that within two

Hassan considered. It was true, for then the waves would strike them broadside on, and they must fill and

The dark fell, and by the light of the great lantern at their prow they saw the white seas hiss past as they drove

All that night they pitched and rolled, till the stoutest of them fell sick, praying God and Allah that they might

have light by which to enter the harbour. At length they saw the top of the loftiest mountain grow luminous

with the coming dawn, although the land itself was still lost in shadow, and saw also that it seemed to be

"Take courage," cried Lozelle, "I think that we are saved," and he hoisted a second lantern at his

After this the sea began to fall, only to grow rough again for a while as they crossed some bar, to find

themselves in calm water, and on either side of them what appeared in the dim, uncertain light to be the

bushclad banks of a river. For a while they ran on, till Lozelle called in a loud voice to the sailors to let the

anchor go, and sent a messenger to say that all might rest now, as they were safe. So they laid them down and

But Rosamund could not sleep. Presently she rose, and throwing on her cloak went to the door of the cabin

and looked at the beauty of the mountains, rosy with the newborn light, and at the misty surface of the

harbour. It was a lonely placeat least, she could see no town or house, although they were lying not fifty

yards from the treehidden shore. As she stood thus, she heard the sound of boats being rowed through the

mist, and perceived three or four of these approaching the ship in silence, perceived also that Lozelle, who

stood alone upon the deck, was watching their approach. Now the first boat made fast and a man in the prow

rose up and began to speak to Lozelle in a low voice. As he did so the hood fell back from his head, and

Rosamund saw the face. It was that of the spy Nicholas! For a moment she stood amazed, for they had left

As the words left her lips fierce, wildlooking men began to scramble aboard at the low waist of the galley,

to which boat after boat made fast. The Saracens also tumbled from the benches where they slept and ran aft

who was cut off in the prow of the ship. Prince Hassan appeared, too, scimitar in hand, clad in his jewelled

turban and coat of mail, but without his cloak, shouting orders as he came, while the hired crew of the ship

flung themselves upon their knees and begged for mercy. To him Rosamund cried out that they were betrayed

and by Nicholas, whom she had seen. Then a great man, wearing a white burnous and holding a naked sword

"Yield you now, for you are outnumbered and your captain is captured," and he pointed to Lozelle, who was

"In whose name do you bid me yield?" asked the prince, glaring about him like a lion in a trap.

"In the dread name of Sinan, in the name of the lord Aljebal, O servant of Salaheddin."

At these words a groan of fear went up even from the brave Saracens, for now they learned that they had to

"Ay, there is always war. Moreover, you have one with you," and he pointed to Rosamund, "who is dear to

"How does the lord Sinan know all things?" was the answer; "Come, yield, and perhaps he will show you

"Through spies," hissed Hassan, "such spies as Nicholas, who has come from Cyprus before us, and that

Frankish dog who is called a knight," and he pointed to Lozelle. "Nay, we yield not, and here, Assassins, you

have to do not with poisons and the knife, but with bare swords and brave men. Ay, and I warn youand

"Let him try it if he wishes to die, who hitherto has been spared," answered the tall man quietly. Then he said

to his followers, "Cut them down, all save the women"for the Frenchwoman, Marie, was now clinging to

the arm of Rosamund"and emir Hassan, whom I am commanded to bring living to Masyaf."

"Back to your cabin, lady," said Hassan, "and remember that whate'er befalls, we have done our best to save

you. Ay, and tell it to my lord, that my honour may be clean in his eyes. Now, soldiers of Salaheddin, fight

and die as he has taught you how. The gates of Paradise stand open, and no coward will enter there."

They answered with a fierce, guttural cry. Then, as Rosamund fled to the cabin, the fray began, a hideous

fray. On came the Assassins with sword and dagger, striving to storm the deck. Again and again they were

beaten back, till the waist seemed full of their corpses, as man by man they fell beneath the curved scimitars,

and again and again they charged these men who, when their master ordered, knew neither fear nor pity. But

more boatloads came from the shore, and the Saracens were but few, worn also with storm and sickness, so at

Here and there a man fought on until he fell beneath the cruel knives in the midst of the circle of the dead,

among them the warriorprince Hassan. Watching him with fascinated eyes as he strove alone against a host,

Rosamund was put in mind of another scene, when her father, also alone, had striven thus against that emir

See! his foot slipped on the bloodstained deck. He was down, and ere he could rise again they had thrown

cloaks over him, these fierce, silent men, who even with their lives at stake, remembered the command of

their captain, to take him living. So living they took him, with not a wound upon his skin, who when he

struck them down, had never struck back at him lest the command of Sinan should be broken.

Rosamund noted it, and remembering that his command was also that she should be brought to him

unharmed, knew that she had no violence to fear at the hands of these cruel murderers. From this thought, and

"It is finished," said the tall man, in his cold voice. "Cast these dogs into the sea who have dared to disobey

So they took them up, dead and living together, and threw them into the water, where they sank, nor did one

of the wounded Saracens pray them for mercy. Then they served their own dead likewise, but those that were

only wounded they took ashore. This done, the tall man advanced to the cabin and said:

Having no choice, Rosamund obeyed him, remembering as she went how from a scene of battle and

bloodshed she had been brought aboard that ship to be carried she knew not whither, which now she left in a

"Oh!" she cried aloud, pointing to the corpses they hurled into the deep, "ill has it gone with these who stole

But the tall man answered nothing, as followed by the weeping Marie and the prince Hassan, he led her to the

Soon they reached the shore, and here they tore Marie from her, nor did Rosamund ever learn what became of

her, or whether or no this poor woman found her husband whom she had dared so much to seek.

"I pray you have done," said Godwin, "it is but a scratch from the beast's claws. I am ashamed that you

He asked it of Wulf, but Masouda rose without a word and fetched the water, in which she mingled wine.

Godwin drank of it and his faintness left him, so that he was able to stand up and move his arms and legs.

"Why," he said, "it is nothing; I was only shaken. That lioness did not hurt me at all."

"But you hurt the lioness," said Wulf, with a laugh. "By St. Chad a good thrust!" and he pointed to the long

sword driven up to the hilt in the brute's breast. "Why, I swear I could not have made a better myself."

"I think it was the lion that thrust," answered Godwin. "I only held the sword straight. Drag it out, brother, I

So Wulf set his foot upon the breast of the lion and tugged and tugged until at length he loosened the sword,

"Oh! what an Essex hog am I, who slept through it all, never waking until Masouda seized me by the hair,

and I opened my eyes to see you upon the ground with this yellow beast crouched on the top of you like a hen

on a nest egg. I thought that it was alive and smote it with my sword, which, had I been fully awake, I doubt

if I should have found the courage to do. Look," and he pushed the lioness's head with his foot, whereon it

twisted round in such a fashion that they perceived for the first time that it only hung to the shoulders by a

"I am glad you did not strike a little harder," said Godwin, "or I should now be in two pieces and drowned m

my own blood, instead of in that of this dead brute," and he looked ruefully at his burnous and hauberk, that

"Lady Masouda," asked Godwin, "when last I saw you you were hanging from those jaws. Say, are you

"Nay," she answered, "for I wear mail like you, and the teeth glanced on it so that she held me by the cloak

only. Come, let us skin the beast, and take its pelt as a present to the lord Aljebal."

"Be sure that I will wear them," she answered, and helped Wulf to flay the lioness while he sat by resting.

When it was done Wulf went to the little cave and walked into it, to come out again with a bound.

"Why!" he said, "there are more of them in there. I saw their eyes and heard them snarl. Now, give me a

burning branch and I will show you, brother, that you are not the only one who can fight a lion."

"Let be, you foolish man," broke in Masouda. "Doubtless those are her cubs, and if you kill them, her mate

will follow us for miles; but if they are left safe he will stay to feed them. Come, let us begone from this place

So having shown them the skin of the lion, that they might know it was but a dead thing, at the sight of which

they snorted and trembled, they packed it upon one of the mules and rode off slowly into a valley some five

miles away, where was water but no trees. Here, since Godwin needed rest, they stopped all that day and the

night which followed, seeing no more of lions, though they watched for them sharply enough. The next

morning, having slept well, he was himself again, and they started forward through a broken country towards

"This is Aljebal's gateway," said Masouda, "and tonight we should sleep in the gate, whence one day's ride

So on they rode till at length, perched upon the sides of the cleft, they saw a castle, a great building, with high

walls, to which they came at sunset. It seemed that they were expected in this place, for men hastened to meet

them, who greeted Masouda and eyed the brethren curiously, especially after they had heard of the adventure

with the lion. These took them, not into the castle, but to a kind of hostelry at its back, where they were

Next morning they went on again to a hilly country with beautiful and fertile valleys. Through this they rode

for two hours, passing on their way several villages, where sombreeyed people were labouring in the fields.

From each village, as they drew near to it, horsemen would gallop out and challenge them, whereon Masouda

rode forward and spoke with the leader alone. Then he would touch his forehead with his hand and bow his

"See," she said, when they had thus been stopped for the fourth time, "what chance you had of winning

through to Masyaf unguarded. Why, I tell you, brethren, that you would have been dead before ever you

Now they rode up a long slope, and at its crest paused to look upon a marvellous scene. Below them stretched

a vast plain, full of villages, cornfields, olivegroves, and vineyards. In the centre of this plain, some fifteen

miles away, rose a great mountain, which seemed to be walled all about. Within the wall was a city of which

the white, flatroofed houses climbed the slopes of the mountain, and on its crest a level space of land

"Behold the home of Aljebal, Lord of the Mountain," said Masouda, "where we must sleep tonight. Now,

brethren, listen to me. Few strangers who enter that castle come thence living. There is still time; I can pass

"Why? What have you to gain? You seek a certain maiden. Why seek her here whom you say has been taken

to Salaheddin? Because the Aljebal in bygone days swore to befriend one of your blood. But that

Aljebal is dead, and another of his line rules who took no such oath. How do you know that he will

befriend youhow that he will not enslave or kill you? I have power in this land, why or how does not

matter, and I can protect you against all that dwell in itas I swear I will, for did not one of you save my

life?" and she glanced at Godwin, "except my lord Sinan, against whom I have no power, for I am his slave."

"Yes, he is the enemy of Salaheddin now more than ever. He may help you or he may not. Also," she

added with meaning, "you may not wish the help he offers Oh! " and there was a note of entreaty in her

"We have thought," answered Godwin solemnly; "and, whatever chances, we will obey the command of the

"So be it. You are not easily turned from your purpose, and I like that spirit well. But hear my counsel. While

you are in this city speak no Arabic and pretend to understand none. Also drink nothing but water, which is

good here, for the lord Sinan sets strange wines before his guests, that, if they pass the lips, produce visions

and a kind of waking madness in which you might do deeds whereof you were afterwards ashamed. Or you

might swear oaths that would sit heavy on your souls, and yet could not be broken except at the cost of life."

"Fear not," answered Wulf. "Water shall be our drink, who have had enough of drugged wines," for he

"You, Sir Godwin," went on Masouda, "have about your neck a certain ring which you were mad enough to

show to me, a strangera ring with writing on it which none can read save the great men that in this land are

called the dais. Well, as it chances, the secret is safe with me; but be wise; say nothing of that ring and let no

"Because it is, or was once, the great Signet, and a day may come when it will save your lives. Doubtless

when the lord who is dead thought it gone forever he caused another to be fashioned, so like that I who have

had both in my hand could not tell the two apart. To him who holds that ring all gates are open; but to let it be

"Lastlythough you may think that this seems much to asktrust me always, even if I seem to play you

false, who for your sakes," and she sighed, "have broken oaths and spoken words for which the punishment is

to die by torment. Nay, thank me not, for I do only what I must who am a slavea slave."

"To the Lord of all the Mountains," she answered, with a smile that was sweet yet very sad; and without

"What does she mean," asked Godwin of Wulf, when she was out of hearing, "seeing that if she speaks truth,

for our sakes, in warning us against him, Masouda is breaking her fealty to this lord?"

"I do not know, brother, and I do not seek to know. All her talk may be a part of a plot to blind us, or it may

They crossed the plain, and towards evening came to the wall of the outer city, halting in front of its great

gateway. Here, as at the first castle, a band of solemnlooking mounted men came out to meet them, and,

having spoken a few words with Masouda, led them over the drawbridge that spanned the first rockcut

moat, and through triple gates of iron into the city. Then they passed up a street very steep and narrow, from

the roofs and windows of the houses on either side of which hundreds of peoplemany of whom seemed to

be engaged at their evening prayerwatched them go by. At the head of this street they reached another

fortified gateway, on the turrets of which, so motionless that at first they took them to be statues cut in stone,

stood guards wrapped in long white robes. After parley, this also was opened to them, and again they rode

Then they saw all the wonder of that place, for between the outer city where they stood and the castle, with its

inner town which was built around and beneath it yawned a vast gulf over ninety feet in depth. Across this

gulf, built of blocks of stone, quite unrailed, and not more than three paces wide, ran a causeway some two

hundred yards in length, which causeway was supported upon arches reared up at intervals from the bottom

"Ride on and have no fear," said Masouda. "Your horses are trained to heights, and the mules and mine will

So Godwin, showing nothing in his face of the doubt that he felt in his heart, patted Flame upon the neck,

and, after hanging back a little, the horse started lifting its hoofs high and glancing from side to side at the

terrible gulf beneath. Where Flame went Smoke knew that it could go, and came on bravely, but snorting a

little, while the mules, that did not fear heights so long as the ground was firm beneath their feet, followed.

Only Masouda's horse was terrified, backed, and strove to wheel round, till she drove the spur into it, when of

At length they were across, and, passing under another gateway which had broad terraces on either side of it,

rode up the long street beyond and entered a great courtyard, around which stood the castle, a vast and

frowning fortress. Here a whiterobed officer came forward, greeting them with a low bow, and with him

servants who assisted them to dismount. These men took the horses to a range of stables on one side of the

courtyard, whither the brethren followed to see their beasts groomed and fed. Then the officer, who had stood

patiently by the while, conducted them through doorways and down passages to the guest chambers, large,

stoneroofed rooms, where they found their baggage ready for them. Here Masouda said that she would see

Wulf looked round the great vaulted chamber, which. now that the dark had fallen, was lit by flickering lamps

"Well, for my part, I had rather pass the night in a desert among the lions than in this dismal place."

Scarcely were the words out of his lips when curtains swung aside and beautiful women entered, clad in

gauzy veils and bearing dishes of food. These they placed upon the ground before them, inviting them to eat

with nods and smiles, while others brought basins of scented water, which they poured over their hands. Then

they sat down and ate the food that was strange to them, but very pleasant to the taste; and while they ate,

women whom they could not see sang sweet songs, and played upon harps and lutes. Wine was offered to

them also; but of this, remembering Masouda's words, they would not drink, asking by signs for water, which

When their meal was done, the beautiful women bore away the dishes, and black slaves appeared. These men

led them to baths such as they had never seen, where they washed first in hot water, then in cold. Afterwards

they were rubbed with spicysmelling oils, and having been wrapped in white robes, conducted back to their

chamber, where they found beds spread for them. On these, being very weary, they lay down, when the

When they awoke it was to see the light streaming through the high, latticed windows.

"Well enough," answered his brother, "only I dreamed that throughout the night people came and looked at

"I dreamed that also," said Wulf; "moreover, I think that it was not all a dream, since there is a coverlet on my

Godwin looked at his own, where also was another coverlet added, doubtless as the night grew colder in that

"I have heard of enchanted castles," he said; "now I think that we have found one."

They rose and dressed themselves, putting on clean garments and their best cloaks, that they had brought with

them on the mules, after which the veiled women entered the room with breakfast, and they ate. When this

was finished, having nothing else to do, they made signs to one of the women that they wished for cloths

wherewith to clean their armour, for, as they had been bidden, they pretended to understand no word of

Arabic. She nodded, and presently returned with a companion carrying leathers and paste in a jar. Nor did

they leave them, but, sitting upon the ground, whether the brethren willed it or no, took the shirts of mail and

rubbed them till they shone like silver, while Godwin and Wulf polished their helms, spurs, and bucklers,

cleansing their swords and daggers also, and sharpening them with a stone which they carried for that

Now as these women worked, they began to talk to each other in a low voice, and some of their talk, though

"A handsome pair truly," said the first. "We should be fortunate if we had such men for husbands, although

"Ay," answered the other; "and from their likeness they must be twins. Now which of them would you

Then for a long while they discussed them, comparing them feature by feature and limb by limb, until the

brethren felt their faces grow red beneath the sunburn and scrubbed furiously at their armour to show a reason

"It was cruel of the lady Masouda to bring these birds into the Master's net. She might have warned them."

"Masouda was ever cruel," answered the other, "who hates all men, which is unnatural. Yet I think if she

loved a man she would love him well, and perhaps that might be worse for him than her hate."

"I suppose so," was the answer, "silly fellows who think that they can spy upon a nation of spies. They would

have done better to keep to fighting, at which, doubtless, they are good enough. What will happen to them?"

"What always happens, I supposea pleasant time at first; then, if they can be put to no other use, a choice

between the faith and the cup. Or, perhaps, as they seem men of rank, they may be imprisoned in the dungeon

tower and held to ransom. Yes, yes; it was cruel of Masouda to trick them so, who may be but travellers after

Just then the curtain was drawn, and through it entered Masouda herself. She was dressed in a white robe that

had a dagger worked in red over the left breast, and her long black hair fell upon her shoulders, although it

was half hid by the veil, open in front, which hung from her head. Never had they seen her look so beautiful

"Greetings, brothers Peter and John. Is this fit work for pilgrims?" she said in French, pointing to the long

"Ay," answered Wulf, as they rose and bowed to her, "for pilgrims to thisholy city."

The women who were cleaning the mail bowed also, for it seemed that here Masouda was a person of

"III cleansed," she said sharply. "I think that you girls talk better than you work. Nay, they must serve. Help

these lords to don them. Fools, that is the shirt of the greyeyed knight. Give it me; I will be his squire," and

she snatched the hauberk from their hands, whereat, when her back was turned, they glanced at one another.

"Now," she said, when they were fully armed and had donned their mantles, "you brethren look as pilgrims

should. Listen, I have a message for you. The Master" and she bowed her head, as did the women,

guessing of whom she spoke"will receive you in an hour's time, till when, if it please you, we can walk in

So they went out with her, and as they passed towards the curtain she whispered:

"For your lives' sake, remember all that I have told youabove everything, about the wine and the ring, for

if you dream the drinkdream you will be searched. Speak no word to me save of common matters."

In the passage beyond the curtain whiterobed guards were standing, armed with spears, who turned and

followed them without a word. First they went to the stables to visit Flame and Smoke, which whinnied as

they drew near. These they found wellfed and tendedindeed, a company of grooms were gathered round

them, discussing their points and beauty, who saluted as the owners of such steeds approached. Leaving the

stable, they passed through an archway into the famous gardens, which were said to be the most beautiful in

all the East. Beautiful they were indeed, planted with trees, shrubs, and flowers such as are seldom seen,

while between fernclad rocks flowed rills which fell over deep cliffs in waterfalls of foam. In places the

shade of cedars lay so dense that the brightness of day was changed to twilight, but in others the ground was

open and carpeted with flowers which filled the air with perfume. Everywhere grew roses, myrtles, and trees

laden with rich fruits, while from all sides came the sound of cooing doves and the voices of many

On they walked, down the sandstrewn paths for a mile or more, accompanied by Masouda and the guard. At

length, passing through a brake of whispering, reedlike plants, of a sudden they came to a low wall, and

saw, yawning black and wide at their very feet, that vast cleft which they had crossed before they entered the

"It encircles the inner city, the fortress, and its grounds," said Masouda; "and who lives today that could

So, following the gulf round, they returned to the castle by another path, and were ushered into an anteroom,

where stood a watch of twelve men. Here Masouda left them in the midst of the men, who stared at them with

stony eyes. Presently she returned, and beckoned to them to follow her. Walking down a long passage they

came to curtains, in front of which were two sentries, who drew these curtains as they approached. Then, side

by side, they entered a great hall, long as Stangate Abbey church, and passed through a number of people, all

Here sat and stood more people, fierceeyed, turbaned men, who wore great knives in their girdles. These, as

they learned afterwards, were called the fedai, the sworn assassins, who lived but to do the command of their

lord the great Assassin. At the end of this chancel were more curtains, beyond which was a guarded door. It

opened, and on its further side they found themselves in full sunlight on an unwalled terrace, surrounded by

the mighty gulf into which it was built out. On the right and left edges of this terrace sat old and bearded men,

twelve in number, their heads bowed humbly and their eyes fixed upon the ground. These were the dais or

At the head of the terrace, under an open and beautifully carved pavilion of wood, stood two gigantic

soldiers, having the red dagger blazoned on their white robes. Between them was a black cushion, and on the

cushion a black heap. At first, staring out of the bright sunlight at this heap in the shadow, the brethren

wondered what it might be. Then they caught sight of the glitter of eyes, and knew that the heap was a man

who wore a black turban on his head and a black, bellshaped robe clasped at the breast with a red jewel. The

weight of the man had sunk him down deep into the soft cushion, so that there was nothing of him to be seen

save the folds of the bellshaped cloak, the red jewel, and the head. He looked like a coiledup snake; the

dark and glittering eyes also were those of a snake. Of his features, in the deep shade of the canopy and of the

The aspect of this figure was so terrible and inhuman that the brethren trembled at the sight of him. They

were men and he was a man, but between that huddled, beadyeyed heap and those two tall Western

warriors, clad in their gleaming mail and coloured cloaks, helm on brow, buckler on arm, and long sword at

Masouda ran forward and prostrated herself at full length, but Godwin and Wulf stared at the heap, and the

"Strangers, you stand in the presence of the Master, Sinan, Lord of Death. Kneel, and do homage to the

But the brethren stiffened their backs and would not kneel. They lifted their hands to their brows in salute, but

Then from between the black turban and the black cloak came a hollow voice, speaking in Arabic, and

"Are these the men who brought me the lion's skin? Well, what seek ye, Franks?" They stood silent.

"Dread lord," said Masouda, "these knights are but now come from England over sea, and do not understand

"Set out their story and their request," said Aljebal, "that we may judge of them."

"Dread lord," answered Masouda, "as I sent you word, they say that they are the kin of a certain knight who

in battle saved the life of him who ruled before you, but is now an inhabitant of Paradise."

"I have heard that there was such a knight," said the voice. "He was named D'Arcy, and he bore the same

" Lord, these brethren are also named D'Arcy, and now they come to ask your help against Salaheddin."

At that name the heap stirred as a snake stirs when it hears danger, and the head erected itself a little beneath

"Lord, Salaheddin has stolen a woman of their house who is his niece, and these knights, her brothers, ask

"Report has been made to me of that story," said the voice; "but what sign do these Franks show? He who

went before me gave a ring, and with it certain rights in this land, to the knight D'Arcy who befriended him in

Masouda translated, and seeing the warning in her eyes and remembering her words, the brethren shook their

"Our uncle, the knight Sir Andrew, was cut down by the soldiers of Salaheddin, and as he died bade us

"I hoped," said Sinan to Masouda, "that they had the ring, and it was for this reason, woman, that I allowed

you to lead these knights hither, after you had reported of them and their quest to me from Beirut. It is not

well that there should be two holy Signets in the world, and he who went before me, when he lay dying,

charged me to recover his if that were possible. Let them go back to their own land and return to me with the

Masouda translated the last sentence only, and again the brethren shook their heads. This time it was Godwin

"Our land is far away, O lord, and where shall we find this longlost ring? Let not our journey be in vain. O

"All my years have I sought justice on Salaheddin," answered Sinan, "and yet he prevails against me. Now

I make you an offer. Go, Franks, and bring me his head, or at least put him to death as I shall show you how,

"I think that we had best go; I do not like this company." But Godwin made no answer.

As they stood silent thus, not knowing what to say, a man entered through the door, and, throwing himself on

his hands and knees, crawled towards the cushion through the double line of councillors or dais.

"Lord," answered the man, "I acquaint you that your will has been done in the matter of the vessel." Then he

went on speaking in a low voice, so rapidly that the brethren could scarcely hear and much less understand

Now one of the dais, he who sat nearest the canopy, rose and pointing towards the brethren, said.

The beady eyes, which seemed to search out their souls, fixed themselves upon them and for a long while

Sinan considered. They trembled, knowing that he was passing some judgment concerning them in his heart,

For a time there was silence. Sinan, Lord of Death, seemed to be lost in thought under the black shade of his

canopy; the double line of dais stared at nothingness across the passage way; the giant guards stood still as

statues; Masouda watched the brethren from beneath her long eyelashes, while the brethren watched the

sharp edge of the shadow of the canopy on the marble floor They strove to seem unconcerned, but their hearts

were beating fast within them who felt that great things were about to happen, though what these might be

So intense was the silence, so dreadful seemed that inhuman, snakelike man, so strange his aged,

passionless councillors, and the place of council surrounded by a dizzy gulf, that fear took hold of them like

the fear of an evil dream. Godwin wondered if Sinan could see the ring upon his breast, and what would

happen to him if he did see it; while Wulf longed to shout aloud, to do anything that would break this deathly,

sunlit quiet. To them those minutes seemed like hours; indeed, for aught they knew, they might have been

At length there was a stir behind the brethren, and at a word from Masouda they separated, falling apart a

pace or two, and stood opposite each other and sideways to Sinan. Standing thus, they saw the curtains

drawn. Through them came four men, carrying a stretcher covered with a cloth, beneath which they could see

the outline of a form, that lay there stirless. The four men brought the stretcher to the front of the canopy, set

it on the ground, prostrated themselves, and retired, walking backwards down the length of the terrace.

Again there was silence, while the brethren wondered whose corpse it was that lay beneath the cloth, for a

corpse it must surely be; though neither the Lord of the Mountain nor his dais and guards seemed to concern

themselves in the matter. Again the curtains parted, and a procession advanced up the terrace. First came a

great man clad in a white robe blazoned with the bleeding dagger, after whom walked a tall woman shrouded

in a long veil, who was followed by a thickset knight clad in Frankish armour and wearing a cape of which

the cowl covered his head as though to keep the rays of the sun from beating on his helm. Lastly walked four

guards. Up the long place they marched, through the double line of dais, while with a strange stirring in their

breasts the brethren watched the shape and movements of the veiled woman who stepped forward rapidly, not

seeing them, for she turned her head neither to the right nor left. The leader of the little band reached the

space before the canopy, and, prostrating himself by the side of the stretcher, lay still. She who walked

behind him stopped also, and, seeing the black heap upon the cushion, shuddered.

She hesitated, then swiftly undid some fastening, so that her drapery fell from her head. The brethren stared,

Yes, it was Rosamund, worn with sickness, terrors, and travel, Rosamund herself beyond all doubt. At the

sight of her pale, queenly beauty the heap on the cushion stirred beneath his black cloak, and the beady eyes

were filled with an evil, eager light. Even the dais seemed to wake from their contemplation, and Masouda bit

her red lip, turned pale beneath her olive skin, and watched with devouring eyes, waiting to read this woman's

She heard. As they sprang towards her she glanced wildly from face to face, then with a low cry flung an arm

about the neck of each and would have fallen in the ecstacy of her joy had they not held her. Indeed, her

knees touched the ground. As they stooped to lift her it flashed into Godwin's mind that Masouda had told

Sinan that they were her brethren. The thought was followed by another. If this were so, they might be left

"Listen," he whispered in English; "we are not your cousinswe are your brothers, your halfbrothers, and

She heard and Wulf heard, but the watchers thought that they were but welcoming each other, for Wulf began

to talk also, random words in French, such as "Greeting, sister!" "Well found, sister!" and kissed her on the

Rosamund opened her eyes, which had closed, and, gaining her feet, gave one hand to each of the brethren.

"I dowell. They are my brothers, from whom I was stolen when they were drugged and our father was

"How is that, lady, seeing that you are said to be the niece of Salaheddin? Are these knights, then, the

The answer appeared to satisfy Sinan, who fixed his eyes upon the pale beauty of Rosamund and asked no

more questions. While he remained thus thinking, a noise arose at the end of the terrace, and the brethren,

turning their heads, saw that the thickset knight was striving to thrust his way through the guards who stood

Then it came into Godwin's mind that just before Rosamund unveiled he had seen this knight suddenly turn

The lord Sinan looked up at the sound and made a sign. Thereon two of the dais sprang to their feet and ran

towards the curtain, where they spoke with the knight, who turned and came back with them, though slowly,

as one who is unwilling. Now his hood had fallen from his head, and Godwin and Wulf stared at him as he

advanced, for surely they knew those great shoulders, those round black eyes, those thick lips, and that heavy

"Ay," echoed Rosamund, "it is Lozelle, the double traitor, who betrayed me first to the soldiers of Saladin,

Wulf heard, and, as Lozelle drew near to them, sprang forward with an oath and struck him across the face

with his mailed hand. Instantly guards thrust themselves between them, and Sinan asked through Masouda:

"Because, lord," answered Wulf, "he is a rogue who has brought all these troubles on our house. I challenge

Masouda held up her hand and began to interpret, addressing Lozelle, and speaking in the first person as the

"I thank you for your service who have served me before. Your messenger came, a Frank whom I knew in old

days. As you had arranged it should be, I sent one of my fedais with soldiers to kill the men of Salaheddin

on the ship and capture this lady who is his niece, all of which it seems has been done. The bargain that your

"But these knights say that you stole her, their kinswoman, from them, and one of them has struck you and

challenged you to single combat, which challenge you have accepted. I sanction the combat gladly, who have

long desired to see two knights of the Franks fight in tourney according to their custom. I will set the course,

and you shall be given the best horse in my kingdom; this knight shall ride his own. These are the

conditionsthe course shall be on the bridge between the inner and outer gates of the castle city, and the

fight, which must be to the death, shall take place on the night of the full moonthat is, three days from

now. If you are victor, we will talk of the matter of the lady for whom you bargained as a wife."

"My lord, my lord," answered Lozelle, "who can lay a lance on that terrible place in moonlight? Is it thus that

"I can and will!" cried Wulf. "Dog, I would fight you in the gates of hell, with my soul on the hazard."

"Keep faith with yourself," said Sinan, "who said that you accepted the challenge of this knight and made no

conditions, and when you have proved upon his body that his quarrel is not just, then speak of my faith with

you. Nay, no more words; when this fight is done we will speak again, and not before. Let him be led to the

outer castle and there given of our best. Let my great black horse be brought to him that he may gallop it to

and fro upon the bridge, or where he will within the circuit of the walls, by day or by night; but see that he

has no speech with this lady whom he has betrayed into my power, or with these knights his foes, nor suffer

him to come into my presence. I will not talk with a man who has been struck in the face until he has washed

As Masouda finished translating, and before Lozelle could answer, the lord Sinan moved his head, whereon

"Farewell, Sir Thief," cried Wulf after him, "till we meet again upon the narrow bridge and there settle our

"Your report," said Sinan, addressing the tall fedai who all this while had lain upon his face before him, still

as the form that was stretched upon the bier. "There should have been another prisoner, the great emir

"Lord," he said, "I did your bidding. The knight who has gone steered the ship into the bay, as had been

arranged. I attacked with the daylight. The soldiers of Salaheddin fought bravely, for the lady here saw us,

and gave them time to gather, and we lost many men. We overcame and killed them all, except the prince

Hassan, whom we took prisoner. I left some men to watch the ship. The crew we spared, as they were the

servants of the Frank Lozelle, setting them loose upon the beach, together with a Frankish woman, who was

the servant of the lady here, to find their way to the nearest city. This woman I would have killed, but the lady

your captive begged for her life, saying she had come from the land of the Franks to seek her husband; so,

having no orders, let her go. Yesterday morning we started for Masyaf, the prince Hassan riding in a litter

together with that Frankish spy who was here a while ago, and told you of the coming of the ship. At night

they slept in the same tent; I left the prince bound and set a guard, but in the morning when we looked we

found him gonehow, I know notand Iying in the tent the Frankish spy, dead, with a knifewound

through his heart. Behold!" and withdrawing the cloth from the stretcher he revealed the stiff form of the spy

"So, having searched without avail, I came on here with the lady your prisoner and the Frank Lozelle. I have

Now when he had heard this report, forgetting his calm, Sinan arose from the cushion and stepped forward

two paces. There he halted, with fury in his glittering eyes, looking like a man clothed in a black bell. For a

moment he stroked his beard, and the brethren noted that on the first finger of his right hand was a ring so

like to that which hung about the neck of Godwin that none could have told them apart.

"Man," Sinan said in a low voice, "what have you done? You have left the emir Hassan go, who is the most

trusted friend and general of the Sultan of Damascus. By now he is there, or near it, and within six days we

shall see the army of Salaheddin riding across the plain. Also you have not killed the crew and the

Frankish woman, and they too will make report of the taking of the ship and the capture of this lady, who is

of the house of Salaheddin and whom he seeks more earnestly than all the kingdom of the Franks. What

"Lord," answered the tall fedai, and his hand trembled as he spoke, "most mighty lord, I had no orders as to

the killing of the crew from your lips, and the Frank Lozelle told me that he had agreed with you that they

"Then, slave, he lied. He agreed with me through that dead spy that they should be slain, and do you not

know that if I give no orders in such a case I mean death, not life? But what of the prince Hassan?"

"Lord, I have nothing to say. I think he must have bribed the spy named Nicholas"and he pointed to the

corpse"to cut his bonds, and afterwards killed the man for vengeance sake, for by the body we found a

heavy purse of gold. That he hated him as he hated yonder Lozelle I know, for he called them dogs and

traitors in the boat; and since he could not strike them, his hands being bound, he spat in their faces, cursing

them in the name of Allah. That is why, Lozelle being afraid to be near him, I set the spy Nicholas, who was

a bold fellow, as a watch over him, and two soldiers outside the tent, while Lozelle and I watched the lady."

They were brought and stood by their captain, but they had no story to tell. They swore that they had not slept

on guard, nor heard a sound, yet when morning came the prince was gone. Again the Lord of Death stroked

his black beard. Then he held up the Signet before the eyes of the three men, saying:

The fedai bowed his head in salute, stood for a moment as though lost in thought, then, turning suddenly,

walked with a steady step to the edge of the abyss and leapt. For an instant the sunlight shone on his white

and fluttering robe, then from the depths of that darksome place floated up the sound of a heavy fall, and all

"Follow your captain to Paradise," said Sinan to the two soldiers, whereon one of them drew a knife to stab

"Beast, would you shed blood before your lord? Do you not know the custom? Begone!"

So the poor men went, the first with a steady step, and the second, who was not so brave, reeling over the

"It is finished," said the dais, clapping their hands gently. "Dread lord, we thank thee for thy justice."

But Rosamund turned sick and faint, and even the brethren paled. This man was terrible indeedif he were a

man and not a deviland they were in his power. How long would it be, they wondered, before they also

were bidden to walk that gulf? Only Wulf swore in his heart that if he went by this road Sinan should go with

Then the corpse of the false palmer was borne away to be thrown to the eagles which always hovered over

that house of death, and Sinan, having reseated himself upon the cushion, began to talk again through his

"mouth" Masouda, in a low, quiet voice, as though nothing had happened to anger him.

"Lady," he said to Rosamund, "your story is known to me. Salaheddin seeks you, nor is it

wonderful"here his eyes glittered with a new and horrible light"that he should desire to see such

loveliness at his court, although the Frank Lozelle swore through yonder dead spy that you are precious in his

eyes because of some vision that has come to him. Well, this heretic sultan is my enemy whom Satan

protects, for even my fedais have failed to kill him, and perhaps there will be war on account of you. But

have no fear, for the price at which you shall be delivered to him is higher than Salaheddin himself would

care to pay, even for you. So, since this castle is impregnable, here you may dwell at peace, nor shall any

"I desire," said Rosamund in a low, steady voice, "protection against Sir Hugh Lozelle and all men."

"I desire," she went on, "that my brothers here may lodge with me, that I may not feel alone among strange

"Your brethren shall lodge near you in the guest castle. Why not, since from them you cannot need

protection? They shall meet you at the feast and in the garden. But, lady, do you know it? They came here

upon faith of some old tale of a promise made by him who went before me to ask my help to recover you

from Salaheddin, unwitting that I was your host, not Salaheddin. That they should meet you thus is a

chance which makes even my wisdom wonder, for in it I see omens. Now she whom they wished to rescue

from Salaheddin, these tall brethren of yours might wish to rescue from Aljebal. Understand then, all of

you, that from the Lord of Death there is but one escape. Yonder runs its path," and he pointed to the dizzy

"Knights," he went on, addressing Godwin and Wulf, "lead your sister hence. This evening I bid her, and you

to my banquet. Till then, farewell. Woman," he added to Masouda, "accompany them. You know your duties;

this lady is in your charge. Suffer that no strange man comes near herabove all, the Frank Lozelle. Dais

take notice and let it be proclaimedTo these three is given the protection of the Signet in all things, save

that they must not leave my walls except under sanction of the Signetnay, in its very presence."

The dais rose, bowed, and seated themselves again. Then, guided by Masouda and preceded and followed by

guards, the brethren and Rosamund walked down the terrace through the curtains into the chancellike place

where men crouched upon the ground; through the great hall were more men crouched upon the ground;

through the antechamber where, at a word from Masouda, the guards saluted; through passages to that place

"Lady Rose of the World, who are fitly so named, I go to prepare your chamber. Doubtless you will wish to

speak awhile with these yourbrothers. Speak on and fear not, for it shall be my care that you are left alone,

if only for a little while. Yet walls have ears, so I counsel you use that English tongue which none of us

The brethren and Rosamund looked at each other, for having so much to say it seemed that they could not

"Oh! let us thank God, Who, after all these black months of travel and of danger, has thus brought us together

again," and, kneeling down there together in the guesthall of the lord of Death, they gave thanks earnestly.

Then, moving to the centre of the chamber where they thought that none would hear them, they began to

Then Godwin spoke and told her theirs. Rosamund heard it, and asked a question almost in a whisper.

"I do not know," answered Godwin, "unless it is because of the accident of my having saved her from the

Rosamund looked at him and smiled a little, and Wulf smiled also. Then she said:

"Blessings be on that lion and all its tribe! I pray that she may not soon forget the deed, for it seems that our

lives hang upon her favour. How strange is this story, and how desperate our case! How strange also that you

should have come on hither against her counsel, which, seeing what we have, I think was honest?"

"We were led," answered Godwin. "Your father had wisdom at his death, and saw what we could not see."

"Ay," added Wulf, "but I would that it had been into some other place, for I fear this lord Aljebal at whose

"He is hateful," answered Rosamund, with a shudder; "worse even than the knight Lozelle; and when he fixes

"An eel in an osier trap has more chance of freedom," said Wulf gloomily. " Let us at least be thankful that

As he spoke Masouda appeared, attended by waiting women, and, bowing to Rosamund, said:

"It is the will of the Master, lady, that I lead you to the chambers that have been made ready for you, there to

rest until the hour of the feast. Fear not; you shall meet your brethren then. You knights have leave, if it so

pleases you, to exercise your horses In the gardens. They stand saddled in the courtyard, to which this woman

will bring you," and she pointed to one of those two maids who had cleaned the armour, "and with them are

"She means that we must go," muttered Godwin, adding aloud, "farewell, sister, until tonight."

So they parted, unwillingly enough. In the courtyard they found the horses, Flame and Smoke, as they had

been told, also a mounted escort of four fiercelooking fedais and an officer. When they were in the saddle,

this man, motioning to them to follow him, passed by an archway out of the courtyard into the gardens.

Hence ran a broad road strewn with sand, along which he began to gallop. This road followed the gulf which

encircled the citadel and inner town of Masyaf, that was, as it were, an island on a mountain top with a

As they went, the gulf always on their right hand, holding in their horses to prevent their passing that of their

guide, swift as it was, they saw another troop approaching them. This was also preceded by an officer of the

Assassins, as these servants of Aljebal were called by the Franks, and behind him, mounted on a splendid

At the sight of the man a fury took hold of Godwin. With a shout of warning he drew his sword. Lozelle saw,

and out leapt his blade in answer. Then sweeping past the officers who were with them and reining up their

steeds, in a second they were face to face. Lozelle struck first and Godwin caught the stroke upon his buckler,

but before he could return it the fedais of either party rushed between them and thrust them asunder.

"A pity," said Godwin, as they dragged his horse away. "Had they left us alone I think, brother, I might have

"That I do not want to miss, but the chance at his head was good if those fellows would have let you take it,"

Then the horses began to gallop again, and they saw no more of Lozelle. Now, skirting the edge of the town,

they came to the narrow, wallless bridge that spanned the gulf between it and the outer gate and city. Here

the officer wheeled his horse, and, beckoning to them to follow, charged it at full gallop. After him went the

brethrenGodwin first, then Wulf. In the deep gateway on the further side they reined up. The captain

turned, and began to gallop back faster than he had comeas fast, indeed, as his good beast would travel.

"Pass him!" cried Godwin, and shaking the reins loose upon the neck of Flame he called to it aloud.

Forward it sprang, with Smoke at its heels. Now they had overtaken the captain, and now even on that narrow

way they had swept past him. Not an inch was there to spare between them and the abyss, and the man, brave

as he was, expecting to be thrust to death, clung to his horse's mane with terror in his eyes. On the city side

the brethren pulled up laughing among the astonished fedais who had waited for them there.

"By the Signet," cried the officer, thinking that the knights could not understand, "these are not men; they are

devils, and their horses are goats of the mountains. I thought to frighten them, but it is I who was frightened,

"Gallant riders and swift, welltrained steeds," answered one of the fedais, with admiration in his voice. "The

Then once more they took the sandstrewn road and galloped on. Thrice they passed round the city thus, the

last time by themselves, for the captain and the fedais were far outstripped. Indeed it was not until they had

unsaddled Flame and Smoke in their stalls that these appeared, spurring their foaming horses. Taking no heed

of them, the brethren thrust aside the grooms, dressed their steeds down, fed and watered them.

Then having seen them eat, there being no more to do, they walked back to the guesthouse, hoping to find

Rosamund. But they found no Rosamund, so sat down together and talked of the wonderful things that had

befallen them, and of what might befall them in the future; of the mercy of Heaven also which had brought

them all three together safe and sound, although it was in this house of hell. So the time passed on, till about

the hour of sunset the women servants came and led them to the bath, where the black slaves washed and

When they came out the sun was down, and the women, bearing torches in their hands, conducted them to a

great and gorgeous hall which they had not seen before, built of fretted stone and having a carved and painted

roof. Along one side of this hall, that was lit with cressets, were a number of roundheaded open arches

supported by elegant white columns, and beyond these a marble terrace with flights of steps which led to the

gardens beneath. On the floor of this hall, each seated upon his cushion beside low tables inlaid with pearl sat

the guests, a hundred or more, all dressed in white robes on which the red dagger was blazoned, and all as

When the brethren reached the place the women left them, and servants with gold chains round their necks

escorted them to a dais in the middle of the hall where were many cushions, as yet unoccupied, arranged in a

semicircle, of which the centre was a divan higher and more gorgeous than the rest.

Here places were pointed out to them opposite the divan, and they took their stand by them. They had not

long to wait, for presently there was a sound of music, and, heralded by troops of singing women, the lord

Sinan approached, walking slowly down the length of the great hall. It was a strange procession, for after the

women came the aged, white robed dais, then the lord Aljebal himself, clad now in his bloodred, festal

Around him marched four slaves, black as ebony, each of whom held a flaming torch on high, while behind

followed the two gigantic guards who had stood sentry over him when he sat under the canopy of justice. As

he advanced down the hall every man in it rose and prostrated himself, and so remained until their lord was

seated, save only the two brethren, who stood erect like the survivors among the slain of a battle. Settling

himself among the cushions at one end of the divan, he waved his hand, whereon the feasters, and with them

Now there was a pause, while Sinan glanced along the hall impatiently. Soon the brethren saw why, since at

the end opposite to that by which he had entered appeared more singing women, and after them, also escorted

by four black torchbearers, only these were women, walked Rosamund and, behind her, Masouda.

Rosamund it was without doubt, but Rosamund transformed, for now she seemed an Eastern queen. Round

her head was a coronet of gems from which hung a veil, but not so as to hide her face. Jewelled, too, were her

heavy plaits of hair, jewelled the rosesilk garments that she wore, the girdle at her waist, her naked, ivory

arms and even the slippers on her feet. As she approached in her royallooking beauty all the guests at that

strange feast stared first at her and next at each other. Then as though by a single impulse they rose and

"What can this mean?" muttered Wulf to Godwin as they did likewise. But Godwin made no answer.

On came Rosamund, and now, behold! the lord Aljebal rose also and, giving her his hand, seated her by

"Show no surprise, Wulf," muttered Godwin, who had caught a warning look in the eyes of Masouda as she

Now the feast began. Slaves running to and fro, set dish after dish filled with strange and savoury meats,

upon the little inlaid tables, those that were served to Sinan and his guests fashioned, all of them, of silver or

Godwin and Wulf ate, though not for hunger's sake, but of what they ate they remembered nothing who were

watching Sinan and straining their ears to catch all he said without seeming to take note or listen. Although

she strove to hide it and to appear indifferent, it was plain to them that Rosamund was much afraid. Again

and again Sinan presented to her choice morsels of food, sometimes on the dishes and sometimes with his

fingers, and these she was obliged to take. All the while also he devoured her with his fierce eyes so that she

Then wine, perfumed and spiced, was brought in golden cups, of which, having drunk, he offered to

Rosamund. But she shook her head and asked Masouda for water, saying that she touched nothing stronger,

and it was given her, cooled with snow. The brethren asked for water also, whereon Sinan looked at them

suspiciously and demanded the reason. Godwin replied through Masouda that they were under an oath to

touch no wine till they returned to their own country, having fulfilled their mission. To this he answered

meaningly that it was good and right to keep oaths, but he feared that theirs would make them waterdrinkers

Now the wine that he had drunk took hold of Sinan, and he began to talk who without it was so silent.

"You met the Frank Lozelle today," he said to Godwin, through Masouda, "when riding in my gardens, and

"It seems not, as once before I worsted him and I sit here unhurt, lord," answered Godwin. "Your servants

"Ay," replied Sinan, "I remember; they had orders. Still, I would that you had killed him, the unbelieving

dog, who has dared to lift his eyes to this Rose of Roses, your sister. Fear not," he went on, addressing

Rosamund, "he shall offer you no more insult, who are henceforth under the protection of the Signet," and

stretching out his thin, cruellooking hand, on which gleamed the ring of power, he patted her on the arm.

All of these things Masouda translated, while Rosamund dropped her head to hide her face, though on it were

Wulf glared at the Aljebal, whose head by good fortune was turned away, and so fierce was the rage

swelling in his heart that a mist seemed to gather before his eyes, and through it this devilish chief of a people

of murderers, clothed in his robe of flaming red, looked like a man steeped in blood. The thought came to him

suddenly that he would make him what he looked, and his hand passed to his swordhilt. But Godwin saw

the terror in Masouda's eyes, saw Wulf's hand also, and guessed what was about to chance. With a swift

movement of his arm he struck a golden dish from the table to the marble floor, then said, in a clear voice in

"Brother, be not so awkward; pick up that dish and answer the lord Sinan as is your rightI mean, touching

"I wish it not, lord," he said, "who, if I can, have your good leave to slay this fellow on the third night from

"Yes, I forgot," said Sinan. "So I decreed, and that will be a fight I wish to see. If he kills you then your

brother shall meet him. And if he kills you both, then perhaps I, Sinan, will meet himin my own fashion.

Sweet lady, knowing where the course is laid, say, do you fear to see this fray?"

"Why should I fear what my brethren do not fear? They are brave knights, bred to arms, and God, in Whose

hand are all our destinies even yours, O Lord of Death He will guard the right."

When this speech was translated to him Sinan quailed a little. Then he answered:

"Lady, know that I am the Voice and Prophet of Allahay, and his sword to punish evildoers and those

who do not believe. Well, if what I hear is true, your brethren are skilled horsemen who even dared to pass

my servant on the narrow bridge, so victory may rest with them. Tell me which of them do you love the least,

Now as Rosamund prepared herself to answer Masouda scanned her face through her halfclosed eyes. But

whatever she may have felt within, it remained calm and cold as though it were cut in stone.

"To me they are as one man," she said. "When one speaks, both speak. I love them equally."

"Then, Guest of my heart, it shall go as I have said Brother Blueeyes shall fight first, and if he falls then

Brother Greyeyes. The feast is ended, and it is my hour for prayer. Slaves, bid the people fill their cups.

She obeyed, and at a sign the black slavewomen gathered behind her with their flaming torches. Then Sinan

"Servants of Aljebal, pledge, I command you, this Flower of flowers, the highborn Princess of Baalbec,

the niece of the Sultan, Salaheddin, whom men call the Great," and he sneered, "though he be not so great

as I, this Queen of maids who soon" Then, checking himself, he drank off his wine, and with a low bow

presented the empty, jewelled cup to Rosamund. All the company drank also, and shouted till the hall rang,

for her loveliness as she stood thus in the fierce light of the torches, aflame as these men were with the

Sinan heard and smiled. Then, motioning for silence, he took the hand of Rosamund, kissed it, and turning,

passed from the hall preceded by his singing women and surrounded by the dais and guards.

Godwin and Wulf stepped forward to speak with Rosamund, but Masouda interposed herself between them,

"It is not permitted. Go, knights, and cool your brows in yonder garden, where sweet water runs. Your sister

So together they walked through the crowd of those feasters that remained, for most of them had already left

the hall, who made way, not without reverence, for the brethren of this new star of beauty, on to the terrace,

and from the terrace into the gardens. Here they stood awhile in the sweet freshness of the night, which was

very grateful after the heated, perfumeladen air of the banquet; then began to wander up and down among

the scented trees and flowers. The moon, floating in a cloudless sky, was almost at its full, and by her light

they saw a wondrous scene. Under many of the trees and in tents set about here and there, rugs were spread,

and to them came men who had drunk of the wine of the feast, and cast themselves down to sleep.

Yet these men appeared to be mad rather than drunk, for they walked steadily enough, but with wideset,

dreamy eyes; nor did they seem to sleep upon the rugs, but lay there staring at the sky and muttering with

their lips, their faces steeped in a strange, unholy rapture. Sometimes they would rise and walk a few paces

with outstretched arms, till the arms closed as though they clasped something invisible, to which they bent

their heads to babble awhile. Then they walked back to their rugs again, where they remained silent.

As they lay thus, whiteveiled women appeared, who crouched by the heads of these sleepers, murmuring

into their ears, and when from time to time they sat up, gave them to drink from cups they carried, after

Only the women would move on to others and serve them likewise. Some of them approached the brethren

with a slow, gliding motion, and offered them the cup; but they walked forward, taking no notice, whereupon

the girls left them, laughing softly, and saying such things as "Tomorrow we shall meet," or "Soon you will

"When the time comes doubtless we shall be glad, who have dwelt here," answered Godwin gravely, but as

"Step out, brother," said Wulf, "for at the very sight of those rugs I grow sleepy, and the wine in the cups

So they walked on towards the sound of a waterfall, and, when they came to it, drank, and bathed their faces

"This is better than their wine," said Wulf. Then, catching sight of more women flitting round them, looking

like ghosts amid the moonlit glades, they pressed forward till they reached an open sward where there were

"Are you deaf and blind?" asked Godwin. "Cannot you see that yonder fiend is in love with Rosamund, and

Wulf groaned aloud, then answered: "I swear that first I will send his soul to hell, even though our own must

"Ay," answered Godwin, "I saw; you went near to it tonight. But remember, that is the end for all of us. Let

"Who knows that we may find another chance? Meanwhile, meanwhile" and again he groaned.

"Among those ornaments that hung about the waist of Rosamund I saw a jewelled knife," answered Godwin,

sadly. "She can be trusted to use it if need be, and after that we can be trusted to do our worst. At least, I think

As they spoke they had loitered towards the edge of the glade, and halting there stood silent, till presently

But before they could turn the woman glided up to them and suddenly unveiled. It was Masouda.

"Follow me, brothers Peter and John," she said in a laughing whisper. "I have words to say to you. What! you

will not drink? Well, it is wisest." And emptying the cup upon the ground she flitted ahead of them.

Silently as a wraith she went, now appearing in the open spaces, now vanishing, beneath the dense gloom of

cedar boughs, till she reached a naked, lonely rock which stood almost upon the edge of the gulf. Opposite to

this rock was a great mound such as ancient peoples reared over the bodies of their dead, and in the mound,

Masouda took a key from her girdle, and, having looked around to see that they were alone, unlocked it.

"Enter," she said, pushing them before her. They obeyed, and through the darkness within heard her close the

"Now we are safe awhile," she said with a sigh, "or, at least, so I think. But I will lead you to where there is

Then, taking each of them by the hand, she went forward along a smooth incline, till presently they saw the

moonlight, and by it discovered that they stood at the mouth of a cave which was fringed with bushes.

Running up from the depths of the gulf below to this opening was a ridge or shoulder of rock, very steep and

"See the only road that leads from the citadel of Masyaf save that across the bridge," said Masouda.

"Ay, yet horses trained to rocks can follow it. At its foot is the bottom of the gulf, and a mile or more away to

the left a deep cleft which leads to the top of the mountain and to freedom. Will you not take it now? By

"Oh, say it not!" he exclaimed, clasping her arm, while Godwin leaned back against the wall of the cave.

"Why should I hide the truth? Have you no eyes to see that he is enamoured of her lovelinesslike others?

Listen; a while ago my master Sinan chanced to lose his queenhow, we need not ask, but it is said that she

wearied him. Now, as he must by law, he mourns for her a month, from full moon to full moon. But on the

day after the full moonthat is, the third morning from nowhe may wed again, and I think there will be a

marriage. Till then, however, your sister is as safe as though she yet sat at home in England before

"There is a third way," answered Masouda, shrugging her shoulders. "She might stay and become the wife of

Wulf muttered something between his teeth, then stepped towards her threateningly, saying:

"Stand back, pilgrim John," she said, with a laugh. "If I rescue her, which indeed would be hard, it will not be

"What, then, will avail, Masouda?" asked Godwin in a sad voice. "To promise you money would be useless,

"I am glad that you spared me that insult," she replied with flashing eyes, "for then there had been an end.

Yet," she added more humbly, "seeing my home and business, and what I appear to be," and she glanced at

her dress and the empty cup in her hand, "it had not been strange. Now hear me, and forget no word. At

present you are in favour with Sinan, who believes you to be the brothers of the lady Rosamund, not her

lovers; but from the moment he learns the truth your doom is sealed. Now what the Frank Lozelle knows, that

"Meanwhile, you are free; so tomorrow, while you ride about the garden, as you will do, take note of the tall

rock that stands without, and how to reach it from any point, even in the dark. Tomorrow, also, when the

moon is up, they will lead you to the narrow bridge, to ride your horses to and fro there, that they may learn

not to fear it in that light. When you have stabled them go into the gardens and come hither unobserved, as

the place being so far away you can do. The guards will let you pass, thinking only that you desire to drink a

cup of wine with some fair friend, as is the custom of our guests. Enter this cavehere is the key," and she

handed it to Wulf, "and if I be not there, await me. Then I will tell you my plan, if I have any, but until then I

"By a road you do not know of, for I am mistress of the secrets of this city. Still, I thank you for your thought

So they went in silence, doing as she bade them, and walked back through the gardens, that now seemed

empty enough, to the stableentrance of the guesthouse, where the guards admitted them without question.

That night the brethren slept together in one bed, fearing that if they lay separate they might be searched in

their sleep and not awake. Indeed, it seemed to them that, as before, they heard footsteps and voices in the

Next morning, when they had breakfasted, they loitered awhile, hoping to win speech with Rosamund, or

sight of her, or at the least that Masouda would come to them; but they saw no Rosamund, and no Masouda

came. At length an officer appeared, and beckoned to them to follow him. So they followed, and were led

through the halls and passages to the terrace of justice, where Sinan, clad in his black robe, sat as before

beneath a canopy m the midst of the sunlit marble floor. There, too, beside him, also beneath the canopy and

gorgeously apparelled, sat Rosamund. They strove to advance and speak with her, but guards came between

them, pointing out a place where they must stand a few yards away. Only Wulf said in a loud voice, in

"Tell us, Rosamund, is it well with you?" Lifting her pale face, she smiled and nodded.

Then, at the bidding of Sinan, Masouda commanded them to be silent, saying that it was not lawful for them

to speak to the Lord of the Mountain, or his Companion, unless they were first bidden so to do. So, having

Now some of the dais drew near the canopy, and consulted with their master on what seemed to be a great

matter, for their faces were troubled. Presently he gave an order, whereon they resumed their seats and

messengers left the terrace. When they appeared again, in their company were three noblelooking Saracens,

who were accompanied by a retinue of servants and wore green turbans, showing that they were descendants

of the Prophet. These men, who seemed weary with long travel, marched up the terrace with a proud mien,

not looking at the dais or any one until they saw the brethren standing side by side, at whom they stared a

little. Next they caught sight of Rosamund sitting in the shadow of the canopy, and bowed to her, but of the

"Who are you, and what is your pleasure?" asked Sinan, after he had eyed them awhile. "I am the ruler of this

country. These are my ministers," and he pointed to the dais, "and here is my sceptre," and he touched the

Now that Sinan had declared himself the embassy bowed to him, courteously enough. Then their spokesman

"That sceptre we know; it has been seen afar. Twice already we have cut down its bearers even in the tent of

our master. Lord of Murder, we acknowledge the emblem of murder, and we bow to you whose title is the

Great Murderer. As for our mission, it is this. We are the ambassadors of Salaheddin, Commander of the

Faithful, Sultan of the East; in these papers signed with his signet are our credentials, if you would read

"This, Aljebal. A Frank in your pay, and a traitor, has betrayed to you a certain lady, niece of

Salaheddin, the princess of Baalbec, whose father was a Frankish noble named D'Arcy, and who herself is

named Rose of the World. The Sultan, Salaheddin, having been informed of this matter by his servant, the

prince Hassan, who escaped from your soldiers, demands that this lady, his niece, be delivered to him

"The head of the Frank Lozelle he may have if he will after tomorrow night. The lady I keep," snarled

"Then, Aljebal, in the name of Salaheddin, we declare war on youwar till this high place of yours is

pulled stone from stone; war till your tribe be dead, till the last man, woman, and child be slain, until your

"Go back," he said, "and tell that dog you name a sultan, that low as he is, the humbleborn son of Ayoub, I,

Aljebal, do him an honour that he does not observe. My queen is dead, and two days from now, when my

month of mourning is expired, I shall take to wife his niece, the princess of Baalbec, who sits here beside me,

At these words Rosamund, who had been listening intently, started like one who has been stung by a snake,

"Princess," said the ambassador, who was watching her, "you seem to understand our language; is this your

will, to mate your noble blood with that of the heretic chief of the Assassins ?"

"Nay, nay!" she cried. "It is no will of mine, who am a helpless prisoner and by faith a Christian. If my uncle

Salaheddin is indeed as great as I have heard, then let him show his power and deliver me, and with me

"So you speak Arabic," said Sinan. "Good; our loving converse will be easier, and for the restwell, the

whims of women change. Now, you messengers of Salaheddin, begone, lest I send you on a longer

journey, and tell your master that if he dares to lift his standards against my walls my fedais shall speak with

him. By day and by night, not for one moment shall he be safe. Poison shall lurk in his cup and a dagger in

his bed. Let him kill a hundred of them, and another hundred shall appear. His most trusted guards shall be

his executioners. The women in his harem shall bring him to his doomay, death shall be in the very air he

breathes. If he would escape it, therefore, let him hide himself within the walls of his city of Damascus, or

amuse himself with wars against the mad Crossworshippers, and leave me to live in peace with this lady

"Great words in truth, which shall be followed by great deeds. What chance has this lord of yours against a

nation sworn to obey to the death? You smile? Then come hither youand you." And he summoned two of

"Now, my worthy servants," he said, "show these heretic dogs how you obey, that their master may learn the

power of your master. You are old and weary of life. Begone, and await me in Paradise."

The old men bowed again, trembling a little. Then, straightening themselves, without a word they ran side by

"Has Salaheddin servants such as these?" asked Sinan in the silence that followed." Well, what they have

done, all would do, if I bid them slay him. Back, now; and, if you will, take these Franks with you, who are

my guests, that they may bear witness of what you have seen, and of the state in which you left their sister.

"We understand little of this matter, who are ignorant of your tongue, but, O Aljebal, ere we leave your

sheltering roof we have a quarrel to settle with the man Lozelle. After that, with your permission, we will go,

"As you will; so be it," adding, "Give these envoys food and drink before they go."

But their spokesman answered: "We partake not of the bread and salt of murderers, lest we should become of

their fellowship. Aljebal, we depart, but within a week we appear again in the company of ten thousand

spears, and on one of them shall your head be set. Your safeconduct guards us till the sunset. After that, do

your worst, as we do ours. High Princess, our counsel to you is that you slay yourself and so gain immortal

Then, bowing to her one by one, they turned and marched down the terrace followed by their servants.

Now Sinan waved his hand and the court broke up, Rosamund leaving it first, accompanied by Masouda and

So they went, talking earnestly of all these things, but save in God finding no hope at all.

"Saladin will come," said Wulf the hopeful, and from the high place where they stood he pointed to the plain

beneath, across which a band of horsemen moved at full gallop. "Look; yonder goes his embassy."

"Masouda," sighed Godwin. "Ah! to think that so much should hang upon the faithfulness of one woman."

"It does not hang on her," said Wulf; "it hangs on Fate, who writes with her finger. Come, let us ride."

So, followed by their escort, they rode in the gardens, taking note, without seeming to do so, of the position

of the tall rock, and of how it could be approached from every side. Then they went in again and waited for

some sign or word of Rosamund, but in vain. That night there was no feast, and their meal was brought to

them in the guesthouse. While they sat at it Masouda appeared for a moment to tell them that they had leave

to ride the bridge in the moonlight, and that their escort would await them at a certain hour.

The brethren asked if their sister Rosamund was not coming to dine with them. Masouda answered that as the

queenelect of the Aljebal it was not lawful that she should eat with any other men, even her brothers.

Then as she passed out, stumbling as though by accident, she brushed against Godwin, and muttered:

When the moon had been up an hour the officer of their escort appeared, and led them to their horses, which

were waiting, and they rode away to the castle bridge. As they approached it they saw Lozelle departing on

his great black stallion, which was in a lather of foam. It seemed that he also had made trial of that perilous

path, for the people, of whom there were many gathered there, clapped their hands and shouted, "Well ridden,

Now, Godwin leading on Flame, they faced the bridge and walked their horses over it. Nor did these hang

back, although they snorted a little at the black gulf on either side. Next they returned at a trot, then over

again, and yet again at a canter and a gallop, sometimes together and sometimes singly. Lastly, Wulf made

Godwin halt in the middle of the bridge and galloped down upon him at speed, till within a lance's length.

Then suddenly he checked his horse, and while his audience shouted, wheeled it around on its hind legs, its

"All went well," Wulf said as they rode to the castle, "and nobler or more gentle horses were never crossed by

"Ay, brother, but I had no sword in my hand. Be not over confident, for Lozelle is desperate and a skilled

fighter, as I know who have stood face to face with him. More over, his black stallion is well trained, and has

more weight than ours. Also, yonder is a fearsome place on which to ride a course, and one of which none but

"I shall do my best," answered Wulf, "and if I fall, why, then, act upon your own counsel. At least, let him

Having stabled their horses the brethren wandered into the garden, and, avoiding the cupbearing women and

the men they plied with their drugged drink, drew by a roundabout road to the tall rock. Then, finding

themselves alone, they unlocked the door, and slipping through it, locked it again on the further side and

groped their way to the moonlit mouth of the cave. Here they stood awhile studying the descent of the gulf as

best they could in that light, till suddenly Godwin, feeling a hand upon his shoulder, started round to find

"By a road in which is your only hope," she answered. "Now, Sir Godwin, waste no words, for my time is

short, but if you think that you can trust me and this is for you to judgegive me the Signet which hangs

about your neck. If not, go back to the castle and do your best to save the lady Rosamund and yourselves."

Thrusting down his hand between his mail shirt and his breast, Godwin drew out the ancient ring, carved with

the mysterious signs and veined with the emblem of the dagger, and handed it to Masouda.

"You trust indeed," she said with a little laugh, as, after scanning it closely by the light of the moon and

"Yes, lady," he answered, "I trust you, though why you should risk so much for us I do not know."

"Why? Well, perhaps for hate's sake, for Sinan does not rule by love; perhaps because, being of a wild blood,

I am willing to set my life at hazard, who care not if I win or die; perhaps because you saved me from the

lioness. What is it to you, Sir Godwin, why a certain womanspy of the Assassins, whom in your own land

She ceased and stood before him with heaving breast and flashing eyes, a mysterious white figure in the

Godwin felt his heart stir and the blood flow to his brow, but before he could speak Wulf broke in, saying:

"This," she answered, becoming calm again. "Tomorrow night about this hour you fight Lozelle upon the

narrow way. That is certain, for all the city talks of it, and, whatever chances, Aljebal will not deprive

them of the spectacle of this fray to the death. Well, you may fall, though that man at heart is a coward, which

you are not, for here courage alone will avail nothing, but rather skill and horsemanship and trick of war. If

so, then Sir Godwin fights him, and of this business none can tell the end. Should both of you go down, then I

will do my best to save your lady and take her to Salaheddin, with whom she will be safe, or if I cannot

"Then I face the bridge and the knave Lozelle with a light heart," said Wulf again, and Masouda went on.

"Now if you conquer, Sir Wulf, or if your fall and your brother conquers, both of youor one of you, as it

may happenmust gallop back at full speed toward the stable gate that lies more than a mile from the castle

bridge. Mounted as you are, no horse can keep pace with you, nor must you stop at the gate, but ride on, ride

like the wind till you reach this place. The gardens will be empty of feasters and of cupbearers, who with

every soul within the city will have gathered on the walls and on the housetops to see the fray. There is but

one fearby then a guard may be set before this mound, seeing that Salaheddin has declared war upon

Aljebal, and though yonder road is known to few, it is a road, and sentries may watch here. If so, you must

cut them down or be cut down, and bring your story to an end. Sir Godwin, here is another key that you may

"Now if both of you, or one of you, win through to this cave, enter with your horses, lock the door, bar it, and

wait. It may be I will join you here with the princess But if I do not come by the dawn and you are not

discovered and overwhelmedwhich should not be, seeing that one man can hold that door against

manythen know that the worst has happened, and fly to Salaheddin and tell him of this road, by which

he may take vengeance upon his foe Sinan. Only then, I pray you, doubt not that I have done my best, who if

I fail must die most horribly. Now, farewell, until we meet again ordo not meet again. Go; you know the

They turned to obey, but when they had gone a few paces Godwin looked round and saw Masouda watching

them. The moonlight shone full upon her face, and by it he saw also that tears were running from her dark

and tender eyes. Back he came again, and with him Wulf, for that sight drew them. Down he bent before her

till his knee touched the ground, and, taking her hand, he kissed it, and said in his gentle voice:

"Henceforth through life, through death, we serve two ladies," and what he did Wulf did also.

Then they went, and, creeping through the bushes to the path, wandered about awhile among the revellers and

Once more it was night, and high above the mountain fortress of Masyaf shone the full summer moon,

lighting crag and tower as with some vast silver lamp. Forth from the guesthouse gate rode the brethren,

side by side upon their splendid steeds, and the moonrays sparkled on their coats of mail, their polished

bucklers, blazoned with the cognizance of a grinning skull, their closefitting helms, and the points of the

long, tough lances that had been given them. Round them rode their escort, while in front and behind went a

The nation of the Assassins had thrown off its gloom this night, for the while it was no longer oppressed even

by the fear of attack from Saladin, its mighty foe. To death it was accustomed; death was its watchword;

death in many dreadful forms its daily bread. From the walls of Masyaf, day by day, fedais went out to

For the most part they came not back again; they waited week by week, month by month, year by year, till

the moment was ripe, then gave the poisoned cup or drove home the dagger, and escaped or were slain. Death

waited them abroad, and if they failed, death waited them at home. Their dreadful caliph was himself a sword

of death. At his will they hurled themselves from towers or from precipices; to satisfy his policy they

sacrificed their wives and children. And their rewardin life, the drugged cup and voluptuous dreams; after

All forms of human agony and doom were known to this people; but now they were promised an unfamiliar

sight, that of Frankish knights slaying each other in single combat beneath the silent moon, tilting at full

gallop upon a narrow place where many might hesitate to walk, and oh, joy!falling perchance, horse and

rider together, into the depths below. So they were happy, for to them this was a night of festival, to be

followed by a morrow of still greater festival, when their sultan and their god took to himself this stranger

beauty as a wife. Doubtless, too, he would soon weary of her, and they would be called together to see her

cast from some topmost tower and hear her frail bones break on the cruel rocks below, oras had happened

to the last queento watch her writhe out her life in the pangs of poison upon a charge of sorcery. It was

indeed a night of festival, a night filled full of promise of rich joys to come.

On rode the brethren, with stern, impassive faces, but wondering in their hearts whether they would live to

see another dawn. The shouting crowd surged round them, breaking through the circle of their guards. A hand

was thrust up to Godwin; in it was a letter, which he took and read by the bright moonlight. It was written in

"I cannot speak with you. God be with you both, my brothers, God and the spirit of my father. Strike home,

Wulf, strike home, Godwin, and fear not for me who will guard myself. Conquer or die, and in life or death,

Godwin handed the paper to Wulf, and, as he did so, saw that the guards had caught its bearer, a withered,

greyhaired woman. They asked her some questions, but she shook her head. Then they cast her down,

trampled the life out of her beneath their horses' hoofs, and went on laughing. The mob laughed also.

"Our Rosamund has a brave heart. Well, we are of the same blood, and will not fail her."

Now they were come to the open space in front of the narrow bridge, where, tier on tier, the multitude were

ranged, kept back from its centre by lines of guards. On the flat roofed houses also they were crowded thick

as swarming bees, on the circling walls, and on the battlements that protected the far end of the bridge, and

the houses of the outer city. Before the bridge was a low gateway, and upon its roof sat the Aljebal, clad in

his scarlet robe of festival, and by his side, the moonlight gleaming on her jewels, Rosamund. In front, draped

in a rich garment, a dagger of gems in her dark hair, stood the interpreter or "mouth" Masouda, and behind

The brethren rode to the space before the arch and halted, saluting with their pennoned spears. Then from the

further side advanced another procession, which, opening, revealed the knight Lozelle riding on his great

"What!" he shouted, glowering at them. "Am I to fight one against two? Is this your chivalry?"

"Nay, nay, Sir Traitor," answered Wulf. "Nay, nay betrayer of Christian maids to the power of the heathen

dog; you have fought Godwin, now it is the turn of Wulf. Kill Wulf and Godwin remains. Kill Godwin and

"Lord Sinan," he shouted in Arabic, "this is murder. Am I, who have done you so much service, to be

butchered for your pleasure by the lovers of that woman, whom you would honour with the name of wife?"

"Ay, you may stare, "went on the maddened Lozelle, "but it is truethey are her lovers, not her brothers.

Would men take so much pains for a sister's sake, think you? Would they swim into this net of yours for a

"Let the lots be cast," he said, "for whatever these men are, this fight must go on, and it shall be fair."

So a dai, standing by himself, cast lots upon the ground, and having read them, announced that Lozelle must

run the first course from the further side of the bridge. Then one took his bridle to lead him across. As he

"At least this is sure, you also look your last upon the moon. I am avenged already. The bait that hooked me

is a meal for yonder pike, and he will kill you both before her eyes to whet his appetite."

The black horse of Lozelle grew dim in the distance of the moonlit bridge, and vanished beneath the farther

archway that led to the outer city. Then a herald cried, Masouda translating his words, which another herald

"Thrice will the trumpets blow. At the third blast of the trumpets the knights shall charge and meet in the

centre of the bridge. Thenceforward they may fight as it pleases them, ahorse, or afoot, with lance, with

sword, or with dagger, but to the vanquished no mercy will be shown. If he be brought living from the bridge,

Then Wulf's horse was led forward to the entrance of the bridge, and from the further side was led forward

"Good luck, brother," said Godwin, as he passed him. "Would that I rode this course instead of you."

"Your turn may come, brother," answered the grim Wulf, as he set his lance in rest.

Now from some neighbouring tower pealed out the first long blast of trumpets, and dead silence fell on all the

multitude. Grooms came forward to look to girth and bridle and stirrup strap, but Wulf waved them back.

The second blast blew, and he loosened the great sword in its scabbard, that sword which had flamed in his

"Bear it like your fathers, Wulf. Bear it as it was last borne in the hall at Steeple."

Then there was another silencea silence long and deep. Wulf looked at the white and narrow ribbon of the

bridge, looked at the black gulf on either side, looked at the blue sky above, in which floated the great globe

For the third time the trumpets blew, and from either end of that bridge, two hundred paces long, the knights

flashed towards each other like living bolts of steel. The multitude rose to watch; even Sinan rose. Only

Rosamund sat still, gripping the cushions with her hands. Hollow rang the hoofs of the horses upon the

stonework, swifter and swifter they flew, lower and lower bent the knights upon their saddles. Now they were

near, and now they met. The spears seemed to shiver, the horses to hustle together on the narrow way and

overhang its edge, then on came the black horse towards the inner city, and on sped Smoke towards the

Look! Lozelle approached, reeling in his saddle, as well he might, for the helm was torn from his head and

"Too high, Wulf; too high," said Godwin sadly. "But oh! if those laces had but held!"

"Nay," answered Sinan; "yonder knight has lost his shield. New lancesthat is all."

So they gave him a fresh lance, and, presently, at the blast of the trumpets again the horses were seen

speeding together over the narrow way. They met, and lo! Lozelle, torn from his saddle, but still clinging to

the reins, was flung backwards, far backwards, to fall on the stonework of the bridge. Down, too, beneath the

"Wulf will fall over him!" cried Rosamund. But Smoke did not fall; the stallion gathered itself togetherthe

moonlight shone so clear that every watcher saw itand since stop it could not, leapt straight over the fallen

black horseay, and over the rider beyondand sped on in its stride. Then the black found its feet again

and galloped forward to the further gate, and Lozelle also found his feet and turned to run.

"Stand! Stand, coward!" yelled ten thousand voices, and, hearing them, he drew his sword and stood.

Within three great strides Wulf dragged his charger to its haunches, then wheeled it round.

"Charge him!" shouted the multitude; but Wulf remained seated, as though unwilling to attack a horseless

man. Next he sprang from his saddle, and accompanied by the horse Smoke, which followed him as a dog

follows its master, walked slowly towards Lozelle, as he walked casting away his lance and drawing the

"A D'Arcy! A D'Arcy!" came back Wulf's answer from the bridge, and his voice echoed thin and hollow in

the spaces of the gulf. Yet they rejoiced to hear it, for it told them that he was sound and strong.

Wulf had no shield and Lozelle had no helmthe fight was even. They crouched opposite each other, the

swords flashed aloft in the moonlight; from far away came the distant clank of steel, a soft, continual clamour

of iron on iron. A blow fell on Wulf's mail, who had nought wherewith to guard himself, and he staggered

back. Another blow, another, and another, and back, still back he reeledback to the edge of the bridge,

back till he struck against the horse that stood behind him, and, resting there a moment, as it seemed, regained

Then there was a change. Look, he rushed forward, wielding the great blade in both hands. The stroke lit

upon Lozelle's shield and seemed to shear it in two, for in that stillness all could hear the clang of its upper

half as it fell upon the stones. Beneath the weight of it he staggered, sank to his knee, gained his feet again,

and in his turn gave back. Yes, now it was Lozelle who rocked and reeled. Ay, by St. Chad! Lozelle who

went down beneath that mighty blow which missed the head but fell upon his shoulder, and lay there like a

log, till presently the moonlight shone upon his mailed hand stretched upward in a prayer for mercy. From

housetop and terrace wall, from soaring gates and battlements, the multitude of the people of the Assassins

gathered on either side the gulf broke into a roar that beat up the mountain sides like a voice of thunder. And

Sinan held up his hand, and a sudden silence fell. Then he, too, screamed in his thin voice:

But the great Wulf only leaned upon the crosshandle of his brand, and looked at the fallen foe. Presently he

seemed to speak with him; then Lozelle lifted the blade that lay beside him and gave it to him in token of

surrender. Wulf handled it awhile, shook it on high in triumph, and whirled it about his head till it shone in

the moonlight. Next, with a shout he cast it from him far into the gulf, where it was seen for a moment, an arc

Now, taking no more heed of the conquered knight, Wulf turned and began to walk towards his horse.

Scarcely was his back towards him when Lozelle was on his feet again, a dagger in his hand.

"Look behind you!" yelled Godwin; but the spectators, pleased that the fight was not yet done, broke into a

roar of cheers. Wulf heard and swung round. As he faced Lozelle the dagger struck him on the breast, and

well must it have been for him that his mail was good. To use his sword he had neither space nor time, but ere

the next stroke could fall Wulf's arms were about Lozelle, and the fight for life begun.

To and fro they reeled and staggered, whirling round and round, till none could tell which of them was Wulf

or which his foe. Now they were on the edge of the abyss, and, in that last dread strain for mastery, seemed to

stand there still as stone. Then one man began to bend down. See! his head hung over. Further and further he

Look! A dagger flashed. Once, twice, thrice it gleamed, and those wrestlers fell apart, while from deep down

Then the head of Rosamund fell forward on her breast, and for a while she seemed to sleep.

Wulf went to his horse, turned it about on the bridge, and throwing his arm around its neck, rested for a

space. Then he mounted and walked slowly towards the inner gate. Pushing through the guard and officers,

"Bravely done, brother," he said, when they came face to face. "Say, are you hurt?"

"A good beginning, truly. Now for the rest," said Godwin. Then he glanced over his shoulder, and added,

"See, they are leading Rosamund away, but Sinan remains, to speak with you doubtless, for Masouda

"Hear what he has to say. Then, as your horse is not wounded either, ride for it when I give the signal as

So, Godwin leading, while the multitude roared a welcome to the conquering Wulf who had borne himself so

bravely for their pleasure, they rode to the mouth of the bridge and halted in the little space before the

"A noble fray," he said. "I did not think that Franks could fight so well; Say, Sir Knight, will you feast with

"I thank you, lord," answered Wulf, "but I must rest while my brother tends my hurts," and he pointed to

Sinan stared at them and stroked his beard, while they trembled, waiting for the word of fate.

"Good. So be it. Tomorrow I wed the lady Rose of Roses, and you twoher brothersshall give her to

me, as is fitting," and he sneered. "Then also you shall receive the reward of valoura great reward, I

While he spoke Godwin, staring upward, had noted a little wandering cloud floating across the moon. Slowly

"Now," he whispered, and bowing to the Aljebal, they pushed their horses through the open gate where the

mob closed in on them, thus for a little while holding back the escort from following on their heels. They

spoke to Flame and Smoke, and the good horses plunged onward side by side, separating the crowd as the

prows of boats separate the water. In ten paces it grew thin, in thirty it was behind them, for all folk were

gathered about the archway where they could see, and none beyond. Forward they cantered, till the broad

Forward leapt the horses at speed. Again Godwin turned, taking that road which ran round the city wall and

through the gardens, leaving the guestcastle to the left, whereas their escort followed that whereby they had

come, which passed along the main street of the inner town, thinking that they were ahead of them. Three

minutes more and they were in the lonely gardens, in which that night no women wandered and no neophytes

"Wulf," said Godwin, as they swept forward, skimming the turf like swallows, "draw your sword and be

ready. Remember the secret cave may be guarded, and, if so, we must kill or be killed."

Wulf nodded, and next instant two long blades flashed in the moonlight, for the little cloud had passed away.

Within a hundred paces of them rose the tall rock, but between it and the mound were two mounted guards.

These heard the beating of horses' hoofs, and wheeling about, stared to see two armed knights sweeping

down upon them like a whirlwind. They called to them to stop, hesitating, then rode forward a few paces, as

In a moment the brethren were on them. The soldiers lifted their lances, but ere they could thrust the sword of

Godwin had caught one between neck and shoulder and sunk to his breast bone, while the sword of Wulf,

used as a spear, had pierced the other through and through, so that those men fell dead by the door of the

The brethren pulled upon their bridles and spoke to Flame and Smoke, halting them within a score of yards.

Then they wheeled round and sprang from their saddles. One of the dead guards still held his horses's reins,

and the other beast stood by snorting. Godwin caught it before it stirred, then, holding all four of them, threw

the key to Wulf and bade him unlock the door. Soon it was done, although he staggered at the task; then he

held the horses, while one by one Godwin led them in, and that without trouble, for the beasts thought that

"They had best keep us company," answered Godwin, and, running out, he carried in first one and then the

"Swift!" he said, as he threw down the second corpse. "Shut the door. I caught sight of horsemen riding

So they locked the massive door and barred it, and with beating hearts waited in the dark, expecting every

moment to hear soldiers battering at its timbers. But no sound came; the searchers, if such they were, had

Now while Wulf made shift to fasten up the horses near the mouth of the cave, Godwin gathered stones as

large as he could lift, and piled them up against the door, till they knew that it would take many men an hour

Then came the weariest time of waiting the brethren had ever known, or were to know, although at first they

did not feel it so long and heavy. Water trickled from the walls of this cave, and Wulf, who was parched with

thirst, gathered it in his hands and drank till he was satisfied. Then he let it run upon his head to cool its

aching; and Godwin bathed such of his brother's hurts and bruises as could be come at, for he did not dare to

When this was done, and he had looked to the saddles and trappings of the horses, Wulf told of all that had

passed between him and Lozelle on the bridge. How at the first onset his spear had caught in the links of and

torn away the headpiece of his foe, who, if the lacings had not burst, would have been hurled to death, while

that of Lozelle struck his buckler fair and shattered on it, rending it from his arm. How they pushed past each

other, and for a moment the fore hoofs of Smoke hung over the abyss, so that he thought he was surely sped:

How at the next course Lozelle's spear passed beneath his arm, while his, striking full upon Sir Hugh's breast,

brought down the black horse and his rider as though a thunderbolt had smitten them, and how Smoke, that

could not check its furious pace, leapt over them, as a horse leaps ahunting: How he would not ride down

Lozelle, but dismounted to finish the fray in knightly fashion, and, being shieldless, received the full weight

of the great sword upon his mail, so that he staggered back and would have fallen had he not struck against

Then he told of the blows that followed, and of his last that wounded Lozelle, shearing through his mail and

felling him as an ox is felled by the butcher: How also, when he sprang forward to kill him, this mighty and

brutal man had prayed for mercy, prayed it in the name of Christ and of their own mother, whom as a child he

knew in Essex: How he could not slaughter him, being helpless, but turned away, saying that he left him to be

dealt with by Aljebal, whereupon this traitorous dog sprang up and strove to knife him. He told also of

their last fearful struggle, and how, shaken as he was by the blow upon his back, although the point of the

dagger had not pierced his mail, he strove with Lozelle, man to man; till at length his youth, great natural

strength, and the skill he had in wrestling, learnt in many a village bout at home, enabled him to prevail, and,

while they hung together on the perilous edge of the gulf, to free his right hand, draw his poniard, and make

"Yet," added Wulf, "never shall I forget the look of that man's eyes as he fell backwards, or the whistling

"At least there is a rogue the less in the world, although he was a brave one in his own knavish fashion,"

answered Godwin. "Moreover, my brother," he added, placing his arm about Wulf's neck, "I am glad it fell to

you to fight him, for at the last grip your might overcame, where I, who am not so strong, should have failed.

Further, I think you did well to show mercy, as a good knight should; that thereby you have gained great

honour, and that if his spirit can see through the darkness, our dead uncle is proud of you now, as I am, my

"I thank you," replied Wulf simply; "but, in this hour of torment, who can think of such things as honour

Then, lest he should grow stiff, who was sorely bruised beneath his mail, they began to walk up and down the

cave from where the horses stood to where the two dead Assassins lay by the door, the faint light gleaming

upon their stern, dark features. III company they seemed in that silent, lonely place.

"How did Masouda come and go?" answered Godwin. "Oh, question me no more; it is in the hand of God."

"Look," said Wulf, in a whisper. "Who stand yonder at the end of the cavethere by the dead men?"

"Their spirits, perchance," answered Godwin, drawing his sword and leaning forward. Then he looked, and

true enough there stood two figures faintly outlined in the gloom. They glided towards them, and now the

"I cannot see them," said a voice. "Oh, those dead soldierswhat do they portend ? "

Now the brethren guessed the truth, and, like men in a dream, stepped forward from the shadow of the wall.

"Oh Godwin! oh Wulf!" she cried in answer. "Oh, Jesu, I thank Thee, I thank TheeThee, and this brave

Masouda pushed her back, and said, in a voice that was almost harsh: "It is not fitting, Princess, that your

"It is most fitting," she sobbed, "that I should give you thanks who but for you must also have become 'a

Then Masouda kissed her back, and, thrusting her away into the arms of Wulf, said roughly:

"So, pilgrims Peter and John, your patron saints have brought you through so far; and, John, you fight right

well. Nay, do not stop for our story, if you wish us to live to tell it. What! You have the soldiers' horses with

your own? Well done! I did not credit you with so much wit. Now, Sir Wulf, can you walk? Yes; so much the

better; it will save you a rough ride, for this place is steep, though not so steep as one you know of. Now set

the princess upon Flame, for no cat is surerfooted than that horse, as you may remember, Peter. I who know

the path will lead it. John, take you the other two; Peter, do you follow last of all with Smoke, and, if they

hang back, prick them with your sword. Come, Flame, be not afraid, Flame. Where I go, you can come," and

Masouda thrust her way through the bushes and over the edge of the cliff, talking to the snorting horse and

A minute more, and they were scrambling down a mountain ridge so steep that it seemed as though they must

fall and be dashed to pieces at the bottom. Yet they fell not, for, made as it had been to meet such hours of

need, this road was safer than it appeared, with ridges cut in the rock at the worst places.

Down they went, and down, till at length, panting, but safe, they stood at the bottom of the darksome gulf

where only the starlight shone, for here the rays of the low moon could not reach.

"Mount," said Masouda. "Princess, stay you on Flame; he is the surest and the swiftest. Sir Wulf, keep your

own horse Smoke; your brother and I will ride those of the soldiers. Though not very swift, doubtless they are

good beasts, and accustomed to such roads." Then she leapt to the saddle as a woman born in the desert can,

For a mile or more Masouda led them along the rocky bottom of the gulf, where because of the stones they

could only travel at a foot pace, till they came to a deep cleft on the left hand, up which they began to ride. By

now the moon was quite behind the mountains, and such faint light as came from the stars began to be

obscured with drifting clouds. Still, they stumbled on till they reached a little glade where water ran and grass

"Halt," said Masouda. "Here we must wait till dawn for in this darkness the horses cannot keep their footing

on the stones. Moreover, all about us lie precipices, over one of which we might fall."

"Not until they have light to see by," answered Masouda, "or at least we must take the risk, for to go forward

would be madness. Sit down and rest a while, and let the horses drink a little and eat a mouthful of grass,

holding their reins in our hands, for we and they may need all our strength before tomorrow's sun is set. Sir

"But very little," he answered in a cheerful voice; "a few bruises beneath my mailthat is all, for Lozelle's

sword was heavy. Tell us, I pray you, what happened after we rode away from the castle bridge."

"This, knights. The princess here, being overcome, was escorted by the slaves back to her chambers, but

Sinan bade me stay with him awhile that he might speak to you through me. Do you know what was in his

mind? To have you killed at once, both of you, whom Lozelle had told him were this lady's lovers, and not

her brothers. Only he feared that there might be trouble with the people, who were pleased with the fighting,

so held his hand. Then he bade you to the supper, whence you would not have returned; but when Sir Wulf

said that he was hurt, I whispered to him that what he wished to do could best be done on the morrow at the

" 'Ay,' he answered, 'these brethren shall fight with them until they are driven into the gulf. It will be a goodly

"So he suffered you to go, and I left him also. Before I went he spoke to me, bidding me bring the princess to

him privately within two hours after we had supped, as he wished to speak to her alone about the ceremony of

her marriage on the morrow, and to make her gifts. I answered aloud that his commands should be obeyed,

and hurried to the guestcastle. There I found your lady recovered from her faintness, but mad with fear, and

"The rest is short. Before the two hours were gone a messenger came, saying that the Aljebal bade me do

" 'Return,' I answered; 'the princess adorns herself. We follow presently alone, as it is commanded.'

"Then I threw this cloak about her and bade her be brave, and, if we failed, to choose whether she would take

Sinan or death for lord. Next, I took the ring you had, the Signet of the dead Aljebal, who gave it to your

kinsman, and held it before the slaves, who bowed and let me pass. We came to the guards, and to them again

I showed the ring. They bowed also, but when they saw that we turned down the passage to the left and not to

the right, as we should have done to come to the doors of the inner palace, they would have stopped us.

" 'Acknowledge the Signet,' I answered. 'Dogs, what is it to you which road the Signet takes?' Then they also

"Now, following the passage, we were out of the guest house and in the gardens, and I led her to what is

called the prison tower, whence runs the secret way. Here were more guards whom I bade open in the name

" 'Behold it!' I answered. The officer looked and said: 'It is the very Signet, sure enough, and there is no

Yet he paused, studying the black stone veined with the red dagger and the ancient writing on it.

" 'Are you, then, weary of life?' I asked. 'Fool, the Aljebal himself would keep a tryst within this house,

which he enters secretly from the palace. Woe to you if he does not find his lady there!'

" 'It is the Signet that he must have sent, sure enough,' the captain said again, 'to disobey which is death.'

"So they opened, though doubtfully, and we entered, and I barred the door behind us. Then, to be short,

through the darkness of the tower basement, guiding ourselves by the wall, we crept to the entrance of that

way of which I know the secret. Ay, and along all its length and through the rock door of escape at the end of

which I set so that none can turn it, save skilled masons with their tools, and into the cave where we found

you. It was no great matter, having the Signet, although without the Signet it had not been possible tonight,

"No great matter!" gasped Rosamund. "Oh, Godwin and Wulf! if you could know how she thought of and

made ready everything; if you could have seen how all those cruel men glared at us, searching out our very

souls! If you could have heard how high she answered them, waving that ring before their eyes and bidding

"Which they surely have done by now," broke in Masouda quietly, "though I do not pity them, who were

wicked. Nay; thank me not; I have done what I promised to do, neither less nor more, andI love danger and

So, seated there on the grass in the darkness, he told them of their mad ride and of the slaying of the guards,

while Rosamund raised her hands and thanked Heaven for its mercies, and that they were without those

"Yes," answered Wulf, "but not alive. Now what plan have you? To ride for the coast towns?"

"No," replied Masouda; "at least not straight, since to do so we must pass through the country of the

Assassins, who by this day's light will be warned to watch for us. We must ride through the desert mountain

lands to Emesa, many miles away, and cross the Orontes there, then down into Baalbec, and so back to

"Emesa?" said Godwin. "Why Saladin holds that place, and of Baalbec the lady Rosamund is princess."

"Which is best?" asked Masouda shortly. "That she should fall into the hands of Salaheddin, or back into

"I choose Salaheddin," broke in Rosamund, "for at least he is my uncle, and will do me no wrong." Nor,

Now at length the summer day began to break, and while it was still too dark to travel, Godwin and

Rosamund let the horses graze, holding them by their bridles. Masouda, also, taking off the hauberk of Wulf,

doctored his bruises as best she could with the crushed leaves of a bush that grew by the stream, having first

washed them with water, and though the time was short, eased him much. Then, so soon as the dawn was

grey, having drunk their fill and, as they had nothing else, eaten some watercress that grew in the stream, they

tightened their saddle girths and started. Scarcely had they gone a hundred yards when, from the gulf beneath,

that was hidden in grey mists, they heard the sound of horse's hoofs and men's voices.

Upwards they climbed through the gathering light, skirting the edge of dreadful precipices which in the

gloom it would have been impossible to pass, till at length they reached a great table land, that ran to the foot

of some mountains a dozen miles or more away. Among those mountains soared two peaks, set close

together. To these Masouda pointed, saying that their road ran between them, and that beyond lay the valley

of the Orontes. While she spoke, far behind them they heard the sound of men shouting, although they could

"Push on," said Masouda; "there is no time to spare," and they went forward, but only at a hand gallop, for

When they had covered some six miles of the distance between them and the mountain pass, the sun rose

suddenly and sucked up the mist. This was what they saw. Before them lay a flat, sandy plain; behind, the

stony ground that they had traversed, and riding over it, two miles from them, some twenty men of the

"They cannot catch us," said Wulf; but Masouda pointed to the right, where the mist still hung, and said:

Presently it thinned, and there a league away they saw a great body of mounted soldiersperhaps there were

"Look," she said; "they have come round during the night, as I feared they would. Now we must cross the

path before them or be taken," and she struck her horse fiercely with a stick she had cut at the stream. Half a

mile further on a shout from the great body of men to their right, which was answered by another shout from

"On!" said Masouda. "The race will be close." So they began to gallop their best.

Two miles were done, but although that behind was far off, the great cloud of dust to their right grew ever

nearer till it seemed as though it must reach the mouth of the mountain pass before them. Then Godwin

"Wulf and Rosamund ride on. Your horses are swift and can outpace them. At the crest of the mountain pass

wait a while to breathe the beasts, and see if we come. If not, ride on again, and God be with you."

"Ay," said Masouda, "ride and head for the Emesa bridgeit can be seen from farand there yield

Then he called to Smoke and Flame, and they stretched themselves out upon the sand and passed thence

swifter than swallows. Soon Godwin and Masouda, toiling behind, saw them enter the mouth of the pass.

"Good," she said. "Except those of their own breed, there are no horses in Syria that can catch those two.

"Who was the man who brought them to us?" asked Godwin, as they galloped side by side, their eyes fixed

"My father's brothermy uncle, as I called him," she answered. "He is a sheik of the desert, who owns the

"No; I may tell you, now that the end seems near. My father was an Arab, my mother a noble Frank, a French

woman, whom he found starving in the desert after a fight, and took to his tent and made his wife. The

Assassins fell upon us and killed him and her, and captured me as a child of twelve. Afterwards, when I grew

older, being beautiful in those days, I was taken to the harem of Sinan, and, although in secret I had been bred

up a Christian by my mother, they swore me of his accursed faith. Now you will understand why I hate him

so sorely who murdered my father and my mother, and made me what I am; why I hold myself so vile also.

Yes, I have been forced to serve as his spy or be killed, who, although he believed me his faithful slave,

"I do not hold you vile," panted Godwin, as he spurred his labouring steed. "I hold you most noble."

"I rejoice to hear it before we die," she answered, looking him in the eyes in such a fashion that he dropped

his head before her burning gaze, "who hold you dear, Sir Godwin, for whose sake I have dared these things,

although I am nought to you. Nay, speak not; the lady Rosamund has told me all that storyexcept its

Now they were off the sand over which they had been racing side by side, and beginning to breast the

mountain slope, nor was Godwin sorry that the clatter of their horses' hoofs upon the stones prevented further

speech between them. So far they had outpaced the Assassins, who had a longer and a rougher road to travel;

but the great cloud of dust was not seven hundred yards away, and in front of it, shaking their spears, rode

"These horses still have strength; they are better than I thought them," cried Masouda. "They will not gain on

For the next league they spoke no more, who must keep their horses from falling as they toiled up the steep

path. At length they reached the crest, and there, on the very top of it, saw Wulf and Rosamund standing by

So they climbed to their saddles again, and, all four of them together began to descend the long slope that

stretched to the plain two leagues beneath. Far off across this plain ran a broad silver streak, beyond which

"The Orontes!" cried Masouda. "Cross that, and we are safe." But Godwin looked first at his horse, then at

Well might he do so, for, stouthearted as they were, the beasts were much distressed that had galloped so far

without drawing rein. Down the steep road they plunged, panting; indeed at times it was hard to keep them on

The descent was almost done, and not a mile behind them the whiterobed Assassins streamed endlessly.

Godwin plied his spurs and Masouda her whip, although with little hope, for they knew that the end was near.

Down the last declivity they rushed, till suddenly, as they reached its foot, Masouda's horse reeled, stopped,

"Ride on!" he cried to Rosamund and Wulf in front; but they would not. He stormed at them, but they replied:

"So be it," she said; "they have carried double before, and must again. Mount in front of the lady, Sir

Godwin; and, Sir Wulf, give me your hand, and you will learn what this breed can do."

So they mounted. Forward started Flame and Smoke with a long, swinging gallop, while from the Assassins

"Their horses are also tired, and we may beat them yet," called the dauntless Masouda. But Godwin and Wulf

On they went, and on. A quarter of it was done. Half of it was done, but now the first of the fedai hung upon

their flanks not two hundred yards behind. Little by little this distance lessened. At length they were scarcely

fifty yards away, and one of them flung a spear. In her terror Rosamund sobbed aloud.

"Spur the horses, knights," cried Masouda, and for the first time they spurred them.

At the sting of the steel Flame and Smoke sprang forward as though they had but just left their stable door,

and the gap between pursuers and pursued widened. Two more miles were done, and scarce seven furlongs

from them they saw the broad mouth of the bridge, while the towers of Emesa beyond seemed so close that in

this clear air they could discern the watchmen outlined against the sky. Then they descended a little valley,

At the rise of the opposing slope the strength of Flame and Smoke at last began to fail beneath their double

burdens. They panted and trembled; and, save in short rushes, no longer answered to the spur. The Assassins

saw, and came on with wild shouts. Nearer and nearer they drew, and the sound of their horses hoofs beating

on the sand was like the sound of thunder. Now once more they were fifty yards away, and now but thirty,

Masouda screamed to the horses in Arabic, and gallantly did they struggle, plunging up the hill with slow,

convulsive bounds. Godwin and Wulf looked at each other, then, at a signal, checked their speed, leapt to

"On!" they cried, and lightened of their weight, once more the reeling horses plunged forward.

The Assassins were upon them. Wulf struck a mighty blow and emptied the saddle of the first, then was

swept to earth. As he fell from behind him he heard a scream of joy, and struggling to his knees, looked

round. Lo! from over the crest of the rise rushed squadron upon squadron of turbaned cavalry, who, as they

"A horse! A horse!" screamed Godwin in Arabic; and presently how he never knewfound himself

To Wulf, too, a horse was brought, but he could not struggle to its saddle. Thrice he strove, then fell

backwards and lay upon the sand, waving his sword and shouting where he lay, while Masouda stood by him,

Now the pursuers were the pursued, and dreadful was the reckoning that they must pay. Their horses were

outworn and could not fly at speed. Some of the fedai were cut down upon them. Some dismounted, and

gathering themselves in little groups, fought bravely till they were slain, while a few were taken prisoners. Of

all that great troup of men not a score won back alive to Masyaf to make report to their master of how the

A while later and Wulf from his seat upon the ground saw Godwin riding back towards him, his red sword in

his hand. With him rode a sturdy, brighteyed man gorgeously apparelled, at the sight of whom Rosamund

sprang to her feet; then, as he dismounted, ran forward and with a little cry cast her arms about him.

"Hassan! Prince Hassan! Is it indeed you? Oh, God be praised!" she gasped, then, had not Masouda caught

The Emir looked at her, her long hair loose, her face stained, her veil torn, but still clad in the silk and

gleaming gems with which she had been decked as the brideelect of Aljebal. Then low to the earth he

bent his knee, while the grave Saracens watched, and taking the hem of her garment, he kissed it.

"Allah be praised indeed!" he said. "I, His unworthy servant, thank Him from my heart, who never thought to

see you living more. Soldiers, salute. Before you stands the lady Rose of the World, princess of Baalbec and

Then in stately salutation to this dishevelled, outworn, but still queenly woman, uprose hand, and spear, and

"Why, it is our merchant of the drugged winenone other! Oh! Sir Saracen, does not the memory of that

"Like you, Sir Wulf, I am the slave of Fate, and must obey. Be not bitter against me till you know all."

"I am not bitter," answered Wulf, "but I always pay for my drink, and we will settle that score yet, as I have

"Hush!" broke in Rosamund. "Although he stole me, he is also my deliverer and friend through many a peril,

"I do not know all the story, but, Princess, it seems that you should thank not me, but these goodly cousins of

yours and those splendid horses," and Hassan pointed to Smoke and Flame, which stood by quivering, with

"There is another whom I must thank also, this noble woman, as you will call her also when you hear the

"My master will reward her," said Hassan. "But oh! lady, what must you think of me who seemed to desert

you so basely? Yet I reasoned well. In the castle of that son of Satan, Sinan," and he spat upon the ground, "I

could not have aided you, for there he would only have butchered me. But by escaping I thought that I might

help, so I bribed the Frankish knave with the priceless Star of my House," and he touched the great jewel that

he wore in his turban, "and with what money I had, to loose my bonds, and while he pouched the gold I

stabbed him with his own knife and fled. But this morning I reached yonder city in command of ten thousand

men, charged to rescue you if I could; if not, to avenge you, for the ambassadors of Salaheddin informed

me of your plight. An hour ago the watchmen on the towers reported that they saw two horses galloping

across the plain beneath a double burden, pursued by soldiers whom from their robes they took to be

Assassins. So, as I have a quarrel with the Assassins, I crossed the bridge, formed up five hundred men in a

hollow, and waited, never guessing that it was you who fled. You know the restand the Assassins know it

"Follow it up," said Wulf, "and the vengeance shall be better, for I will show you the secret way into

Masyafor, if I cannot, Godwin willand there you may hurl Sinan from his own towers."

"I should like it well, for with this magician my master also has an ancient quarrel. But he has other feuds

upon his hands," and he looked meaningly at Wulf and Godwin, "and my orders were to rescue the princess

and no more. Well, she has been rescued, and some hundreds of heads have paid the price of all that she has

suffered. Also, that secret way of yours will be safe enough by now. So there I let the matter bide, glad

enough that it has ended thus. Only I warn you alland myself alsoto walk warily, since, if I know aught

of him, Sinan's fedais will henceforth dog the steps of every one of us, striving to bring us to our ends by

murder. Now here come litters; enter them, all of you, and be borne to the city, who have ridden far enough

today. Fear not for your horses; they shall be led in gently and saved alive, if skill and care can save them. I

So the bearers came and lifted up Wulf, and helped Godwin from his horsefor now that all was over he

could scarcely standand with him Rosamund and Masouda. Placing them in the litters, they carried them,

escorted by cavalry, across the bridge of the Orontes into the city of Emesa, where they lodged them in the

Here also, after giving them a drink of barley gruel, and rubbing their backs and legs with ointment, they led

the horses Smoke and Flame, slowly and with great trouble, for these could hardly stir, and laid them down

on thick beds of straw, tempting them with food, which after awhile they ate. The fourRosamund,

Masouda, Godwin, and Wulf ate also of some soup with wine in it, and after the hurts of Wulf had been

tended by a skilled doctor, went to their beds, whence they did not rise again for two days.

In the third morning Godwin awoke to see the ray of sunrise streaming through the latticed window.

They fell upon another bed nearby where Wulf still lay sleeping, a bandage on his head that had beer hurt in

the last charge against the Assassins, and other bandages about his arms and body, which were much bruised

Wondrous was it to Godwin to watch him Iying there sleeping healthily, notwithstanding his injuries, and to

think of what they had gone through together with so little harm; to think, also, of how they had rescued

Rosamund out of the very mouth of that earthly hell of which he could see the peaks through the open

windowplaceout of the very hands of that fiend, its ruler. Reckoning the tale day by day, he reflected on

their adventures since they landed at Beirut, and saw how Heaven had guided their every step.

In face of the warnings that were given them, to visit the Aljebal in his stronghold had seemed a madness.

Yet there, where none could have thought that she would be, they had found Rosamund. There they had been

avenged upon the false knight Sir Hugh Lozelle, who had betrayed her, first to Saladin, then to Sinan, and

Oh, how wise they had been to obey the dying words of their uncle, Sir Andrew, who doubtless was given

foresight at the end! God and His saints had helped them, who could not have helped themselves, and His

minister had been Masouda. But for Masouda, Rosamund would by now be lost or dead, and they, if their

lives were still left to them, would be wanderers in the great land of Syria, seeking for one who never could

Why had Masouda done these things, again and again putting her own life upon the hazard to save theirs and

the honour of another woman? As he asked himself the question Godwin felt the red blood rise to his face.

Because she hated Sinan, who had murdered her parents and degraded her, she said; and doubtless that had to

do with the matter. But it was no longer possible to hide the truth. She loved him, and had loved him from the

first hour when they met. He had always suspected itin that wild trial of the horses upon the mountain side,

when she sat with her arms about him and her face pressed against his face; when she kissed his feet after he

But as they followed Wulf and Rosamund up the mountain pass while the host of the Assassins thundered at

their heels, and in broken gasps she had told him of her sad history, then it was that he grew sure. Then, too,

he had said that he held her not vile, but noble, as indeed he did; and, thinking their death upon them, she had

answered that she held him dear, and looked on him as a woman looks upon her only lovea message in her

eyes that no man could fail to read. Yet if this were so, why had Masouda saved Rosamund, the lady to whom

she knew well that he was sworn? Reared among those cruel folk who could wade to their desire through

blood and think it honour, would she not have left her rival to her doom, seeing that oaths do not hold beyond

An answer came into the heart of Godwin, at the very thought of which he turned pale and trembled. His

brother was also sworn to Rosamund, and she in her soul must be sworn to one of them. Was it not to Wulf,

Wulf who was handsomer and more strong than he, to Wulf, the conqueror of Lozelle? Had Rosamund told

Yet women can read each other's hearts, piercing veils through which no man may see, and perchance

Masouda had read the heart of Rosamund. She stood behind her during the dreadful duel at the gate, and

watched her face when Wulf's death seemed sure; she might have heard words that broke in agony from her

Oh, without doubt it was so, and Masouda had protected Rosamund because she knew that her love was for

Wulf and not for him. The thought was very bitter, and in its pain Godwin groaned aloud, while a fierce

jealousy of the brave and handsome knight who slept at his side, dreaming, doubtless, of the fame that he had

won and the reward by which it would be crowned, gripped his vitals like the icy hand of death. Then

Godwin remembered the oath that they two had sworn far away in the Priory at Stangate, and the love

passing the love of woman which he bore towards this brother, and the duty of a Christian warrior whereto he

It would seem that it came to himat least, when he lifted his head again the jealousy was gone, and only

the great grief remained. Fear remained alsofor what of Masouda? How should he deal with her? He was

certain that this was no fancy which would passuntil her life passed with it, and, beautiful as she was, and

noble as she was, he did not wish her love. He could find no answer to these questions, save thisthat things

strive to do his duty, to keep his hands clean, and await the end, whatever that might be.

Wulf woke up, stretched his arms, exclaimed because that action hurt him, grumbled at the brightness of the

light upon his eyes, and said that he was very hungry. Then he arose, and with the help of Godwin, dressed

himself, but not in his armour. Here, with the yellowcoated soldiers of Saladin, gravefaced and watchful,

pacing before their door for night and day they were trebly guarded lest Assassins should creep inthere

was no need for mail. In the fortress of Masyaf, indeed, where they were also guarded, it had been otherwise.

Wulf heard the step of the sentries on the cemented pavement without, and shook his great shoulders as

"That sound makes my backbone cold," he said. "For a moment, as my eyes opened, I thought that we were

back again in the guest chambers of Aljebal, where folk crept round us as we slept and murderers marched

to and fro outside the curtains, fingering their knifepoints. Well, whatever there is to come, thank the Saints,

that is done with. I tell you, brother, I have had enough of mountains, and narrow bridges, and Assassins.

Henceforth, I desire to live upon a flat with never a hill in sight, amidst honest folk as stupid as their own

sheep, who go to church on Sundays and get drunk, not with hachich, but on brown ale, brought to them by

no whiterobed sorceress, but by a draggletailed wench in a tavern, with her musty bedstraw still sticking in

her hair. Give me the Saltings of Essex with the east winds blowing over them, and the primroses abloom

upon the bank, and the lanes fetlock deep in mud, and for your share you may take all the scented gardens of

Sinan and the cups and jewels of his ladies, with the fightings and adventures of the golden East thrown in."

"I never sought these things, and we are a long way from Essex," answered Godwin shortly.

"No," said Wulf, "but they seem to seek you. What news of Masouda? Have you seen her while I slept, which

"I have seen no one except the apothecary who tended you, the slaves who brought us food, and last evening

the prince Hassan, who came to see how we fared. He told me that, like yourself, Rosamund and Masouda

"I am glad to hear it," answered Wulf, "for certainly their rest was earned. By St. Chad! what a woman is this

Masouda! A heart of fire and nerves of steel! Beautiful, toomost beautiful; and the best horsewoman that

ever sat a steed. Had it not been for herBy Heaven! when I think of it I feel as though I loved herdon't

"Ah, well, I daresay she can love enough for two who does nothing by halves, and, all things considered," he

added, with one of his great laughs, "I am glad it is I of whom she thinks so littleyes, I who adore her as

though she were my patron saint. Hark! the guards challenge," and, forgetting where he was, he snatched at

Then the door opened, and through it appeared the emir Hassan, who saluted them in the name of Allah,

"Few would judge, to look at you, Sir Knights," he said with a smile, "that you have been the guests of the

Old Man of the Mountain, and left his house so hastily by the back door. Three days more and you will be as

lusty as when we met beyond the seas upon the wharf by a certain creek. Oh, you are brave men, both of you,

though you be infidels, from which error may the Prophet guide you; brave men, the flower of knighthood.

Ay, I, Hassan, who have known many Frankish knights, say it from my heart," and, placing his hand to his

"We thank you, Prince, for your praise," said Godwin gravely, but Wulf stepped forward, took his hand, and

"That was an ill trick, Prince, which you played us yonder in England," he said, "and one that brought as

good a warrior as ever drew a swordour uncle Sir Andrew D'Arcyto an end sad as it was glorious. Still,

you obeyed your master, and because of all that has happened since, I forgive you, and call you friend,

although should we ever meet in battle I still hope to pay you for that drugged wine."

"I admit that the debt is owing; also that none sorrow more for the death of the noble lord D'Arcy than I, your

servant, who, by the will of God, brought it upon him. When we meet, Sir Wulf, in warand that, I think,

will be an ill hour for mestrike, and strike home; I shall not complain. Meanwhile, we are friends, and in

very truth all that I have is yours. But now I come to tell you that the princess Rose of the WorldAllah

bless her footsteps!is recovered from her fatigues, and desires that you should breakfast with her in an

hour's time. Also the doctor waits to tend your bruises, and slaves to lead you to the bath and clothe you. Nay,

leave your hauberk; here the faith of Salaheddin and of his servants is your best armour."

"Still, I think that we will take them," said Godwin, "for faith is a poor defence against the daggers of these

An hour later they were led to the hall, where presently came Rosamund, and with her Masouda and Hassan.

She was dressed in the rich robes of an Eastern lady, but the gems with which she had been adorned as the

bride elect of Aljebal were gone; and when she lifted her veil the brethren saw that though her face was

still somewhat pallid, her strength had come back to her, and the terror had left her eyes. She greeted them

with sweet and gentle words, thanking first Godwin and then Wulf for all that they had done, and turning to

Masouda, who stood by, stately, and watchful, thanked her also. Then they sat down, and ate with light hearts

Before their meal was finished, the guard at the door announced that messengers had arrived from the Sultan.

They entered, greyhaired men clad in the robes of secretaries, whom Hassan hastened to greet. When they

were seated and had spoken with him awhile, one of them drew forth a letter, which Hassan, touching his

forehead with it in token of respect, gave to Rosamund. She broke its seal, and, seeing that it was in Arabic,

So he read aloud, translating the letter sentence by sentence. This was its purport:

"Salaheddin, Commander of the Faithful, the Strongtoaid, to his niece beloved, Rose of the World,

"Our servant, the emir Hassan, has sent us tidings of your rescue from the power of the accursed lord of the

Mountain, Sinan, and that you are now safe in our city of Emesa, guarded by many thousands of our soldiers,

and with you a woman named Masouda, and your kinsmen, the two Frankish knights, by whose skill in arms

and courage you were saved. Now this is to command you to come to our court at Damascus so soon as you

may be fit to travel, knowing that here you will be received with love and honour. Also I invite your kinsmen

to accompany you, since I knew their father, and would welcome knights who have done such great deeds,

and the woman Masouda with them. Or, if they prefer it, all three of them may return to their own lands and

"Hasten, my niece, lady Rose of the World, hasten, for my spirit seeks you, and my eyes desire to look upon

"You have heard," said Rosamund, as Godwin finished reading the scroll. "Now, my cousins, what will you

"What else but go with you, whom we have come so far to seek?" answered Wulf, and Godwin nodded his

"I, lady? Oh, I go also, since were I to return yonder," and she nodded towards the mountains, "my greeting

"I expected no other," he answered with a bow. " Only, knights, you must give me a promise, for even in the

midst of my army such is needful from men who can fly like birds out of the fortress of Masyaf and from the

knives of the Assassinswho are mounted, moreover, on the swiftest horses in Syria that have been trained

to carry a double burden," and he looked at them meaningly. "It is that upon this journey you will not attempt

to escape with the princess, whom you have followed from oversea to rescue her out of the hand of

Godwin drew from his tunic the cross which Rosamund had left him in the hall at Steeple, and saying: "I

swear upon this holy symbol that during our journey to Damascus I will attempt no escape with or without

"And I swear the same upon my sword," added Wulf, laying his hand upon the silver hilt of the great blade

"A security that I like better," said Hassan with a smile, "but in truth, knights, your word is enough for me."

Then he looked at Masouda and went on, still smiling: "Nay it is useless; for women who have dwelt yonder

oaths have no meaning. Lady, we must be content to watch you, since my lord has bidden you to his city,

Then he turned to speak to the secretaries, and Godwin, who was noting all, saw Masouda's dark eyes follow

That same afternoon they started for Damascus, a great army of horsemen. In its midst, guarded by a

thousand spears, Rosamund was borne in a litter. In front of her rode Hassan, with his yellowrobed

bodyguard; at her side, Masouda; and behindfor, notwithstanding his hurts, Wulf would not be

carriedthe brethren, mounted upon ambling palfreys. After them, led by slaves, came the chargers, Flame

and Smoke, recovered now, but still walking somewhat stiffly, and then rank upon rank of turbaned Saracens.

Through the open curtains of her litter Rosamund beckoned to the brethren, who pushed alongside of her.

They looked, and there, bathed in the glory of the sinking sun, saw the mountains crowned far, far away with

the impregnable city and fortress of Masyaf, and below it the slopes down which they had ridden for their

lives. Nearer to them flashed the river bordered by the town of Emesa. Set at intervals along its walls were

spears, looking like filaments against the flaming, sunset sky, and on each of them a black dot, which was the

head of an Assassin, while from the turrets above, the golden banner of Saladin fluttered in the evening wind.

Remembering all that she had undergone in that fearful home of devilworshippers, and the fate from which

"It burns like a city in hell," she said, staring at Masyaf, environed by that lurid evening light and canopied

"I trust so," answered Wulf fervently. "At least, in this world and the next we have done with it."

"Yes," added Godwin in his thoughtful voice; "still, out of that evil place we won good, for there we found

Rosamund, and there, my brother, you conquered in such a fray as you can never hope to fight again, gaining

Then reining in his horse, Godwin fell back behind the litter, while Wulf wondered, and Rosamund watched

That evening they camped in the desert, and next morning, surrounded by wandering tribes of Bedouins

mounted on their camels, marched on again, sleeping that night in the ancient fortress of Baalbec, whereof

the garrison and people, having been warned by runners of the rank and titles of Rosamund came out to do

Hearing of it, she left her litter, and mounting a splendid horse which they had sent her as a present, rode to

meet them, the brethren, in full armour and once more bestriding Flame and Smoke, beside her, and a guard

of Saladin's own Mameluks behind. Solemn, turbaned men, who had been commanded so to do by

messengers from the Sultan, brought her the keys of the gates on a cushion, minstrels and soldiers marched

before her, whilst crowding the walls and running alongside came the citizens in their thousands. Thus she

went on, through the open gates, past the towering columns of ruined temples once a home of the worship of

heathen gods, through courts and vaults to the citadel surrounded by its gardens that in dead ages had been

Here in the portico Rosamund turned her horse, and received the salutations of the multitude as though she

also were one of the world's rulers. Indeed, it seemed to the brethren watching her as she sat upon the great

white horse and surveyed the shouting, bending crowd with flashing eyes, splendid in her bearing and

beautiful to see, a prince at her stirrup and an army at her back, that none of those who had trod that path

before her could have seemed greater or more glorious in the hour of their pride than did this English girl,

who by the whim of Fate had suddenly been set so high. Truly by blood and nature she was fitted to be a

queen. Yet as Rosamund sat thus the pride passed from her face, and her eyes fell.

"That I would we were back among the summer fields at Steeple," she answered, "for those who are lifted

high fall low. Prince Hassan, give the captains and people my thanks and bid them be gone. I would rest."

Thus for the first and last time did Rosamund behold her ancient fief of Baalbec, which her grandsire, the

That night there was feasting in the mighty, immemorial halls, and singing and minstrelsy and the dancing of

fair women and the giving of gifts. For Baalbec, where birth and beauty were ever welcome, did honour to its

lady, the favoured niece of the mighty Salaheddin. Yet there were some who murmured that she would

bring no good fortune to the Sultan or this his city, who was not all of the blood of Ayoub, but half a Frank,

and a Cross worshipper, though even these praised her beauty and her royal bearing. The brethren they

praised also, although these were unbelievers, and the tale of how Wulf had fought the traitor knight upon the

Narrow Way, and of how they had led their kinswoman from the haunted fortress of Masyaf, was passed

from mouth to mouth. At dawn the next day, on orders received from the Sultan, they left Baalbec, escorted

by the army and many of the notables of the town. That afternoon they drew rein upon the heights which

overlook the city of Damascus, Bride of the Earth, set amidst its seven streams and ringed about with

gardens, one of the most beautiful and perhaps the most ancient city in the world. Then they rode down to the

bounteous plain, and as night fell, having passed the encircling gardens, were escorted through the gates of

Along the narrow streets, bordered by yellow, flatroofed houses, they rode slowly, looking now at the

motley, manycoloured crowds, who watched them with grave interest, and now at the stately buildings,

domed mosques and towering minarets, which everywhere stood out against the deep blue of the evening sky.

Thus at length they came to an open space planted like a garden, beyond which was seen a huge and fantastic

castle that Hassan told them was the palace of Salaheddin. In its courtyard they were parted, Rosamund

being led away by officers of state, whilst the brethren were taken to chambers that had been prepared, where,

after they had bathed, they were served with food. Scarcely had they eaten it when Hassan appeared, and

bade them follow him. Passing down various passages and across a court they came to some guarded doors,

"It is not needful," said Hassan, and they let them go by. Next came more passages and a curtain, beyond

which they found themselves in a small, domed room, lit by hanging silver lamps and paved in tesselated

At a sign from Hassan the brethren stood still in the centre of this room, and looked about them wondering.

The place was empty and very silent; they felt afraidof what they knew not. Presently curtains upon its

further side opened and through them came a man turbaned and wrapped in a dark robe, who stood awhile in

The man was not very tall, and slight in build, yet about him was much majesty, although his garb was such

as the humblest might have worn. He came forward, lifting his head, and they saw that his features were

small and finely cut; that he was bearded, and beneath his broad brow shone thoughtful yet at times piercing

eyes which were brown in hue. Now the prince Hassan sank to his knees and touched the marble with his

forehead, and, guessing that they were in the presence of the mighty monarch Saladin, the brethren saluted in

their western fashion. Presently the Sultan spoke in a low, even voice to Hassan, to whom he motioned that

"I can see that you trust these knights, Emir," and he pointed to their great swords.

"Sire," was the answer, "I trust them as I trust myself. They are brave and honourable men, although they be

"Ay," he said, "infidels. It is a pity, yet doubtless they worship God after their own fashion. Noble to look on

also, like their father, whom I remember well, and, if all I hear is true, brave indeed. Sir Knights, do you

"Sufficiently to speak it, lord," answered Godwin, "who have learned it since childhood, yet ill enough."

"Good. Then tell me, as soldiers to a soldier, what do you seek from Salaheddin?"

"Our cousin, the lady Rosamund, who, by your command, lord, was stolen from our home in England."

"Knights, she is your cousin, that I know, as surely as I know that she is my niece. Tell me now, is she aught

"That, sire, is known to her alone. When the time comes, she will say, and not before."

"I perceive," said Saladin, "that behind this riddle hides a story. If it is your good pleasure, be seated, and set

So they sat down on the divan and obeyed, keeping nothing back from the beginning to the end, nor, although

"A great story, truly," he said, when at length they had finished, "and one in which I seem to see the hand of

Allah. Sir Knights, you will think that I have wronged youay, and your uncle, Sir Andrew, who was once

my friend, although an older man than I, and who, by stealing away my sister, laid the foundations of this

"Now listen. The tale that those two Frankish knaves, the priest and the false knight Lozelle, told to you was

true. As I wrote to your uncle in my letter, I dreamed a dream. Thrice I dreamed it; that this niece of mine

lived, and that if I could bring her here to dwell at my side she should save the shedding of much blood by

some noble deed of hersay, of the blood of tens of thousands; and in that dream I saw her face. Therefore I

stretched out my arm and took her from far away. And now, through youyes, through youshe has been

snatched from the power of the great Assassin, and is safe in my court, and therefore henceforth I am your

"Knights, I have seen her, and the face is the face of my dreams, and therefore I know full surely that in those

dreams God spoke. Listen, Sir Godwin and Sir Wulf," Saladin went on in a changed voice, a stern,

commanding voice. "Ask of me what you will, and, Franks though you are, it shall be given you for your

service's sakewealth, lands, titles, all that men desire and I can grantbut ask not of me my niece, Rose of

the World, princess of Baalbec, whom Allah has brought to me for His own purposes. Know, moreover, that

if you strive to steal her away you shall certainly die; and that if she escapes from me and I recapture her,

then she shall die. These things I have told her already, and I swear them in the name of Allah. Here she is,

Now in their dismay the brethren looked at each other, for they seemed further from their desire than they had

been even in the castle of Sinan. Then a light broke upon the face of Godwin, and he stood up and answered:

"Dread lord of all the East, we hear you and we know our risk. You have given us your friendship; we accept

it, and are thankful, and seek no more. God, you say, has brought our lady Rosamund to you for His own

purposes, of which you have no doubt since her face is the very face of your dreams. Then let His purposes

be accomplished according to His will, which may be in some way that we little guess. We abide His

"Well spoken," replied Saladin. "I have warned you, my guests, therefore blame me not if I keep my word;

but I ask no promise from you who would not tempt noble knights to lie. Yes, Allah has set this strange

At the court of Saladin Godwin and Wulf were treated with much honour. A house was given them to dwell

in, and a company of servants to minister to their comfort and to guard them. Mounted on their swift horses,

Flame and Smoke, they were taken out into the desert to hunt, and, had they so willed, it would have been

easy for them to outdistance their retinue and companions and ride away to the nearest Christian town.

Indeed, no hand would have been lifted to stay them who were free to come or go. But whither were they to

Saladin they saw often, for it pleased him to tell them tales of those days when their father and uncle were in

the East, or to talk with them of England and the Franks, and even now and again to reason with Godwin on

matters of religion. Moreover, to show his faith in them, he gave them the rank of officers of his own

bodyguard, and when, wearying of idleness, they asked it of him, allowed them to take their share of duty in

the guarding of his palace and person. This, at a time when peace still reigned between Frank and Saracen,

the brethren were not ashamed to do, who received no payment for their services.

Peace reigned indeed, but Godwin and Wulf could guess that it would not reign for long. Damascus and the

plain around it were one great camp, and every day new thousands of wild tribesmen poured in and took up

the quarters that had been prepared for them. They asked Masouda, who knew everything, what it meant. She

"It means the jihad, the Holy War, which is being preached in every mosque throughout the East. It means

that the great struggle between Cross and Crescent is at hand, and then, pilgrims Peter and John, you will

"None," replied Masouda, with one of her smiles, "only it may pain you to have to make war upon the

Then she went, still smiling. For this was the trouble of it: Rosamund, their cousin and their love, had in truth

become the princess of Baalbecfor them. She lived in great state and freedom, as Saladin had promised

that she should live in his letter to Sir Andrew D'Arcy. No insult or violence were offered to her faith; no

suitor was thrust upon her. But she was in a land where women do not consort with men, especially if they be

highplaced. As a princess of the empire of Saladin, she must obey its rules, even to veiling herself when she

went abroad, and exchanging no private words with men. Godwin and Wulf prayed Saladin that they might

"Sir Knights, our customs are our customs. Moreover, the less you see of the princess of Baalbec the better I

think it will be for her, for you, whose blood I do not wish to have upon my hands, and for myself, who await

Then the brethren left his presence sore at heart, for although they saw her from time to time at feasts and

festivals, Rosamund was as far apart from them as though she sat in Steeple Hallay, and further. Also they

came to see that of rescuing her from Damascus there was no hope at all. She dwelt in her own palace,

whereof the walls were guarded night and day by a company of the Sultan's Mameluks, who knew that they

were answerable for her with their lives. Within its walls, again, lived trusted eunuchs, under the command of

a cunning fellow named Mesrour, and her retinue of women, all of them spies and watchful. How could two

men hope to snatch her from the heart of such a host and to spirit her out of Damascus and through its

One comfort, however, was left to them. When she reached the court Rosamund had prayed of the Sultan that

Masouda should not be separated from her, and this because of the part she had played in his niece's rescue

from the power of Sinan, he had granted, though doubtfully. Moreover, Masouda, being a person of no

account except for her beauty, and a heretic, was allowed to go where she would and to speak with whom she

wished. So, as she wished to speak often with Godwin, they did not lack for tidings of Rosamund.

>From her they learned that in a fashion the princess was happy enough who would not be that had just

escaped from Aljebal?yet weary of the strange Eastern life, of the restraints upon her, and of her aimless

days; vexed also that she might not mix with the brethren. Day by day she sent them her greetings, and with

them warnings to attempt nothing not even to see hersince there was no hope that they would succeed.

So much afraid of them was the Sultan, Rosamund said, that both she and they were watched day and night,

and of any folly their lives would pay the price. When they heard all this the brethren began to despair, and

Then it was that a chance came to them of which the issue was to make them still more admired by Saladin

and to lift Masouda to honour. One hot morning they were seated in the courtyard of their house beside the

fountain, staring at the passersby through the bars of the bronze gates and at the sentries who marched to

and fro before them. This house was in one of the principal thoroughfares of Damascus, and in front of it

There were whiterobed Arabs of the desert, mounted on their grumbling camels; caravans of merchandise

from Egypt or elsewhere; asses laden with firewood or the grey, prickly growth of the wild thyme for the

bakers' ovens; watersellers with their goatskin bags and chinking brazen cups; vendors of birds or

sweetmeats; women going to the bath in closed and curtained litters, escorted by the eunuchs of their

households; great lords riding on their Arab horses and preceded by their runners, who thrust the crowd

asunder and beat the poor with rods; beggars, halt, maimed, and blind, beseeching alms; lepers, from whom

all shrank away, who wailed their woes aloud; stately companies of soldiers, some mounted and some afoot;

holy men, who gave blessings and received alms; and so forth, without number and without end.

Godwin and Wulf, seated in the shade of the painted house, watched them gloomily. They were weary of this

everchanging sameness, weary of the eternal glare and glitter of this unfamiliar life, weary of the insistent

cries of the mullahs on the minarets, of the flash of the swords that would soon be red with the blood of their

own people; weary, too, of the hopeless task to which they were sworn. Rosamund was one of this multitude;

she was the princess of Baalbec, half an Eastern by her blood, and growing more Eastern day by dayor so

they thought in their bitterness. As well might two Saracens hope to snatch the queen of England from her

palace at Westminster, as they to drag the princess of Baalbec out of the power of a monarch more absolute

So they sat silent since they had nothing to say, and stared now at the passing crowd, and now at the thin

Presently they heard voices at the gate, and, looking up, saw a woman wrapped in a long cloak, talking with

the guard, who with a laugh thrust out his arm, as though to place it round her. Then a knife flashed, and the

soldier stepped back, still laughing, and opened the wicket. The woman came in. It was Masouda. They rose

and bowed to her, but she passed before them into the house. Thither they followed, while the soldier at the

gate laughed again, and at the sound of his mockery Godwin's cheek grew red. Even in the cool, darkened

"What does it matter? Such insults are my daily bread whom they believe" and she stopped.

"I thank you," Masouda answered, with a sweet, swift smile, and, throwing off her cloak, stood before them

unveiled, clad in the white robes that befitted her tall and graceful form so well, and were blazoned on the

breast with the cognizance of Baalbec. "Well for you," she went on, "that they hold me to be what I am not,

"What of our lady Rosamund?" broke in Wulf awkwardly, for, like Godwin, he was pained.

Masouda laid her hand upon her breast as though to still its heaving, then answered:

"The princess of Baalbec, my mistress, is well and as ever, beautiful, though somewhat weary of the pomp in

which she finds no joy. She sent her greetings, but did not say to which of you they should be delivered, so,

Godwin winced, but Wulf asked if there were any hope of seeing her, to which Masouda answered:

"None," adding, in a low voice, "I come upon another business. Do you brethren wish to do Salaheddin a

"Only to save his lifefor which he may be grateful, or may not, according to his mood."

"Speak on," said Godwin, "and tell us how we two Franks can save the life of the Sultan of the East."

"Do you still remember Sinan and his fedais? Yesthey are not easily forgotten, are they? Well, tonight he

has plotted to murder Salaheddin, and afterwards to murder you if he can, and to carry away your lady

Rosamund if he can, or, failing that, to murder her also. Oh! the tale is true enough. I have it from one of

them under the Signetsurely that Signet has served us wellwho believes, poor fool, that I am in the plot.

Now, you are the officers of the bodyguard who watch in the antechamber tonight, are you not? Well,

when the guard is changed at midnight, the eight men who should replace them at the doors of the room of

Salaheddin will not arrive; they will be decoyed away by a false order. In their stead will come eight

murderers, disguised in the robes and arms of Mameluks. They look to deceive and cut you down, kill

Salaheddin, and escape by the further door. Can you hold your own awhile against eight men, think you?"

"We have done so before and will try," answered Wulf. "But how shall we know that they are not

"Thusthey will wish to pass the door, and you will say, 'Nay, sons of Sinan,' whereon they will spring on

"Nay, for you must lock the door of the chamber of Salaheddin and hide away the key. The sound of the

fighting will arouse the outer guard ere hurt can come to him. Or," she added, after thinking awhile, "perhaps

"No, no," answered Wulf; "let us take the chance. I weary of doing nothing here. Hassan guards the outer

"Good," said Masouda; "I will see that he is there and awake. Now farewell, and pray that we may meet

again. I say nothing of this story to the princess Rosamund until it is done with." Then throwing her cloak

"We have never found Masouda to be a liar," was his answer. "Come; let us see to our armour, for the knives

It was near midnight, and the brethren stood in the small, domed antechamber, from which a door opened

into the sleeping rooms of Saladin. The guard of eight Mameluks had left them, to be met by their relief in

the courtyard, according to custom, but no relief had as yet appeared in the antechamber.

"It would seem that Masouda's tale is true," said Godwin, and going to the door he locked it, and hid the key

Then they took their stand in front of the locked door, before which hung curtains, standing in the shadow

with the light from the hanging silver lamps pouring down in front of them. Here they waited awhile in

silence, till at length they heard the tramp of men, and eight Mameluks, clad in yellow above their mail,

"A D'Arcy! A D'Arcy! Help for the Sultan!" shouted the brethren, and the fray began.

Six of the men attacked them, and while they were engaged with these the other two slipped round and tried

the door, only to find it fast. Then they also turned upon the brethren, thinking to take the key from off their

bodies. At the first rush two of the fedai went down beneath the sweep of the long swords, but after that the

murderers would not come close, and while some engaged them in front, others strove to pass and stab them

from behind. Indeed, a blow from one of their long knives fell upon Godwin's shoulder, but the good mail

So suddenly they gave way before them till their backs were against the door, and there they stood, shouting

for help and sweeping round them with their swords into reach of which the fedai dare not come. Now from

without the chamber rose a cry and tumult, and the sound of heavy blows falling upon the gates that the

murderers had barred behind them, while upon the further side of the door, which he could not open, was

The fedai heard these sounds also, and read in them their doom. Forgetting caution in their despair and rage,

they hurled themselves upon the brethren, for they thought that if they could get them down they might still

break through the door and slay Salaheddin before they themselves were slain. But for awhile the brethren

stopped their rush with point and buckler, wounding two of them sorely; and when at length they closed in

A minute later and, but little hurt, Godwin and Wulf were leaning on their swords, and the fedai, some of

them dead or wounded and some of them captive, lay before them on the marble floor. Moreover, the door

"Only this, lord," answered Godwin; "these men came to kill you and we held them off till help arrived."

"They are not your guard; they are fedai, disguised as your guard, and sent by Aljebal, as he promised."

Now Salaheddin turned pale, for he who feared nothing else was all his life afraid of the Assassins and

"Strip the armour from those men," went on Godwin, "and I think that you will find truth in my words, or, if

They obeyed, and there upon the breast of one of them, burnt into his skin, was the symbol of the bloodred

"Masouda, the lady Rosamund's waiting woman, warned us that you, lord, and we, were to be murdered

"Because," answered Wulf, "we were not sure that the news was true, and did not wish to bring false tidings

and be made foolish. Because, also, my brother and I thought that we could hold our own awhile against eight

"You have done it well, though yours was a mad counsel," answered the Sultan. Then he gave his hand first

"Sir Knights, Salaheddin owes his life to you. Should it ever come about that you owe your lives to

Thus this business ended. On the morrow those of the fedai who remained alive were questioned, and

confessing freely that they had been sent to murder Salaheddin who had robbed their master of his bride,

the two Franks who had carried her off, and the woman Masouda who had guided them, they were put to

death cruelly enough. Also many others in the city were seized and killed on suspicion, so that for awhile

Now from that day forward Saladin held the brethren in great friendship, and pressed gifts upon them and

offered them honours. But they refused them all, saying that they needed but one thing of him, and he knew

One morning he sent for them, and, except for the presence of prince Hassan, the most favourite of his emirs,

"Listen," he said briefly, addressing Godwin. "I understand that my niece, the princess of Baalbec, is beloved

by you. Good. Subscribe the Koran, and I give her to you in marriage, for thus also she may be led to the true

faith, whom I have sworn not to force thereto, and I gain a great warrior and Paradise a brave soul. The

Thus he spoke, but Godwin only stared at him with eyes set wide in wonderment, and answered:

"Sire, I thank you, but I cannot change my faith to win a woman, however dearly I may love her."

"So I thought," said Saladin with a sigh, "though indeed it is sad that superstition should thus blind so brave

and good a man. Now, Sir Wulf, it is your turn. What say you to my offer? Will you take the princess and her

Wulf thought a moment, and as he thought there arose in his mind a vision of an autumn afternoon that

seemed years and years ago, when they two and Rosamund had stood by the shrine of St. Chad on the shores

of Essex, and jested of this very matter of a change of faith. Then he answered, with one of his great laughs:

"Ay, sire, but on my own terms, not on yours, for if I took these I think that my marriage would lack

blessings. Nor, indeed, would Rosamund wish to wed a servant of your Prophet, who if it pleased him might

Saladin leant his head upon his hand, and looked at them with disappointed eyes, yet not unkindly.

"The knight Lozelle was a Crossworshipper," he said, "but you two are very different from the knight

"I know not," answered Saladin, "though it is true the man seems to have been a Christian among the Franks,

who here was a follower of the Prophet. At least, he is dead at your hands, and though he sinned against me

and betrayed my niece to Sinan, peace be with his soul. Now I have one more thing to say to you. That Frank,

Prince Arnat of Karak, whom you call Reginald de Chatillonaccursed be his name!" and he spat upon

the ground, "has once more broken the peace between me and the king of Jerusalem, slaughtering my

merchants, and stealing my goods. I will suffer this shame no more, and very shortly I unfurl my standards,

which shall not be folded up again until they float upon the mosque of Omar and from every tower top in

Palestine. Your people are doomed. I, Yusuf Salaheddin," and he rose as he said the words, his very beard

bristling with wrath, "declare the Holy War, and will sweep them to the sea. Choose now, you brethren. Do

you fight for me or against me? Or will you give up your swords and bide here as my prisoners?"

"We are the servants of the Cross," answered Godwin, "and cannot lift steel against it and thereby lose our

souls." Then he spoke with Wulf, and added, "As to your second question, whether we should bide here in

chains. It is one that our lady Rosamund must answer, for we are sworn to her service. We demand to see the

"Send for her, Emir," said Saladin to the prince Hassan, who bowed and departed.

A while later Rosamund came, looking beautiful but, as they saw when she threw back her veil, very white

and weary. She bowed to Saladin, and the brethren, who were not allowed to touch her hand, bowed to her,

"Greeting, my uncle," she said to the Sultan, "and to you, my cousins, greeting also. What is your pleasure

Saladin motioned to her to be seated and bade Godwin set out the case, which he did very clearly, ending:

"Is it your wish, Rosamund, that we stay in this court as prisoners, or go forth to fight with the Franks in the

"To whom were you sworn the first? Was it to the service of our Lord, or to the service of a woman? I have

"Such words as we expected from you, being what you are," exclaimed Godwin, while Wulf nodded his head

"Sultan, we ask your safe conduct to Jerusalem, and leave this lady in your charge, relying on your plighted

"My safe conduct you have," replied Saladin, "and my friendship also. Nor, indeed, should I have thought

well of you had you decided otherwise. Now, henceforth we are enemies in the eyes of all men, and I shall

strive to slay you as you will strive to slay me. But as regards this lady, have no fear. What I have promised

"Who taught your lips to say such words, O Sultan?" asked Godwin. "Is it given to you to read the future and

"I should have said," answered Saladin, " 'Whom you will see no more if I am able to keep you apart.' Can

"Tell her the price. Tell her that she was asked to wed either of us who would bow the knee to Mahomet, and

"Never would I have spoken again to him who answered otherwise," exclaimed Rosamund, and Saladin,

frowned at the words. "Oh! my uncle," she went on, "you have been kind to me and raised me high, but I do

not seek this greatness, nor are your ways my ways, who am of a faith that you call accursed. Let me go, I

"And your lovers," said Saladin bitterly. "Niece, it cannot be. I love you well, but did I know even that your

life must pay the price of your sojourn here, here you still should stay, since, as my dream told me, on you

hang the lives of thousands, and I believe that dream. What, then, is your life, or the lives of these knights, or

even my life, that any or all of them should turn the scale against those of thousands. Oh! everything that my

empire can give is at your feet, but here you stay until the dream be accomplished, and," he added, looking at

the brethren, death shall be the portion of any who would steal you from my hand."

"Until the dream be accomplished?" said Rosamund catching at the words. "Then, when it is accomplished,

"Ay," answered the Sultan; "free to come or to go, unless you attempt escape, for then you know your certain

"It is a decree. Take note, my cousins, it is a decree. And you, prince Hassan, remember it also. Oh! I pray

with all my soul I pray, that it was no lying spirit who brought you that dream, my uncle, though how I shall

bring peace, who hitherto have brought nothing except war and bloodshed, I know not. Now go, my cousins

but, if you will, leave me Masouda, who has no other friends. Go, and take my love and blessing with you,

ay, and the blessing of Jesu and His saints which shall protect you in the hour of battle, and bring us together

So spoke Rosamund and threw her veil before her face that she might hide her tears.

Then Godwin and Wulf stepped to where she stood by the throne of Saladin, bent the knee before her, and,

taking her hand, kissed it in farewell, nor did the Sultan say them nay. But when she was gone and the

brethren were gone, he turned to the emir Hassan and to the great imaum who had sat silent all this while, and

"Now tell me, you who are old and wise, which of those men does the lady love? Speak, Hassan, you who

But Hassan shook his head. "One or the other. Both or neitherI know not," he answered. "Her counsel is

"When both the infidels are about to die before her face, as I still hope to see them do, we may learn the

answer. But unless she wills it, never before," he replied, and the Sultan noted his saying.

Next morning, having been warned that they would pass there by Masouda, Rosamund, watching through the

lattice of one of her palace windows, saw the brethren go by. They were fully armed and, mounted on their

splendid chargers Flame and Smoke, looked glorious men as, followed by their escort of swarthy, turbaned

Mameluks, they rode proudly side by side, the sunlight glinting on their mail. Opposite to her house they

halted awhile, and, knowing that Rosamund watched, although they could not see her, drew their swords and

lifted them in salute. Then sheathing them again, they rode forward in silence, and soon were lost to sight.

Little did Rosamund guess how different they would appear when they three met again. Indeed, she scarcely

dared to hope that they would ever meet, for she knew well that even if the war went in favour of the

Christians she would be hurried away to some place where they would never find her. She knew well also

that from Damascus her rescue was impossible, and that although Saladin loved them, as he loved all who

were honest and brave, he would receive them no more as friends, for fear lest they should rob him of her,

whom he hoped in some way unforeseen would enable him to end his days in peace. Moreover, the struggle

between Cross and Crescent would be fierce and to the death, and she was sure that where was the closest

fighting there in the midst of it would be found Godwin and Wulf. Well might it chance, therefore, that her

Oh! she was great. Gold was hers, with gems more than she could count, and few were the weeks that did not

bring her added wealth or gifts. She had palaces to dwell inalone; gardens to wander inalone; eunuchs

and slaves to rule overalone. But never a friend had she, save the woman of the Assassins, to whom she

clung because she, Masouda, had saved her from Sinan, and who clung to her, why, Rosamund could not be

They were gonethey were gone! Even the sound of their horses' hoofs had died away, and she was desolate

as a child lost in a city full of folk. Oh! and her heart was filled with fears for them, and most of all for one of

Rosamund bowed her head and wept; then, hearing a sound behind her, turned to see that Masouda was

"The maid should copy her mistress," answered Masouda with a hard laugh; "but, lady, why do you weep? At

least you are beloved, and, come what may, nothing can take that from you. You are not of less value than the

good horse between the rider's knees, or the faithful hound that runs at his side."

A thought rose in Rosamund's minda new and terrible thought. The eyes of the two women met, and those

of Rosamund asked, "Which?" anxiously as once in the moonlight she had asked it with her voice from the

gate above the Narrow Way. Between them stood a table inlaid with ivory and pearl, whereon the dust from

the street had gathered through the open lattice. Masouda leaned over, and with her forefinger wrote a single

"Because he prayed me to bide here and watch over the Iady whom he loved. So to the deathI watch."

Slowly Masouda spoke, and the heavy words seemed like blood dropping from a death wound. Then she sank

Many a day had gone by since the brethren bade farewell to Rosamund at Damascus. Now, one burning July

night, they sat upon their horses, the moonlight gleaming on their mail. Still as statues they sat, looking out

from a rocky mountain top across that grey and arid plain which stretches from near Nazareth to the lip of the

hills at whose foot lies Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. Beneath them, camped around the fountain of

Seffurieh, were spread the hosts of the Franks to which they did sentinel; thirteen hundred knights, twenty

thousand foot, and hordes of Turcopolesthat is, natives of the country, armed after the fashion of the

Saracens. Two miles away to the southeast glimmered the white houses of Nazareth, set in the lap of the

mountains Nazareth, the holy city, where for thirty years lived and toiled the Saviour of the world. Doubtless,

thought Godwin, His feet had often trod that mountain whereon they stood, and in the watered vales below

His hands had sped the plow or reaped the corn. Long, long had His voice been silent, yet to Godwin's ears it

still seemed to speak in the murmur of the vast camp, and to echo from the slopes of the Galilean hills, and

Tomorrow they were to advance, so rumour said, across yonder desert plain and give battle to Saladin, who

Godwin and his brother thought that it was a madness; for they had seen the might of the Saracens and ridden

across that thirsty plain beneath the summer sun. But who were they, two wandering, unattended knights, that

they should dare to lift up their voices against those of the lords of the land, skilled from their birth in desert

warfare? Yet Godwin's heart was troubled and fear took hold of him, not for himself, but for all the countless

army that lay asleep yonder, and for the cause of Christendom, which staked its last throw upon this battle.

"I go to watch yonder; bide you here," he said to Wulf, and, turning the head of Flame, rode some sixty yards

over a shoulder of the rock to the further edge of the mountain which looked towards the north. Here he could

see neither the camp, nor Wulf, nor any living thing, but indeed was utterly alone. Dismounting, and bidding

the horse stand, which it would do like a dog, he walked forward a few steps to where there was a rock, and,

"O Lord," he prayed, "Who once wast man and a dweller in these mountains, and knowest what is in man,

hear me. I am afraid for all the thousands who sleep round Nazareth; not for myself, who care nothing for my

life, but for all those, Thy servants and my brethren. Yes, and for the Cross upon which Thou didst hang, and

for the faith itself throughout the East. Oh! give me light! Oh! let me hear and see, that I may warn them,

So he murmured to Heaven above and beat his hands against his brow, praying, ever praying, as he had never

It seemed to Godwin that a sleep fell on himat least, his mind grew clouded and confused. Then it cleared

again, slowly, as stirred water clears, till it was bright and still; yet another mind to that which was his servant

day by day which never could see or hear those things he saw and heard in that strange hour. Lo! he heard the

spirits pass, whispering as they went; whispering, and, as it seemed to him, weeping also for some great woe

which was to be; weeping yonder over Nazareth. Then like curtains the veils were lifted from his eyes, and as

He saw the king of the Franks in his tent beneath, and about him the council of his captains, among them the

fierceeyed master of the Templars, and a man whom he had seen in Jerusalem where they had been

dwelling, and knew for Count Raymond of Tripoli, the lord of Tiberias. They were reasoning together, till,

presently, in a rage, the Master of the Templars drew his sword and dashed it down upon the table.

Another veil was lifted, and lo! he saw the camp of Saladin, the mighty, endless camp, with its ten thousand

tents, amongst which the Saracens cried to Allah through all the watches of the night. He saw the royal

pavilion, and in it the Sultan walked to and fro alonenone of his emirs, not even his son, were with him. He

It was: "Behind me the Jordan and the Sea of Galilee, into which, if my flanks were turned, I should be

driven, I and all my host. In front the territories of the Franks, where I have no friend; and by Nazareth their

great army. Allah alone can help me. If they sit still and force me to advance across the desert and attack

them before my army melts away, then I am lost. If they advance upon me round the Mountain Tabor and by

the watered land, I may be lost. But ifoh! if Allah should make them mad, and they should strike straight

across the desertthen, then they are lost, and the reign of the Cross in Syria is forever at an end. I will wait

Look! near to the pavilion of Saladin stood another tent, closely guarded, and in it on a cushioned bed lay two

women. One was Rosamund, but she slept sound; and the other was Masouda, and she was waking, for her

The last veil was withdrawn, and now Godwin saw a sight at which his soul shivered. A fireblackened plain,

and above it a frowning mountain, and that mountain thick, thick with dead, thousands and thousands and

thousands of dead, among which the hyenas wandered and the nightbirds screamed. He could see their

faces, many of them he knew again as those of living men whom he had met in Jerusalem and elsewhere, or

had noted with the army. He could hear also the moanings of the few who were yet alive.

About that fieldyes, and in the camp of Saladin, where lay more deadhis body seemed to wander

searching for something, he knew not what, till it came to him that it was the corpse of Wulf for which he

sought and found it not nay, nor his own either. Then once more he heard the spirits passa very great

company, for to them were gathered all those deadheard them pass away, wailing, ever more faintly

Godwin awoke from his dream trembling, mounted his horse, and rode back to Wulf. Beneath, as before, lay

the sleeping camp, yonder stretched the brown desert, and there sat Wulf watching both.

"A short while to have seen so much," replied Godwin. Then Wulf looked at him curiously and asked:

"Well, brother, you have touched no wine today, so you are not drunk, and you have done nothing foolish,

so you are not mad. Therefore it would seem that the saints have been talking to you, or, at least, so I should

think of any other man whom I knew to be as good as you are. Yet it is folk like you that see visions, and

those visions are not always true, for sometimes, I believe, the devil is their showman. Our watch is ended,

for I hear the horses of the knights who come to relieve us. Listen; this is my counsel. In the camp yonder is

our friend with whom we travelled from Jerusalem, Egbert, the bishop of Nazareth, who marches with the

host. Let us go to him and lay this matter before him, for he is a holy man and learned; no false, selfseeking

Godwin nodded in assent, and presently, when the other knights were come and they had made their report to

them, they rode off together to the tent of Egbert, and, leaving their horses in charge of a servant, entered.

Egbert was an Englishman who had spent more than thirty years of his life in the East, whereof the suns had

tanned his wrinkled face to the hue of bronze, that seemed the darker in contrast with his blue eyes and

snowwhite hair and beard. Entering the tent, they found him at his prayers before a little image of the

Virgin, and stood with bowed heads until he had finished. Presently he rose, and greeting them with a

So, having seen that the tent flap was closed and that none lingered near, Godwin told him his dream.

The old man listened patiently, nor did he seem surprised at this strange story, since in those days men

sawor thought they sawmany such visions, which were accepted by the Church as true.

When he had finished Godwin asked of him as he had asked of Wulf: "What think you, holy father? Is this a

"Godwin D'Arcy," he answered, "in my youth I knew your father. It was I who shrove him when he lay dying

of his wounds, and a nobler soul never passed from earth to heaven. After you had left Damascus, when you

were the guest of Saladin, we dwelt together in the same lodging in Jerusalem, and together we travelled here,

during all which time I learned to know you also as the worthy son of a worthy sireno dissolute knight, but

a true servant of the Church. It well may be that to such a one as you foresight has been given, that through

you those who rule us may be warned, and all Christendom saved from great sorrow and disgrace. Come; let

So they went out together and rode to the royal tent. Here the bishop was admitted, leaving them without.

Presently he returned and beckoned to them, and as they passed, the guards whispered to them:

Already it was near midnight, but still the great pavilion was crowded with barons and chief captains who sat

in groups, or sat round a narrow table made of boards placed upon trestles. At the head of that table sat the

king, Guy of Lusignan, a weakfaced man, clad in splendid armour. On his right was the whitehaired Count

Raymond of Tripoli, and on his left the blackbearded, frowning Master of the Templars, clad in his white

Words had been running high, their faces showed it, but just then a silence reigned as though the disputants

were weary, and the king leaned back in his chair, passing his hand to and fro across his forehead. He looked

"What is it now? Oh! I remember, some tale from those tall twin knights. Well, bring them forward and speak

So the three of them came forward and at Godwin's prayer the bishop Egbert told of the vision that had come

to him not more than an hour ago while he kept watch upon the mountain top. At first one or two of the

barons seemed disposed to laugh, but when they looked at Godwin's high and spiritual face, their laughter

died away, for it did not seem wonderful to them that such a man should see visions. Indeed, as the tale of the

rocky hill and the dead who were stretched upon it went on, they grew white with fear, and whitest of them

"His word is not enough," broke in the Master of the Templars. "Let him swear to it on the Holy Rood,

knowing that if he lies it will blast his soul to all eternity." And the council muttered, "Ay, let him swear."

Now there was an annexe to the tent, rudely furnished as a chapel, and at the end of this annexe a tall, veiled

object. Rufinus, the bishop of Acre, who was clad in the armour of a knight, went to the object, and drawing

the veil, revealed a broken, blackened cross, set around with jewels, that stood about the height of a man

At the sight of it Godwin and every man present there fell upon his knees, for since St. Helena found it, over

seven centuries before, this had been accounted the most precious relic in all Christendom; the very wood

Millions had worshipped it, tens of thousands had died for it, and now, in the hour of this great struggle

between Christ and the false prophet it was brought from its shrine that the host which escorted it might

prove invincible in battle. Soldiers who fought around the very Cross could not be defeated, they said, for, if

Godwin and Wulf stared at the relic with wonder, fear, and adoration. There were the nail marks, there was

the place where the scroll of Pilate had been affixed above the holy headalmost could they seem to see that

"Now," broke in the voice of the Master of the Templars, "let Sir Godwin D'Arcy swear to the truth of his tale

Rising from his knees Godwin advanced to the Cross, and laying his hand upon the wood, said: "Upon the

very Rood I swear that not much more than an hour ago I saw the vision which has been told to the king's

highness and to all; that I believe this vision was sent to me in answer to my prayer to preserve our host and

the holy city from the power of the Saracen, and that it is a true foreshadowing of what will come about

should we advance upon the Sultan. I can say no more. I swear, knowing that if I lie eternal damnation is my

The bishop drew back the covering over the Cross, and in silence the council took their seats again about the

table. Now the king was very pale, and fearful; indeed a gloom lay upon all of them.

"It would seem," he said, "that here a messenger has been sent to us from heaven. Dare we disobey his

The Grand Templar lifted his rugged, frowning face. "A messenger from heaven, said you, king? To me he

seems more like a messenger from Saladin. Tell us, Sir Godwin, were not you and your brother once the

Now all looked intently at Godwin, who hesitated a little, foreseeing how his answer would be read, whereon

"Ay, we acted as such for awhile, anddoubtless you have heard the storysaved Saladin's life when he

"Oh!" said the Templar with bitter sarcasm, "you saved Saladin's life, did you? I can well believe it. You,

being Christians, who above everything should desire the death of Saladin, saved his life! Now, Sir Knights,

"Sir Templar, with my tongue or with my sword?" broke in Wulf, but the king held up his hand and bade him

"A truce to your tavern ruffling, young sir, and answer," went on the Templar. "Or, rather, do you answer, Sir

Godwin. Is your cousin, Rosamund, the daughter of Sir Andrew D'Arcy, a niece of Saladin, and has she been

created by him princess of Baalbec, and is she at this moment in his city of Damascus?"

"She is his niece," answered Godwin quietly; "she is he princess of Baalbec, but at this moment she is not in

"I know it because in the vision of which you have been told I saw her sleeping in a tent in the camp of

"Ay, my lord Templar, and near that very blazoned tent I saw scores of the Templars and of the Hospitallers

Now the laughter died away, and a murmur of fear ran round the board, mixed with such words as

"Wizardry." "He has learnt it from the Paynims." "A black sorcerer, without doubt."

Only the Templar, who feared neither man nor spirit, laughed, and gave him the lie with his eyes.

"You do not believe me," said Godwin, "nor will you believe me when I say that while I was on guard on

yonder hilltop I saw you wrangling with the Count of Tripoliay, and draw your sword and dash it down

Now again the council stared and muttered, for they too had seen this thing; but the Master answered:

"He may have learnt it otherwise than from an angel. Folk have been in and out of this tent. My lord king,

have we more time to waste upon these visions of a knight of whom all we know for certain is, that like his

brother, he has been in the service of Saladin, which they left, he says, in order to fight against him in this

war. It may be so; it is not for us to judge; though were the times different I would inform against Sir Godwin

D'Arcy as a sorcerer, and one who has been in traitorous communication with our common foe."

"And I would thrust the lie down your throat with my sword's point!" shouted Wulf.

But Godwin only shrugged: his shoulders and said nothing, and the Master went on, taking no heed.

"King, we await your word, and it must be spoken soon, for in four hours it will be dawn. Do we march

"Before you answer, king, hear me, if it be for the last time, who am old in war and know the Saracens. My

town of Tiberias is sacked; my vassals have been put to the sword by thousands; my wife is imprisoned in her

citadel, and soon must yield, if she be not rescued. Yet I say to you, and to the barons here assembled, better

so than that you should advance across the desert to attack Saladin. Leave Tiberias to its fate and my wife

with it, and save your army, which is the last hope of the Christians of the East. Christ has no more soldiers in

these lands, Jerusalem has no other shield. The army of the Sultan is larger than yours; his cavalry are more

skilled. Turn his flankor, better still, bide here and await his attack, and victory will be to the soldiers of

the Cross. Advance and the vision of that knight at whom you scoff will come true, and the cause of

"Like his friend the knight of Visions," sneered the Grand Master, "the count Raymond is an old ally of

Saladin. Will you take such coward council? Onon! and smite these heathen dogs, or be forever shamed.

Then there arose a tumult through which every man shouted to his fellow, some saying one thing and some

another, while the king sat at the head of the board, his face hidden in his hands. Presently he lifted it, and

"I command that we march at dawn. If the count Raymond and these brethren think the words unwise, let

Now followed a great silence, for all there knew that the words were fateful, in the midst of which count

"Nay, I go with you," while Godwin echoed, "And we go also to show whether or not we are the spies of

Of these speeches none of them seemed to take heed, for all were lost in their own thoughts. One by one they

rose, bowed to the king, and left the tent to give their commands and rest awhile, before it was time to ride.

Godwin and Wulf went also, and with them the bishop of Nazareth, who wrung his hands and seemed ill at

"Grieve no more, father; let us think of the joy of battle, not of the sorrow by which it may be followed."

When they had slept awhile, Godwin and Wulf rose and fed their horses. After they had washed and groomed

them, they tested and did on their armour, then took them down to the spring to drink their fill, as their

masters did. Also Wulf, who was cunning in war, brought with him four large wineskins which he had

provided against this hour, and filling them with pure water, fastened two of them with thongs behind the

saddle of Godwin and two behind his own. Further, he filled the waterbottles at their saddlebows, saying:

Then they went back and watched the host break its camp, which it did with no light heart, for many of them

knew of the danger in which they stood; moreover, the tale of Godwin's vision had been spread abroad. Not

knowing where to go, they and Egbert, the bishop of Nazarethwho was unarmed and rode upon a mule, for

stay behind he would notjoined themselves to the great body of knights who followed the king. As they

did so, the Templars, five hundred strong, came up, a fierce and gallant band, and the Master, who was at

their head, saw the brethren and called out, pointing to the wineskins which were hung behind their saddles:

So they stood on one side and bowed themselves as the Cross went by, guarded by the mailed bishop of Acre.

Then came Reginald of Chatillon, Saladin's enemy, the cause of all this woe, who saw them and cried:

"Sir Knights, whatever they may say, I know you for brave men, for I have heard the tale of your doings

"As well him as another," said Godwin. "Let us go where we are led." So they followed him.

By the time that the army reached Kenna, where once the water was made wine, the July sun was already hot,

and the spring was so soon drunk dry that many men could get no water. On they pushed into the desert lands

below, which lay between them and Tiberias, and were bordered on the right and left by hills. Now clouds of

dust were seen moving across the plains, and in the heart of them bodies of Saracen horsemen, which

continually attacked the vanguard under count Raymond, and as continually retreated before they could be

crushed, slaying many with their spears and arrows. Also these came round behind them, and charged the

rearguard, where marched the Templars and the lightarmed troops named Turcopoles, and the band of

>From noon till near sundown the long harassed line, broken now into fragments, struggled forward across

the rough, stony plain, the burning heat beating upon their armour till the air danced about it as it does before

a fire. Towards evening men and horses became exhausted, and the soldiers cried to their captains to lead

them to water. But in that place there was no water. The rearguard fell behind, worn out with constant attacks

that must be repelled in the burning heat, so that there was a great gap between it and the king who marched

in the centre. Messages reached them to push on, but they could not, and at length camp was pitched in the

desert near a place called Marescalcia, and upon this camp Raymond and his vanguard were forced back. As

Godwin and Wulf rode up, they saw him come in bringing his wounded with him, and heard him pray the

king to push on and at all hazards to cut his way through to the lake, where they might drinkay, and heard

the king say that he could not, since the soldiers would march no more that day. Then Raymond wrung his

That night none slept, for all were athirst, and who can sleep with a burning throat? Now also Godwin and

Wulf were no longer laughed at because of the waterskins they carried on their horses. Rather did great

nobles come to them, and almost on their knees crave for the boon of a single cup. Having watered their

horses sparingly from a bowl, they gave what they could, till at length only two skins remained, and one of

these was spilt by a thief, who crept up and slashed it with his knife that he might drink while the water ran to

waste. After this the brethren drew their swords and watched, swearing that they would kill any man who so

much as touched the skin which was left. All that long night through there arose a confused clamour from the

camp, of which the burden seemed to be, "Water! Give us water!" while from without came the shouts of the

Saracens calling upon Allah. Here, too, the hot ground was covered with scrub dried to tinder by the summer

drought, and to this the Saracens set fire so that the smoke rolled down on the Christian host and choked

Day dawned at last; and the army was formed up in order of battle, its two wings being thrown forward. Thus

they struggled on, those of them that were not too weak to stir, who were slaughtered as they lay. Nor as yet

did the Saracens attack them, since they knew that the sun was stronger than all their spears. On they

laboured towards the northern wells, till about midday the battle began with a flight of arrows so thick that

After this came charge and countercharge, attack and repulse, and always above the noise of war that

dreadful cry for water. What chanced Godwin and Wulf never knew, for the smoke and dust blinded them so

that they could see but a little way. At length there was a last furious charge, and the knights with whom they

were clove the dense mass of Saracens like a serpent of steel, leaving a broad trail of dead behind them.

When they pulled rein and wiped the sweat from their eyes it was to find themselves with thousands of others

upon the top of a steep hill, of which the sides were thick with dry grass and bush that already was being

"The Rood! The Rood! Rally round the Rood!" said a voice, and looking behind them they saw the black and

jewelled fragment of the true Cross set upon a rock, and by it the bishop of Acre. Then the smoke of the

Now began one of the most hideous fights that is told of in the history of the world. Again and again the

Saracens attacked in thousands, and again and again they were driven back by the desperate valour of the

Franks, who fought on, their jaws agape with thirst. A blackbearded man stumbled up to the brethren, his

tongue protruding from his lips, and they knew him for the Master of the Templars.

"For the love of Christ, give me to drink," he said, recognizing them as the knights at whom he had mocked

They gave him of the little they had left, and while they and their horses drank the rest themselves, saw him

rush down the hill refreshed, shaking his red sword. Then came a pause, and they heard the voice of the

bishop of Nazareth, who had clung to them all this while, saying, as though to himself:

"And here it was that the Saviour preached the Sermon on the Mount. Yes, He preached the words of peace

While the Saracens held off, the soldiers began to put up the king's pavilion, and with it other tents, around

"Peace," answered Godwin; "they hope to make a wall about the Rood. But it is of no avail, for this is the

Then the last attack began. Up the hillside rose dense volumes of smoke, and with the smoke came the

Saracens. Thrice they were driven back; thrice they came on. At the fourth onset few of the Franks could

fight more, for thirst had conquered them on this waterless hill of Hattin. They lay down upon the dry grass

with gaping jaws and protruding tongues, and let themselves be slam or taken prisoners. A great company of

Saracen horsemen broke through the ring and rushed at the scarlet tent. It rocked to and fro, then down it fell

At the foot of the Cross, Rufinus, the bishop of Acre, still fought on bravely. Suddenly an arrow struck him in

the throat, and throwing his arms wide, he fell to earth. Then the Saracens hurled themselves upon the Rood,

tore it from its place, and with mockery and spittings bore it down the hill towards their camp, as ants may be

seen carrying a little stick into their nest, while all who were left alive of the Christian army stared upwards,

as though they awaited some miracle from Heaven. But no angels appeared in the brazen sky, and knowing

"Come," said Godwin to Wulf in a strange, quiet voice. "We have seen enough. It is time to die. Look!

yonder below us are the Mameluks, our old regiment, and amongst them Saladin, for I see his banner. Having

had water, we and our horses are still fresh and strong. Now, let us make an end of which they will tell in

Wulf nodded, and side by side they sped down the hill. Scimitars flashed at them, arrows struck upon their

mail and the shields blazoned with the Death'shead D'Arcy crest. Through it all they went unscathed, and

while the army of the Saracens stared, at the foot of the Horn of Hattin turned their horses' heads straight for

the royal standard of Saladin. On they struggled, felling or riding down a foe at every stride. On, still on,

They were among the Mameluks, where their line was thin; by Heaven! they were through them, and riding

straight at the wellknown figure of the Sultan, mounted on his white horse with his young son and his emir,

Then they met, and all the host of Islam cried out in dismay as they saw the Commander of the Faithful and

his horse borne to the earth before the last despairing charge of these mad Christian knights. Another instant,

and the Sultan was on his feet again, and a score of scimitars were striking at Godwin. His horse Flame sank

down dying, but he sprang from the saddle, swinging the long sword. Now Saladin recognized the crest upon

Thereupon Saladin spoke a word, and while certain of his Mameluks engaged Godwin in front, keeping out

of reach of that red and terrible sword, others crept up behind, and springing on him, seized his arms and

Meanwhile Wulf had fared otherwise, for it was his horse Smoke, already stabbed to the vitals, that fell as he

"Thus, Hassan, old foe and friend, we meet at last in war. Come, I would pay the debt I owe you for that

"Indeed, it is due, Sir Wulf," answered the prince, laughing. "Guards, touch not this brave knight who has

dared so much to reach me. Sultan, I ask a boon. Between Sir Wulf and me there is an ancient quarrel that can

only be washed away in blood. Let it be decided here and now, and let this be your decreethat if I fall in

fair fight, none shall set upon my conqueror, and no vengeance shall be taken for my blood."

"Good," said Saladin. "Then Sir Wulf shall be my prisoner and no more, as his brother is already. I owe it to

the men who saved my life when we were friends. Give the Frank to drink that the fight may be fair."

So they gave Wulf a cup of which he drank, and when he had done it was handed to Godwin. For even the

Mameluks knew and loved these brethren who had been their officers, and praised the fierce charge that they

Then they faced each other, and oh! the scene was strange. Up on the slopes of Hattin the fight still raged.

There amidst the smoke and fires of the burning grass little companies of soldiers stood back to back while

the Saracens wheeled round them, thrusting and cutting at them till they fell. Here and there knights charged

singly or in groups, and so came to death or capture. About the plain hundreds of foot soldiers were being

slaughtered, while their officers were taken prisoners. Towards the camp of Saladin a company advanced

with sounds of triumph, carrying aloft a black stump which was the holy Rood, while others drove or led

The wilderness was red with blood, the air was rent with shouts of victory and cries of agony or despair. And

there, in the midst of it all, ringed round with grave, courteous Saracens, stood the emir, clad above his mail

in his white robe and jewelled turban, facing the great Christian knight, with harness hacked and reddened,

the light of battle shining in his fierce eyes, and a smile upon his stained features.

For those who watched the battle was forgottenor, rather, its interest was centred on this point.

"It will be a good fight," said one of them to Godwin, whom they had suffered to rise, "for though your

brother is the younger and the heavier man, he is hurt and weary, whereas the emir is fresh and unwounded.

Hassan had struck first and the blow went home. Falling upon the point of Wulf's steel helm, the heavy,

razoredged scimitar glanced from it and shore away the links from the flap which hung upon his shoulder,

causing the Frank to stagger. Again he struck, this time upon the shield, and so heavily that Wulf came to his

"Your brother is sped," said the Saracen captain to Godwin, but Godwin only answered:

As he spoke Wulf twisted his body out of reach of a third blow, and while Hassan staggered forward with the

weight of the missed stroke, placed his hand upon the ground, and springing to his feet, ran backwards six or

"He flies!" cried the Saracens; but again Godwin said, "Wait." Nor was there long to wait.

For now, throwing aside his buckler and grasping the great sword in both his hands, with a shout of "A

D'Arcy! A D'Arcy!" Wulf leapt at Hassan as a wounded lion leaps. The sword wheeled and fell, and lo! the

shield of the Saracen was severed in two. Again it fell, and his turbaned helm was cloven. A third time, and

the right arm and shoulder with the scimitar that grasped it seemed to spring from his body, and Hassan sank

Wulf stood and looked at him, while a murmur of grief went up from those who watched, for they loved this

emir. Hassan beckoned to the victor with his left hand, and throwing down his sword to show that he feared

"A good stroke," Hassan said faintly, "that could shear the double links of Damascus steel as though it were

silk. Well, as I told you long ago, I knew that the hour of our meeting in war would be an ill hour for me, and

my debt is paid. Farewell, brave knight. Would I could hope that we should meet in Paradise! Take that star

jewel, the badge of my House, from my turban and wear it in memory of me. Long, long and happy be your

Then, while Wulf held him in his arms, Saladin came up and spoke to him, till he fell back and was dead.

Thus died Hassan, and thus ended the battle of Hattin, which broke the power of the Christians in the East.

When Hassan was dead, at a sign from Saladin a captain of the Mameluks named Abdullah unfastened the

jewel from the emir's turban and handed it to Wulf. It was a glorious starshaped thing, made of great

emeralds set round with diamonds, and the captain Abdullah, who like all Easterns loved such ornaments,

"Alas! that an unbeliever should wear the enchanted Star, the ancient Luck of the House of Hassan!" a saying

He took the jewel, then turned to Saladin and said, pointing to the dead body of Hassan:

"Did I not give you and your brother to drink?" asked Saladin with meaning. "Whoever dies, you are safe.

There is but one sin which I will not pardon youyou know what it is," and he looked at them. "As for

Hassan, he was my beloved friend and servant, but you slew him in fair fight, and his soul is now in Paradise.

Then dismissing the matter with a wave of his hand, he turned to receive a great body of Christian prisoners

that, panting and stumbling like overdriven sheep, were being thrust on towards the camp with curses,

Among them the brethren rejoiced to see Egbert, the gentle and holy bishop of Nazareth, whom they had

thought dead. Also, wounded in many places, his hacked harness hanging about him like a beggar's rags,

there was the blackbrowed Master of the Templars, who even now could be fierce and insolent.

"So I was right," he mocked in a husky voice, "and here you are, safe with your friends the Saracens, Sir

"From which you were glad enough to drink just now," said Godwin. "Also," he added sadly, "all the vision

is not done." And turning, he looked towards a blazoned tent which with the Sultan's great pavilion, and not

far behind it, was being pitched by the Arab campsetters The Master saw and remembered Godwin's vision

"Were it not for your plight, here and now I would thrust those words down your throat, as, should we both

live, I yet shall hope to do. You call us traitors. Is it the work of traitors to have charged alone through all this

host until our horses died beneath us?"he pointed to where Smoke and Flame lay with glazing eyes"to

have unhorsed Saladin and to have slain this prince in single combat?" and he turned to the body of the emir

"You speak of me as wizard and murderer," he went on, "because some angel brought me a vision which, had

you believed it, Templar, would have saved tens of thousands from a bloody death, the Christian kingdom

from destruction, and yonder holy thing from mockery," and with a shudder he glanced at the Rood which its

captors had set up upon a rock not far away with a dead knight tied to its black arms. "You, Sir Templar, are

the murderer who by your madness and ambition have brought ruin on the cause of Christ, as was foretold by

"Bring before me the king of the Franks and prince Arnat, he who is called Reginald of Chatillon."

"Sir Knights, you know our tongue; give up your swords to the officerthey shall be returned to youand

So the brethren followed him into the tent, where presently were brought the wretched king and the

greyhaired Reginald de Chatillon, and with them a few other great knights who, even in the midst of their

misery, stared at Godwin and Wulf in wonderment. Saladin read the look, and explained lest their presence

"King and nobles, be not mistaken. These knights are my prisoners, as you are, and none have shown

themselves braver today, or done me and mine more damage. Indeed, had it not been for my guards, within

the hour I should have fallen beneath the sword of Sir Godwin. But as they know Arabic, I have asked them

to render my words into your tongue. Do you accept them as interpreters? If not, others must be found."

When they had translated this, the king said that he accepted them, adding to Godwin:

"Would that I had also accepted you two nights gone as an interpreter of the will of Heaven!"

The Sultan bade his captains be seated, and seeing their terrible thirst, commanded slaves to bring a great

bowl of sherbet made of rosewater cooled with snow, and with his own hand gave it to king Guy. He drank

in great gulps, then passed the bowl to Reginald de Chatillon, whereon Saladin cried out to Godwin:

"Say to the king it is he and not I who gives this man to drink. There is no bond of salt between me and the

Godwin translated, sorrowfully enough, and Reginald, who knew the habits of the Saracens, answered:

"No need to explain, Sir Knight, those words are my deathwarrant. Well, I never expected less."

"Prince Arnat, you strove to take the holy city of Mecca and to desecrate the tomb of the Prophet, and then I

swore to kill you. Again, when in a time of peace a caravan came from Egypt and passed by EshShobek,

where you were, forgetting your oath, you fell upon them and slew them. They asked for mercy in the name

of Allah, saying that there was truce between Saracen and Frank. But you mocked them, telling them to seek

aid from Mahomet, in whom they trusted. Then for the second time I swore to kill you. Yet I give you one

more chance. Will you subscribe the Koran and embrace the faith of Islam? Or will you die?"

Now the lips of Reginald turned pale, and for a moment he swayed upon his seat. Then his courage came

"Sultan, I will have none of your mercy at such a price, nor do I bow the knee to your dog of a false prophet,

who perish in the faith of Christ, and, being weary of the world, am content to go to Him."

Saladin sprang to his feet, his very beard bristling with wrath, and drawing his sabre, shouted aloud:

"You scorn Mahomet! Behold! I avenge Mahomet upon you! Take him away!" And he struck him with the

Then Mameluks leapt upon the prince. Dragging him to the entrance of the tent, they forced him to his knees

Thus, bravely enough, died Reginald de Chatillon, whom the Saracens called prince Arnat. In the hush that

"Nay," answered Saladin; "kings do not kill kings, but that trucebreaker has met with no more than his

Then came a scene still more dreadful. Saladin went to the door of his tent, and standing over the body of

Reginald, bade them parade the captive Templars and Hospitallers before him. They were brought to the

number of over two hundred, for it was easy to distinguish them by the red and white crosses on their breasts.

"These also are faithbreakers," he shouted, "and of their unclean tribes will I rid the world. Ho! my emirs

and doctors of the law," and he turned to the great crowd of his captains about him, "take each of you one of

Now the emirs hung back, for though fanatics they were brave, and loved not this slaughter of defenceless

"They are worthy of death, and he who disobeys my command shall himself be slain."

"Sultan," said Godwin, "we cannot witness such a crime; we ask that we may die with them."

"Nay," he answered; "you have eaten of my salt, and to kill you would be murder. Get you to the tent of the

princess of Baalbec yonder, for there you will see nothing of the death of these Franks, your

So the brethren turned, and led by a Mameluk, fled aghast for the first time in their lives, past the long lines

of Templars and Hospitallers, who in the last red light of the dying day knelt upon the sand and prayed, while

They entered the tent, none forbidding them, and at the end of it saw two women crouched together on some

cushions, who rose, clinging to each other. Then the women saw also and sprang forward with a cry of joy,

"Ay, Rosamund," answered Godwin, "to see this shamewould God that we did notwhilst others die.

They murder the knights of the holy Orders. To your knees and pray for their passing souls."

So they knelt down and prayed till the tumult died away, and they knew that all was done.

"Oh, my cousins," said Rosamund, as she staggered to her feet at length, "what a hell of wickedness and

bloodshed is this in which we dwell! Save me from it if you love meI beseech you save me! "

"We will do our best," they answered; "but let us talk no more of these things which are the decree of

But Rosamund had little to tell, except that she had been well treated, and always kept by the person of the

Sultan, marching to and fro with his army, for he awaited the fulfilment of his dream concerning her. Then

they told her all that had chanced to them; also of the vision of Godwin and its dreadful accomplishment, and

of the death of Hassan beneath the sword of Wulf. At that story Rosamund wept and shrank from him a little,

for though it was this prince who had stolen her from her home, she loved Hassan. Yet when Wulf said

"The fault is not mine; it was so fated. Would that I had died instead of this Saracen!"

"I am not proud. Although weary with that awful battle, I was still the younger and stronger man, though at

first he wellnigh mastered me by his skill and quickness. At least we parted friends. Look, he gave me this,"

"Do you know," she asked, "that this jewel is very famous, not only for its value, but because it is said to

have belonged to one of the children of the prophet, and to bring good fortune to its owner?"

"It brought little to poor Hassan but now, when my grandsire's sword shore the Damascus steel as though it

"And sent him swift to Paradise, where he would be, at the hands of a gallant foe," answered Masouda. "Nay,

all his life this emir was happy and beloved, by his sovereign, his wives, his fellows and his servants, nor do I

think that he would have desired another end whose wish was to die in battle with the Franks. At least there is

scarce a soldier in the Sultan's army who would not give all he has for yonder trinket, which is known

throughout the land as the Star of Hassan. So beware, Sir Wulf, lest you be robbed or murdered, although you

"I remember the captain Abdullah looking at it greedily and lamenting that the Luck of the House of Hassan

should pass to an unbeliever," said Wulf. "Well, enough of this jewel and its dangers; I think Godwin has

"Yes," said Godwin. "We are here in your tent through the kindness of Saladin, who did not wish us to

witness the death of our comrades, but tomorrow we shall be separated again. Now if you are to escape"

"I will escape! I must escape, even if I am recaptured and die for it," broke in Rosamund passionately.

"Speak low," said Masouda. "I saw the eunuch Mesrour pass the door of the tent, and he is a spythey all

"If you are to escape," repeated Godwin in a whisper, "it must be within the next few weeks while the army is

on the march. The risk is great to all of useven to you, and we have no plan. But, Masouda, you are clever;

She lifted her head to speak, when suddenly a shadow fell upon them. It was that of the head eunuch,

Mesrour, a fat, cunningfaced man, with a cringing air. Low he bowed before them, saying:

"Your pardon, O Princess. A messenger has come from Salaheddin demanding the presence of these

"We obey," said Godwin, and rising they bowed to Rosamund and to Masouda, then turned to go, leaving the

Very skilfully Mesrour covered it with a fold of his robe, and under shelter of the fold slipped down his hand

and grasped it, not knowing that although she seemed to be turned away, Masouda was watching him out of

the corner of her eye. Waiting till the brethren reached the tent door, she called out:

"Sir Wulf, are you already weary of the enchanted Star of Fortune, or would you bequeath it to us?"

"I forgot the thingwho would not at such a time? Where is it? I left it on the cushion."

"Try the hand of Mesrour," said Masouda, whereat with a very crooked smile the eunuch produced it, and

"I wished to show you, Sir Knight, that you must be careful with such gems as these, especially in a camp

"I thank you," answered Wulf as he took it; "you have shown me." Then, followed by the sound of Masouda's

The Sultan's messenger led them forward, across ground strewn with the bodies of the murdered Templars

and Hospitallers, Iying as Godwin had seen them in his dream on the mountain top near Nazareth. Over one

of these corpses Godwin stumbled in the gloom, so heavily, that he fell to his knees. He searched the face in

the starlight, to find it was that of a knight of the Hospitallers of whom he had made a friend at Jerusalem a

very good and gentle Frenchman, who had abandoned high station and large lands to join the order for the

love of Christ and charity. Such was his reward on earthto be struck down in cold blood, like an ox by its

butcher. Then, muttering a prayer for the repose of this knight's soul, Godwin rose and, filled with horror,

Of all the strange feasts that they ever ate the brethren found this the strangest and the most sad. Saladin was

seated at the head of the table with guards and officers standing behind him, and as each dish was brought he

tasted it and no more, to show that it was not poisoned. Not far from him sat the king of Jerusalem and his

brother, and all down the board great captive nobles, to the number of fifty or more. Sorry spectacles were

these gallant knights in their hewn and bloodstained armour, palefaced, too, with eyes set wide in horror at

the dread deeds they had just seen done. Yet they ate, and ate ravenously, for now that their thirst was

satisfied, they were mad with hunger. Thirty thousand Christians lay dead on the Horn and plain of Hattin;

the kingdom of Jerusalem was destroyed, and its king a prisoner. The holy Rood was taken as a trophy. Two

hundred knights of the sacred Orders lay within a few score of yards of them, butchered cruelly by those very

emirs and doctors of the law who stood grave and silent behind their master's seat, at the express command of

that merciless master. Defeated, shamed, bereavedyet they ate, and, being human, could take comfort from

the thought that having eaten, by the law of the Arabs, at least their lives were safe.

Saladin called Godwin and Wulf to him that they might interpret for him, and gave them food, and they also

"Have you seen your cousin, the princess?" he asked; "and how found you her?" he asked presently.

Then, remembering over what he had fallen outside her tent, and looking at those miserable feasters, anger

"Sire, we found her sick with the sights and sounds of war and murder; shamed to know also that her uncle,

"Doubtless," he answered, "she thinks me cruel, and you also think me cruela despot who delights in the

death of his enemies. Yet it is not so, for I desire peace and to save life, not to destroy it. It is you Christians

who for hard upon a hundred years have drenched these sands with blood, because you say that you wish to

possess the land where your prophet lived and died more than eleven centuries ago. How many Saracens have

Hundreds of thousands of them. Moreover, with you peace is no peace. Those Orders that I destroyed tonight

have broken it a score of times. Well, I will bear no more. Allah has given me and my army the victory, and I

will take your cities and drive the Franks back into the sea. Let them seek their own lands and worship God

"Now, Sir Godwin, tell these captives for me that tomorrow I send those of them who are unwounded to

Damascus, there to await ransom while I besiege Jerusalem and the other Christian cities. Let them have no

fear; I have emptied the cup of my anger; no more of them shall die, and a priest of their faith, the bishop of

Nazareth, shall stay with their sick in my army to minister to them after their own rites.

So Godwin rose and told them, and they answered not a word, who had lost all hope and courage.

Afterwards he asked whether he and his brother were also to be sent to Damascus.

Saladin replied, "No; he would keep them for awhile to interpret, then they might go their ways without

On the morrow, accordingly, the captives were sent to Damascus, and that day Saladin took the castle of

Tiberias, setting at liberty Eschiva, the wife of Raymond, and her children. Then he moved on to Acre, which

he took, relieving four thousand Moslem captives, and so on to other towns, all of which fell before him, till

at length he came to Ascalon, which he besieged in form, setting up his mangonels against its walls.

The night was dark outside of Ascalon, save when the flashes of lightning in the storm that rolled down from

the mountains to the sea lit it up, showing the thousands of white tents set round the city, the walls and the

sentries who watched upon them, the feathery palms that stood against the sky, the mighty, snowcrowned

range of Lebanon, and encircling all the black breast of the troubled ocean. In a little open space of the

garden of an empty house that stood without the walls, a man and a woman were talking, both of them

"At length, all. Tomorrow afternoon an assault will be made upon Ascalon, but even if it is taken the camp

will not be moved that night. There will be great confusion, and Abdullah, who is somewhat sick, will be the

captain of the guard over the princess's tent. He will allow the soldiers to slip away to assist in the sack of the

city, nor will they betray him. At sunset but one eunuch will be on watchMesrour; and I will find means to

put him to sleep. Abdullah will bring the princess to this garden disguised as his young son, and there you

"Do you remember the old Arab who brought you the horses Flame and Smoke, and took no payment for

them, he who was named Son of the Sand? Well, as you know, he is my uncle, and he has more horses of that

breed. I have seen him, and he is well pleased at the tale of Flame and Smoke and the knights who rode them,

and more particularly at the way in which they came to their end, which he says has brought credit to their

ancient blood. At the foot of this garden is a cave, which was once a sepulchre. There we shall find the

horsesfour of themand with them my uncle, Son of the Sand, and by the morning light we will be a

hundred miles away and lie hid with his tribe until we can slip to the coast and board a Christian ship. Does it

"One onlythe enchanted star, the Luck of the House of Hassan; for nothing else will he take such risks.

"Good. Then it must be done tonight. When I return I will send Abdullah to your tent. Fear not; if he takes

the jewel he will give the price, since otherwise he thinks it will bring him ill fortune."

"Nay, she is mad to escape; she thinks of little else all day long. But what is the use of telling her till the time

comes? The fewer in such a plot the better, and if anything goes wrong, it is well that she should be innocent,

"Then death, and farewell to all things," said Godwin; "nor indeed should I grieve to say them goodbye.

As he spoke the lightning flashed and showed her face as she stood there against a background of green

leaves and red lily flowers. There was a strange look upon ita look that made Godwin feel afraid, he knew

"Why did I take you into my inn yonder in Beirut when you were the pilgrims Peter and John? Why did I find

you the best horses in Syria and guide you to the Aljebal? Why did I often dare death by torment for you

there? Why did I save the three of you? And why, for all this weary while, have Iwho, after all, am nobly

"Shall I answer?" she went on, laughing. "Doubtless in the beginning because I was the agent of Sinan,

charged to betray such knights as you are into his hands, and afterwards because my heart was filled with pity

Again the lightning flashed, and this time that strange look had spread from Masouda's face to the face of

"Masouda," he said in a whisper, "oh! think me no vain fool, but since it is best perhaps that both should

"Feared?" broke in Masouda with her little mocking laugh. "Sir Godwin, it is so. What does your faith

teachthe faith in which I was bred, and lost, but that now is mine againbecause it is yours? That men

and women are free, or so some read it. Well, it or they are wrong. We are not free. Was I free when first I

saw your eyes in Beirut, the eyes for which I had been watching all my life, and something came from you to

me, and Ithe castoff plaything of Sinanloved you, loved you, loved youto my own doom? Yes, and

rejoiced that it was so, and still rejoice that it is so, and would choose no other fate, because in that love I

learned that there is a meaning in this life, and that there is an answer to it in lives to be, otherwhere if not

here. Nay, speak not. I know your oath, nor would I tempt you to its breaking. But, Sir Godwin, a woman

such as the lady Rosamund cannot love two men," and as she spoke Masouda strove to search his face while

"So you know what I have known for long," he said, "so long that my sorrow is lost in the hope of my

brother's joy. Moreover, it is well that she should have chosen the better knight."

"Sometimes," said Masouda reflectively, "sometimes I have watched the lady Rosamund, and said to myself,

'What do you lack? You are beautiful, you are highborn, you are learned, you are brave, and you are good.'

Then I have answered, 'You lack wisdom and true sight, else you would not have chosen Wulf when you

"Speak not thus of one who is my better in all things, I pray you," said Godwin in a vexed voice.

"By which you mean, whose arm is perhaps a little stronger, and who at a pinch could cut down a few more

"Masouda," went on Godwin, taking no note of her words, "although we may guess her mind, our lady has

said nothing yet. Also Wulf may fall, and then I fill his place as best I can. I am no free man, Masouda."

"I have no right to love the woman who loves my brother; to her are due my friendship and my reverence

"She has not declared that she loves your brother; we may guess wrongly in this matter. They are your

"Then," answered Masouda, "there are many knightly Orders, or monasteries, for those who desire such

placesas you do in your heart. Nay, talk no more of all these things that may or may not be. Back to your

tent, Sir Godwin, where I will send Abdullah to you to receive the jewel. So, farewell, farewell."

He took her outstretched hand, hesitated a moment, then lifted it to his lips, and went. It was cold as that of a

corpse, and fell against her side again like the hand of a corpse. Masouda shrank back among the flowers of

the garden as though to hide herself from him and all the world. When he had gone a few paces, eight or ten

perhaps, Godwin turned and glanced behind him, and at that moment there came a great blaze of lightning. In

its fierce and fiery glare he saw Masouda standing with outstretched arms, pale, upturned face, closed eyes,

and parted lips. Illumined by the ghastly sheen of the levin her face looked like that of one new dead, and the

tall red lilies which climbed up her dark, palllike robe to her throatyes, they looked like streams of

Godwin shuddered a little and went his way, but as she slid thence into the black, embracing night, Masouda

"Had I played a little more upon his gentleness and pity, I think that he would have offered me his

heartafter Rosamund had done with it and in payment for my services. Nay, not his heart, for he has none

on earth, but his hand and loyalty. And, being honourable, he would have kept his promise, and I, who have

passed through the harem of Aljebal, might yet have become the lady D'Arcy, and so lived out my life and

nursed his babes. Nay, Sir Godwin; when you love menot before; and you will never love meuntil I am

Snatching a bloom of the lilies into her hand, the hand that he had kissed, Masouda pressed it convulsively

against her breast, till the red juice ran from the crushed flower and stained her like a wound. Then she glided

An hour later the captain Abdullah might have been seen walking carelessly towards the tent where the

brethren slept. Also, had there been any who cared to watch, something else might have been seen in that low

moonlight, for now the storm and the heavy rain which followed it had passed. Namely, the fat shape of the

eunuch Mesrour, slipping after him wrapped in a dark camelhair cloak, such as was commonly worn by

camp followers, and taking shelter cunningly behind every rock and shrub and rise of the ground. Hidden

among some picketed dromedaries, he saw Abdullah enter the tent of the brethren, then, waiting till a cloud

crossed the moon, Mesrour ran to it unseen, and throwing himself down on its shadowed side, lay there like a

drunken man, and listened with all his ears. But the thick canvas was heavy with wet, nor would the ropes

and the trench that was dug around permit him, who did not love to lie in the water, to place his head against

it. Also, those within spoke low, and he could only hear single words, such as "garden," "the star," "princess."

So important did these seem to him, however, that at length Mesrour crept under the cords, and although he

shuddered at its cold, drew his body into the trench of water, and with the sharp point of his knife cut a little

slit in the taut canvas. To this he set his eye, only to find that it served him nothing, for there was no light in

"Good," said a voiceit was that of one of the brethren, but which he could not tell, for even to those who

knew them best they seemed to be the same. "Good; then it is settled. Tomorrow, at the hour arranged, you

bring the princess to the place agreed upon, disguised as you have said. In payment for this service I hand you

the Luck of Hassan which you covet. Take it; here it is, and swear to do your part, since otherwise it will

bring no luck to you, for I will kill you the first time we meetyes, and the other also."

"I swear it by Allah and his prophet," answered Abdullah in a hoarse, trembling voice.

"It is enough; see that you keep the oath. And now away; it is not safe that you should tarry here."

Then came the sound of a man leaving the tent. Passing round it cautiously, he halted, and opening his hand,

looked at its contents to make sure that no trick had been played upon him in the darkness. Mesrour screwed

his head round to look also, and saw the light gleam faintly on the surface of the splendid jewel, which he,

too, desired so eagerly. In so doing his foot struck a stone, and instantly Abdullah glanced down to see a dead

or drunken man Iying almost at his feet. With a swift movement he hid the jewel and started to walk away.

Then bethinking him that it would be well to make sure that this fellow was dead or sleeping, he turned and

kicked the prostrate Mesrour upon the back and with all his strength. Indeed, he did this thrice, putting the

"I thought I saw him move," Abdullah muttered after the third kick; "it is best to make sure," and he drew his

Now, had not terror paralysed him, Mesrour would have cried out, but fortunately for himself, before he

found his voice Abdullah had buried the knife three inches deep in his fat thigh. With an effort Mesrour bore

this also, knowing that if he showed signs of life the next stroke would be in his heart. Then, satisfied that this

fellow, whoever he might be, was either a corpse or insensible, Abdullah drew out the knife, wiped it on his

Not long afterwards Mesrour departed also, towards the Sultan's house, bellowing with rage and pain and

That very night Abdullah was seized and put to the question. In his suffering he confessed that he had been to

the tent of the brethren and received from one of them the jewel which was found upon him, as a bribe to

bring the princess to a certain garden outside the camp. But he named the wrong garden. Further, when they

asked which of the brethren it was who bribed him, he said he did not know, as their voices were alike, and

their tent was in darkness; moreover, that he believed there was only one man in itat least he heard or saw

no other. He added that he was summoned to the tent by an Arab man whom he had never seen before, but

who told him that if he wished for what he most desired and good fortune, he was to be there at a certain hour

after sunset. Then he fainted, and was put back in prison till the morning by the command of Saladin.

When the morning came Abdullah was dead, who desired no more torments with doom at the end of them,

having made shift to strangle himself with his robe. But first he had scrawled upon the wall with a piece of

"May that accursed Star of Hassan which tempted me bring better luck to others, and may hell receive the

Thus died Abdullah, as faithful as he could be in such sore straits, since he had betrayed neither Masouda nor

his son, both of whom were in the plot, and said that only one of the brethren was present in the tent, whereas

he knew well that the two of them were there and which of these spoke and gave him the jewel.

Very early that morning the brethren, who were Iying wakeful, heard sounds without their tent, and looking

"The plot is discovered," said Godwin to Wulf quietly, but with despair in his face. "Now, my brother, admit

Then an officer entered the tent, and commanded them to give up their swords and to follow him to Saladin to

answer a charge that had been laid against them both, nor would he say any more. So they went as prisoners,

and after waiting awhile, were ushered into a large room of the house where Saladin lodged, which was

arranged as a court with a dais at one end. Before this they were stood, till presently the Sultan entered

through the further door, and with him certain of his emirs and secretaries. Also Rosamund, who looked very

The brethren bowed to them, but Saladin, whose eyes were full of rage, took no notice of their salutation. For

a moment there was silence, then Saladin bade a secretary read the charge, which was brief. It was that they

"Where is the evidence against us?" asked Godwin boldly. "The Sultan is just, and convicts no man save on

Again Saladin motioned to the secretary, who read the words that had been taken down from the lips of the

captain Abdullah. They demanded to be allowed to examine the captain Abdullah, and learned that he was

already dead. Then the eunuch Mesrour was carried forward, for walk he could not, owing to the wound that

Abdullah had given him, and told all his tale, how he had suspected Abdullah, and, following him, had heard

him and one of the brethren speaking in the tent, and the words that passed, and afterwards seen Abdullah

When he had finished Godwin asked which of them he had heard speaking with Abdullah, and he answered

that he could not say, as their voices were so alike, but one voice only had spoken.

Then Rosamund was ordered to give her testimony, and said, truly enough, that she knew nothing of the plot

and had not thought of this flight. Masouda also swore that she now heard of it for the first time. After this

the secretary announced that there was no more evidence, and prayed of the Sultan to give judgment in the

"Against which of us," asked Godwin, "seeing that both the dead and the living witness declared they heard

but one voice, and whose that voice was they did not know? According to your own law, you cannot

"There is testimony against one of you," answered Saladin sternly, "that of two witnesses, as is required, and,

as I have warned you long ago, that man shall die. Indeed, both of you should die, for I am sure that both are

guilty. Still, you have been put upon your trial according to the law, and as a just judge I will not strain the

law against you. Let the guilty one die by beheading at sundown, the hour at which he planned to commit his

crime. The other may go free with the citizens of Jerusalem who depart tonight, bearing my message to the

"Which of us, then, is to die, and which to go free?" asked Godwin. "Tell us, that he who is doomed may

"We admit nothing," said Godwin; "yet, if one of us must die, I as the elder claim that right."

"And I claim it as the younger. The jewel was Hassan's gift to me; who else could give it to Abdullah?" added

Wulf, speaking for the first time, whereat all the Saracens there assembled, brave men who loved a knightly

Then Rosamund stepped forward and threw herself upon her knees before him, exclaiming:

"Sire, my uncle, such is not your justice, that two should be slain for the offence of one, if offence there be. If

He stretched out his hand and raised her from her knees: then thought awhile, and said:

"Nay, plead not with me, for however much you love him the guilty man must suffer, as he deserves. But of

this matter Allah alone knows the truth, therefore let it be decided by Allah," and he rested his head upon his

Now behind Saladin stood that old and famous imaum who had been with him and Hassan when he

commanded the brethren to depart from Damascus, who all this while had listened to everything that passed

with a sour smile. Leaning forward, he whispered in his master's ear, who considered a moment, then

So the imaum left the court, and returned presently carrying two small boxes of sandalwood tied with silk and

sealed, so like each other that none could tell them apart, which boxes he passed continually from his right

hand to his left and from his left hand to his right, then gave them to Saladin.

"In one of these," said the Sultan, "is that jewel known as the enchanted Star and the Luck of the House of

Hassan, which the prince presented to his conqueror on the day of Hattin, and for the desire of which my

captain Abdullah became a traitor and was brought to death. In the other is a pebble of the same weight.

Come, my niece, take you these boxes and give them to your kinsmen, to each the box you will. The jewel

that is called the Star of Hassan is magical, and has virtue, so they say. Let it choose, therefore, which of

these knights is ripe for death, and let him perish in whose box the Star is found."

"Now," muttered the imaum into the ear of his master, "now at length we shall learn which it is of these two

"Oh! be not so cruel. I beseech you spare me this task. Let it be another hand that is chosen to deal death to

one of those of my own blood with whom I have dwelt since childhood. Let me not be the blind sword of fate

that frees his spirit, lest it should haunt my dreams and turn all my world to woe. Spare me, I beseech you."

"Princess, you know why I have brought you to the East and raised you to great honour here, why also I have

made you my companion in these wars. It is for my dream's sake, the dream which told me that by some

noble act of yours you should save the lives of thousands. Yet I am sure that you desire to escape, and plots

are made to take you from me, though of these plots you say that you and your woman"and he looked

darkly at Masouda"know nothing. But these men know, and it is right that you, for whose sake if not by

whose command the thing was done, should mete out its reward, and that the blood of him whom you

appoint, which is spilt for you, should be on your and no other head. Now do my bidding. "

For a moment Rosamund stared at the boxes, then suddenly she closed her eyes, and taking them up at

hazard, stretched out her arms, leaning forward over the edge of the dais. Thereon, calmly enough the

brethren took, each of them, the box that was nearest to him, that in Rosamund's left hand falling to Godwin

and that in her right to Wulf. Then she opened her eyes again, stood still, and watched.

"Cousin," said Godwin, "before we break this cord that is our chain of doom, know well that, whatever

chances, we blame you not at all. It is God Who acts through you, and you are as innocent of the death of

Then he began to unknot the silk which was bound about his box. Wulf, knowing that it would tell all the

tale, did not trouble himself as yet, but looked around the room, thinking that, whether he lived or died, never

would he see a stranger sight. Every eye in it was fixed upon the box in Godwin's hand; even Saladin stared

as though it held his own destiny. No; not every one, for those of the old imaum were fixed upon the face of

Rosamund, which was piteous to see, for all its beauty had left it, and even her parted lips were ashy.

Masouda alone still stood upright and unmoved, as though she watched some play, but he noted that her

richhued cheek grew pale and that beneath her robe her hand was pressed upon her heart. The silence also

was intense, and broken only by the little grating noise of Godwin's nails as, having no knife to cut it, he

"Trouble enough about one man's life in a land where lives are cheap!" exclaimed Wulf, thinking aloud, and

at the sound of his voice all men started, as though it had thundered suddenly in a summer sky. Then with a

laugh he tore the silk about his box asunder with his strong fingers, and breaking the seal, shook out its

contents. Lo! there on the floor before him, gleaming green and white with emerald and diamond, lay the

Masouda saw, and the colour crept back to her cheek. Rosamund saw also, and nature was too strong for her,

"Now, sire," said the old imaum with a chuckle, "you know which of those two the lady loves. Being a

"Yes, I know now," said Saladin, "and I am glad to know, for the matter has vexed me much."

But Wulf, who had paled for a moment, flushed with joy as the truth came home to him, and he understood

"This Star is well named 'The Luck,' " he said, as bending down he took it from the floor and fastened it to his

cloak above his heart, "nor do I hold it dearly earned." Then he turned to his brother, who stood by him white

"Forgive me, Godwin, but such is the fortune of love and war. Grudge it not to me, for when I am sped

The afternoon drew towards evening, and Godwin stood before Saladin in his private chamber.

"A boon," answered Godwin. "My brother is doomed to die before nightfall. I ask to die instead of him."

"For two reasons, sire. As you learned today, at length the riddle is answered. It is Wulf who is beloved of

the lady Rosamund, and therefore to kill him would be a crime. Further, it is I and not he whom the eunuch

heard bargaining with the captain Abdullah in the tentI swear it. Take your vengeance upon me, and let

"If this is to be so, time is short, Sir Godwin. What farewells have you to make? You say that you would

speak with my niece Rosamund? Nay, the princess you shall not see, and indeed cannot, for she lies

"Refuse this sacrifice, Sir Godwin, which perchance will be scarcely to his liking."

"That you cannot do, for, know, I mistrust this Masouda, and believe that she was at the bottom of your plot. I

have dismissed her from the person of the princess and from my camp, which she is to leaveif she has not

already leftwith some Arabs who are her kin. Had it not been for her services in the land of the Assassins

"Then," said Godwin with a sigh, "I desire only to see Egbert the bishop, that he may shrive me according to

"Good; he shall be sent to you. I accept your statement that you are the guilty man and not Sir Wulf, and take

your life for his. Leave me now, who have greater matters on my mind. The guard will seek you at the

Godwin bowed and walked away with a steady step while Saladin, looking after him, muttered:

Two hours later guards summoned Godwin from the place where he was prisoned, and, accompanied by the

old bishop who had shriven him, he passed its door with a happy countenance, such as a bridegroom might

have worn. In a fashion, indeed, he was happy, whose troubles were done with, who had few sins to mourn,

whose faith was the faith of a child, and who laid down his life for his friend and brother. They took him to a

vault of the great house where Saladin was lodgeda large, rough place, lit with torches, in which waited the

headsman and his assistants. Presently Saladin entered, and, looking at him curiously, said:

"Good Yet I have changed mine. You shall say farewell to your cousin, as you desired. Let the princess of

Baalbec be brought hither, sick or well, that she may see her work. Let her come alone."

A while passed, and Godwin, hearing the sweep of robes, looked up, and saw the tall shape of a veiled

woman standing in the corner of the vault where the shadow was so deep that the torchlight only glimmered

"They told me that you were sick, princess, sick with sorrow, as well you may be, because the man you love

was about to die for you," said Saladin in a slow voice. "Now I have had pity on your grief, and his life has

"Rosamund," broke in Godwin, speaking in French, "I beseech you, be silent and do not unman me with

words or tears. It is best thus, and you know that it is best. Wulf you love as he loves you, and I believe that

in time you will be brought together. Me you do not love, save as a friend, and never have. Moreover, I tell

you this that it may ease your pain and my conscience; I no longer seek you as my wife, whose bride is death.

I pray you, give to Wulf my love and blessing, and to Masouda, that truest and most sweet woman, say, or

write, that I offer her the homage of my heart; that I thought of her in my last moments, and that my prayer is

we may meet again where all crooked paths are straightened. Rosamund, farewell; peace and joy go with you

through many years, ay, and with your children's children. Of Godwin I only ask you to remember this, that

She heard and stretched out her arms, and, none forbidding him, Godwin walked to where she stood. Without

lifting her veil she bent forward and kissed him, first upon the brow and next upon the lips; then with a low,

moaning cry, she turned and fled from that gloomy place, nor did Saladin seek to stay her. Only to himself

the Sultan wondered how it came about that if it was Wulf whom Rosamund loved, she still kissed Godwin

As he walked back to the deathplace Godwin wondered also, first that Rosamund should have spoken no

single word, and secondly because she had kissed him thus, even in that hour. Why or wherefore he did not

know, but there rose in his mind a memory of that wild ride down the mountain steeps at Beirut, and of lips

which then had touched his cheek, and of the odour of hair that then was blown about his breast. With a sigh

he thrust the thought aside, blushing to think that such memories should come to him who had done with

earth and its delights, knelt down before the headsman, and, turning to the bishop, said:

Then it was that he heard a wellknown footstep, and looked up to see Wulf staring at him.

"What do you here, Godwin?" asked Wulf. "Has yonder fox snared both of us?" and he nodded at Saladin.

"Let the fox speak," said the Sultan with a smile. "Know, Sir Wulf, that your brother was about to die in your

place, and of his own wish. But I refuse such sacrifice who yet have made use of it to teach my niece, the

princess, that should she continue in her plottings to escape, or allow you to continue in them, certainly it will

bring you to your deaths, and, if need be, her also. Knights, you are brave men whom I prefer to kill in war.

Good horses stand without; take them as my gift, and ride with these foolish citizens of Jerusalem. We may

meet again within its streets. Nay, thank me not. I thank you who have taught Salaheddin how perfect a

The brethren stood awhile bewildered, for it is a strange thing thus to come back from death to life. Each of

them had made sure that he must die within some few minutes, and pass through the blackness which walls

man in, to find he knew not what. And now, behold! the road that led to that blackness turned again at its very

edge, and ran forward through the familiar things of earth to some end unknown. They were brave, both of

them, and accustomed to face death daily, as in such a place and time all men must be; moreover, they had

been shriven, and looked to see the gates of Paradise open on their newborn sight.

Yet, since no man loves that journey, it was very sweet to know it done with for a while, and that they still

might hope to dwell in this world for many years. Little wonder, then, that their brains swam, and their eyes

grew dim, as they passed from the shadow to the light again. It was Wulf who spoke the first.

"A noble deed, Godwin, yet one for which I should not have thanked you had it been accomplished, who then

must have lived on by grace of your sacrifice. Sultan, we are grateful for your boon of life, though had you

shed this innocent blood surely it would have stained your soul. May we bid farewell to our cousin

"Nay," answered Saladin; "Sir Godwin has done that alreadylet it serve for both. Tomorrow she shall

Outside that gloomy place of death their swords were given them, and two good horses, which they mounted.

Hence guides led them to the embassy from Jerusalem that was already in the saddle, who were very glad to

welcome two such knights to their company. Then, having bid farewell to the bishop Egbert, who wept for

joy at their escape, escorted for a while by Saladin's soldiers, they rode away from Ascalon at the fall of

Soon they had told each other all there was to tell. When he heard of the woe of Rosamund Wulf wellnigh

"We have our lives," he said, "but how shall we save her? While Masouda stayed with her there was some

"There is none, except in God," answered Godwin, "Who can do all thingseven free Rosamund and make

her your wife. Also, if Masouda is at liberty, we shall hear from her ere long; so let us keep a good heart."

But though he spoke thus, the soul of Godwin was oppressed with a fear which he could not understand. It

seemed as though some great terror came very close to him, or to one who was near and dear. Deeper and

deeper he sank into that pit of dread of he knew not what, until at length he could have cried aloud, and his

brow was bathed with a sweat of anguish. Wulf saw his face in the moonlight, and asked:

"Yes, brother," he answered, "a wound in my spirit. III fortune threatens usgreat ill fortune."

"That is no new thing," said Wulf, "in this land of blood and sorrows. Let us meet it as we have met the rest."

"Alas! brother," exclaimed Godwin, "I fear that Rosamund is in sore dangerRosamund or another."

"Then," answered Wulf, turning pale, "since we cannot, let us pray that some angel may deliver her."

"Ay," said Godwin, and as they rode through the desert sands beneath the silent stars, they prayed to the

Blessed Mother, and to their saints, St. Peter and St. Chadprayed with all their strength. Yet the prayer

availed not. Sharper and sharper grew Godwin's agony, till, as the slow hours went by, his very soul reeled

beneath this spiritual pain, and the death which he had escaped seemed a thing desirable.

The dawn was breaking, and at its first sign the escort of Saladin's soldiers had turned and left them, saying

that now they were safe in their own country. All night they had ridden fast and far. The plain was behind

them, and their road ran among hills. Suddenly it turned, and in the flaming lights of the newborn day

showed them a sight so beautiful that for a moment all that little company drew rein to gaze. For yonder

before them, though far away as yet, throned upon her hills, stood the holy city of Jerusalem. There were her

walls and towers, and there, stained red as though with the blood of its worshippers, soared the great cross

Yes, yonder was the city for which throughout the ages men had died by tens and hundreds of thousands, and

still must die until the doom was done. Saladin had offered to spare her citizens if they consented to

surrender, but they would not. This embassy had told him that they had sworn to perish with the holy Places,

and now, looking at it in its splendour, they knew that the hour was near, and groaned aloud.

Godwin groaned also, but not for Jerusalem. Oh! now the last terror was upon him. Blackness surged round

him, and in the blackness swords, and a sound as of a woman's voice murmuring his name. Clutching the

pommel of his saddle, he swayed to and fro, till suddenly the anguish passed. A strange wind seemed to blow

about him and lift his hair; a deep, unearthly peace sank into his spirit; the world seemed far away and heaven

At the village of Bittir, some seven miles from Jerusalem, the embassy dismounted to rest, then again they

pressed forward down the valley in the hope of reaching the Zion Gate before the midday heat was upon

them. At the end of this valley swelled the shoulder of a hill whence the eye could command its length, and

on the crest of that shoulder appeared suddenly a man and a woman, seated on beautiful horses. The company

halted, fearing lest these might herald some attack and that the woman was a man disguised to deceive them.

While they waited thus irresolute, the pair upon the hill turned their horses' heads, and notwithstanding its

steepness, began to gallop towards them very swiftly. Wulf looked at them curiously and said to Godwin:

"Now I am put in mind of a certain ride which once we took outside the walls of Beirut. Almost could I think

that yonder Arab was he who sat behind my saddle, and yonder woman she who rode with you, and that those

two horses were Flame and Smoke reborn. Note their whirlwind pace, and strength, and stride."

Almost as he finished speaking the strangers pulled up their steeds in front of the company, to whom the man

bowed his salutations. Then Godwin saw his face, and knew him at once as the old Arab called Son of the

"Sir," said the Arab to the leader of the embassy, "I have come to ask a favour of yonder knights who travel

with you, which I think that they, who have ridden my horses, will not refuse me. This woman," and he

pointed to the closelyveiled shape of his companion, "is a relative of mine whom I desire to deliver to

friends in Jerusalem, but dare not do so myself because the hilldwellers between here and there are hostile to

my tribe. She is of the Christian faith and no spy, but cannot speak your language. Within the south gate she

"Let the knights settle it," said the commander, shrugging his shoulders impatiently and spurring his horse.

"Surely we will take her," said Godwin, "though what we shall do with her if her friends are wanting I do not

She turned her head to the Arab as though in question, and he repeated the words, whereon she fell into the

"Perhaps," went on the Arab to Godwin, "by now you have learned more of our tongue than you knew when

we met in past days at Beirut, and rode the mountain side on the good horses Flame and Smoke. Still, if so, I

pray you of your knightly courtesy disturb not this woman with your words, nor ask her to unveil her face,

since such is not the custom of her people. It is but an hour's journey to the city gate during which you will be

troubled with her. This is the payment that I ask of you for the two good horses which, as I am told, bore you

none so ill upon the Narrow Way and across plain and mountain when you fled from Sinan, also on the evil

"It shall be as you wish," said Godwin; "and, Son of the Sand, we thank you for those horses."

"Good. When you want more, let it be known in the market places that you seek me," and he began to turn his

"Stay," said Godwin. "What do you know of Masouda, your niece? Is she with you?"

"Nay," answered the Arab in a low voice, "but she bade me be in a certain garden of which you have heard,

near Ascalon, at an appointed hour, to take her away, as she is leaving the camp of Salaheddin. So thither I

go. Farewell." Then with a reverence to the veiled lady, he shook his reins and departed like an arrow by the

Godwin gave a sigh of relief. If Masouda had appointed to meet her uncle the Arab, at least she must be safe.

So it was no voice of hers which seemed to whisper his name in the darkness of the night when terror had

ahold of himterror, born perhaps of all that he had endured and the shadow of death through which he had

so lately passed. Then he looked up, to find Wulf staring back at the woman behind him, and reproved him,

saying that he must keep to the spirit of the bargain as well as to the letter, and that if he might not speak he

"That is a pity," answered Wulf, "for though she is so tied up, she must be a tall and noble lady by the way

she sits her horse. The horse, too, is noble, own cousin or brother to Smoke, I think. Perhaps she will sell it

Then they rode on, and because they thought their honour in it, neither spoke nor looked more at the

companion of this adventure, though, had they known it, she looked hard enough at them.

At length they reached the gate of Jerusalem, which was crowded with folk awaiting the return of their

ambassadors. They all passed through, and the embassy was escorted thence by the chief people, most of the

Now Godwin and Wulf stared at each other, wondering whither they were to go and where to find the

relatives of their veiled companion, of whom they saw nothing. Out of the street opened an archway, and

beyond this archway was a garden, which seemed to be deserted. They rode into it to take counsel, and their

"Jerusalem is reached, and we must speak to her now," said Wulf, "if only to ask her whither she wishes to be

"Lady," he said in Arabic, "we have fulfilled our charge. Be pleased to tell us where are those kindred to

They stared about the deserted garden in which stones and sacks of earth had been stored ready for a siege,

Then the lady let slip her cloak, though not her veil revealing the robe beneath.

"By St. Peter!" said Godwin. "I know the broidery on that dress. Masouda! Say, is it you, Masouda?"

As he spoke the veil fell also, and lo! before them was a woman like to Masouda and yet not Masouda. The

hair was dressed like hers; the ornaments and the necklace made of the claws of the lion which Godwin killed

were hers; the skin was of the same rich hue; there even was the tiny mole upon her cheek, but as the head

was bent they could not see her eyes. Suddenly, with a little moan she lifted it, and looked at them.

"Rosamund! It is Rosamund herself!" gasped Wulf. "Rosamund disguised as Masouda!"

And he fell rather than leapt from his saddle and ran to her, murmuring, " God! I thank Thee! "

Now she seemed to faint and slid from her horse into his arms, and lay there a moment, while Godwin turned

"Yes," said Rosamund, freeing herself, "it is I and no other, yet I rode with you all this way and neither of

"Have we eyes that can pierce veils and woollen garments?" asked Wulf indignantly; but Godwin said in a

"You are Rosamund disguised as Masouda. Who, then, was that woman to whom I bade farewell before

Saladin while the headsman awaited me; a veiled woman who wore the robes and gems of Rosamund?"

"I know not, Godwin," she answered, "unless it were Masouda clad in my garments as I left her. Nor do I

know anything of this story of the headsman who awaited you. I thoughtI thought it was for Wulf that he

"It is short," she answered. "After the casting of the lot, of which I shall dream till my deathday, I fainted.

When I found my senses again I thought that I must be mad, for there before me stood a woman dressed in

" 'Have no fear,' she said; 'I am Masouda, who, amongst many other things, have learned how to play a part.

Listen; there is no time to lose. I have been ordered to leave the camp; even now my uncle the Arab waits

without, with two swift horses. You, Princess, will leave in my place. Look, you wear my robes and my

facealmost; and are of my height, and the man who guides you will know no difference. I have seen to

that, for although a soldier of Salaheddin, he is of my tribe. I will go with you to the door, and there bid

you farewell before the eunuchs and the guards with weeping, and who will guess that Masouda is the

" 'My uncle, Son of the Sand, will give you over to the embassy which rides to Jerusalem, or failing that, will

take you to the city, or failing that, will hide you in the mountains among his own people. See, here is a letter

" 'Of me? Oh! it is all planned, a plan that cannot fail,' she answered. 'Fear not; I escape tonightI have no

time to tell you howand will join you in a day or two. Also, I think that you will find Sir Godwin, who will

" 'But Wulf? What of Wulf?' I asked again. 'He is doomed to die, and I will not leave him.'

" 'The living and the dead can keep no company,' she answered. 'Moreover, I have seen him, and all this is

"I never saw Masouda! I never spoke such words! I knew nothing of this plot!" exclaimed Wulf, and the

"Moreover," continued Rosamund, bowing her head, "Masouda added these words, 'I think that Sir Wulf will

escape his doom. If you would see him again, obey his word, for unless you obey you can never hope to look

upon him living. Go, now, before we are both discovered, which would mean your death and mine, who, if

"She did not know it. She only said she knew to force Rosamund away," answered Godwin in the same

"And thenoh! having Wulf's express commands, then I went, like one in a dream. I remember little of it. At

the door we kissed and parted weeping, and while the guard bowed before her, she blessed me beneath her

breath. A soldier stepped forward and said, 'Follow me, daughter of Sinan,' and I followed him, none taking

any note, for at that hour, although perhaps you did not see it m your prisons, a strange shadow passed across

the sun, of which all folk were afraid, thinking that it portended evil, either to Saladin or Ascalon.*

[* The eclipse, which overshadowed Palestine and caused much terror at Jerusalem on 4th September, 1187,

"In the gloom we came to a place, where was an old Arab among some trees, and with him two led horses.

The soldier spoke to the Arab, and I gave him Masouda's letter, which he read. Then he put me on one of the

led horses and the soldier mounted the other, and we departed at a gallop. All that evening and last night we

rode hard, but in the darkness the soldier left us, and I do not know whither he went. At length we came to

that mountain shoulder and waited there, resting the horses and eating food which the Arab had with him, till

" 'See,' said the old Arab, 'yonder come the brethren whom you seek. See and give thanks to Allah and to

"Oh! my heart wept as though it would burst, and I wept in my joy wept and blessed God and Masouda.

But the Arab, Son of the Sand, told me that for my life's sake I must be silent and keep myself close veiled

and disguised even from you until we reached Jerusalem, lest perhaps if they knew me the embassy might

refuse escort to the princess of Baalbec and niece of Saladin, or even give me up to him.

"Then I promised and asked, 'What of Masouda?' He said that he rode back at speed to save her also, as had

been arranged, and that was why he did not take me to Jerusalem himself. But how that was to be done he

was not sure as yet; only he was sure that she was hidden away safely, and would find a way of escape when

she wished it. Andandyou know the rest, and here, by the grace of God, we three are together again."

"Ay," said Godwin, "but where is Masouda, and what will happen to her who has dared to venture such a plot

as this? Oh! know you what this woman did? I was condemned to die in place of Wulfhow, does not

matter; you will learn it afterwardsand the princess of Baalbec was brought to say me farewell. There,

under the very eyes of Saladin, Masouda played her part and mimicked you so well that the Sultan was

deceived, and I, even I, was deceived. Yes, when for the first and last time I embraced her, I was deceived,

although, it is true, I wondered. Also since then a great fear has been with me, although here again I was

"Now, hark you, Wulf; take Rosamund and lodge her with some lady in this city, or, better still, place her in

sanctuary with the nuns of the Holy Cross, whence none will dare to drag her, and let her don their habit. The

abbess may remember you, for we have met her, and at least she will not refuse Rosamund a refuge."

"Yes, yes; I mind me she asked us news of folk in England. But you? Where do you go, Godwin?" said his

"Why?" asked Wulf. "Cannot Masouda save herself, as she told her uncle, the Arab, she would do? And has

"I do not know," answered Godwin; "but this I do know, that for the sake of Rosamund, and perhaps for my

sake also, Masouda has run a fearful risk. Bethink you, what will be the mood of Saladin when at length he

finds that she upon whom he had built such hopes has gone, leaving a waiting woman decked out in her

"Oh!" broke in Rosamund. "I feared it, but I awoke to find myself disguised, and she persuaded me that all

was well; also that this was done by the will of Wulf, whom she thought would escape."

"That is the worst of if," said Godwin. "To carry out her plan she held it necessary to lie, as I think she lied

when she said that she believed we should both escape, though it is true that so it came about. I will tell you

why she lied. It was that she might give her life to set you free to join me in Jerusalem."

Now Rosamund, who knew the secret of Masouda's heart, looked at him strangely, wondering within herself

how it came about that, thinking Wulf dead or about to die, she should sacrifice herself that she, Rosamund,

might be sent to the care of Godwin. Surely it could not be for love of her, although they loved each other

Yet now she began to understand. So true and high was this great love of Masouda's that for Godwin's sake

she was ready to hide herself in death, leaving himnow that, as she thought, his rival was removedto

live on with the lady whom he loved; ay, and at the price of her own life giving that lady to his arms. Oh!

how noble must she be who could thus plan and act, and, whatever her past had been, how pure and high of

soul! Surely, if she lived, earth had no grander woman; and if she were dead, heaven had won a saint indeed.

Rosamund looked at Godwin, and Godwin looked at Rosamund, and there was understanding in their eyes,

"That shall not be," answered Wulf. "Saladin would kill you for this flight, as he has sworn."

"That cannot be," added Godwin. "Shall the sacrifice of blood be offered in vain? Moreover it is our duty to

" Ififthat dreadful thing has happened, Godwinif the sacrificeoh! what will it serve?"

"Rosamund, I know not what has chanced; I go to see. I care not what may chance; I go to meet it. Through

life, through death, and if there be need, through all the fires of hell, I ride on till I find Masouda, and kneel to

"And in love," exclaimed Rosamund, as though the words broke from her lips against her will.

Then seeing the look upon his face, the set mouth and the flashing eyes, neither of them sought to stay him

"Farewell, my liegelady and cousin Rosamund," Godwin said; "my part is played. Now I leave you in the

keeping of God in heaven and of Wulf on earth. Should we meet no more, my counsel is that you two wed

here in Jerusalem and travel back to Steeple, there to live in peace, if it may be so. Brother Wulf, fare you

well also. We part today for the first time, who from our birth have lived together and loved together and

done many a deed together, some of which we can look back upon without shame. Go on your course

rejoicing, taking the love and gladness that Heaven has given you and living a good and Christian knight,

"Oh! Godwin, speak not thus," said Wulf, "for in truth it breaks my heart to hear such fateful words.

Moreover, we do not part thus easily. Our lady here will be safe enough among the nunsmore safe than I

can keep her. Give me an hour, and I will set her there and join you. Both of us owe a debt to Masouda, and it

"Nay," answered Godwin; "look upon Rosamund, and think what is about to befall this city. Can you leave

Then Wulf dropped his head, and trusting himself to speak no more words, Godwin mounted his horse, and,

without so much as looking back, rode into the narrow street and out through the gateway, till presently he

"Little did I look to part with my brother thus," said Wulf at length in a thick and angry voice. "By God's

Wounds! I had more gladly died at his side in battle than leave him to meet his doom alone."

"And leave me to meet my doom alone," murmured Rosamund; then added, "Oh! I would that I were dead

who have lived to bring all this woe upon you both, and upon that great heart, Masouda. I say, Wulf, I would

"Like enough the wish will be fulfilled before all is done," answered Wulf wearily, "only then I pray that I

may be dead with you, for now, Rosamund, Godwin has gone, forever as I fear, and you alone are left to me.

Come; let us cease complaining, since to dwell upon these griefs cannot help us, and be thankful that for a

while, at least, we are free. Follow me, Rosamund, and we will ride to this nunnery to find you shelter, if we

So they rode on through the narrow streets that were crowded with scared people, for now the news was

spread that the embassy had rejected the terms of Saladin. He had offered to give the city food and to suffer

its inhabitants to fortify the walls, and to hold them till the following Whitsuntide if, should no help reach

them, they would swear to surrender then. But they had answered that while they had life they would never

So now war was before themwar to the end; and who were they that must bear its brunt? Their leaders

were slain or captive, their king a prisoner, their soldiers skeletons on the field of Hattin. Only the women

and children, the sick, the old, and the wounded remainedperhaps eighty thousand souls in allbut few of

whom could bear arms. Yet these few must defend Jerusalem against the might of the victorious Saracen.

Little wonder that they wailed in the streets till the cry of their despair went up to heaven, for in their hearts

Pushing their path through this sad multitude, who took little note of them, at length they came to the nunnery

on the sacred Via Dolorosa, which Wulf had seen when Godwin and he were in Jerusalem after they had been

dismissed by Saladin from Damascus. Its door stood in the shadow of that arch where the Roman Pilate had

Here the porter told him that the nuns were at prayer in their chapel. Wulf replied that he must see the lady

abbess upon a matter which would not delay, and they were shown into a cool and lofty room. Presently the

door opened, and through it came the abbess in her white robesa tall and stately Englishwoman, of middle

"Lady Abbess," said Wulf, bowing low, "my name is Wulf D'Arcy. Do you remember me?"

"Yes. We met in Jerusalembefore the battle of Hattin," she answered. "Also I know something of your

"This lady," went on Wulf, "is the daughter and heiress of Sir Andrew D'Arcy, my dead uncle, and in Syria

The abbess started, and asked: "Is she, then, of their accursed faith, as her garb would seem to show?"

"Nay, mother," said Rosamund, " I am a Christian, if a sinful one, and I come here to seek sanctuary, lest

when they know who I am and he clamours at their gates, my fellow Christians may surrender me to my

"Tell me the story," said the abbess; and they told her briefly, while she listened, amazed. When they had

"Alas! my daughter, how can we save you, whose own lives are at stake? That belongs to God alone. Still,

what we can we will do gladly, and here, at least, you may rest for some short while. At the most holy altar of

our chapel you shall be given sanctuary, after which no Christian man dare lay a hand upon you, since to do

so is a sacrilege that would cost him his soul. Moreover, I counsel that you be enrolled upon our books as a

novice, and don our garb. Nay," she added with a smile, noting the look of alarm on the face of Wulf, "the

lady Rosamund need not wear it always, unless such should be her wish. Not every novice proceeds to the

"Long have I been decked in goldembroidered silks and priceless gems," answered Rosamund, "and now I

So they led Rosamund to the chapel, and in sight of all their order and of priests who had been summoned, at

the altar there, upon that holy spot where they said that once Christ had answered Pilate, they placed her hand

and gave her sanctuary, and threw over her tired head the white veil of a novice. There, too, Wulf left her,

and riding away, reported himself to Balian of Ibelin, the elected commander of the city, who was glad

Oh! weary, weary was that ride of Godwin's beneath the sun, beneath the stars. Behind him, the brother who

had been his companion and closest friend, and the woman whom he had loved in vain; and in front, he knew

not what. What went he forth to seek? Another woman, who had risked her life for them all because she

loved him. And if he found her, what then? Must he wed her, and did he wish this? Nay, he desired no

woman on the earth; yet what was right that he would do. And if he found her not, what then? Well, at least

he would give himself up to Saladin, who must think ill of them by whom he had dealt well, and tell him that

of this plot they had no knowledge. Indeed, to him he would go first, if it were but to beg forgiveness for

Masouda should she still be in his hands. Thenfor he could not hope to be believed or pardoned a second

It was evening, and Godwin's tired horse stumbled slowly through the great camp of the Saracens without the

walls of fallen Ascalon. None hindered him, for having been so long a prisoner he was known by many,

while others thought that he was but one of the surrendered. Christian knights. So he came to the great house

where Saladin lodged, and bade the guard take his name to the Sultan, saying that he craved audience of him.

Presently he was admitted, and found Saladin seated in council among his ministers.

"Sir Godwin," he said sternly, "seeing how you have dealt by me, what brings you back into my camp? I gave

"We did not rob you, sire," answered Godwin, "who knew nothing of this plot. Nevertheless, as I was sure

that you would think thus, I am come from Jerusalem, leaving the princess and my brother there, to tell the

truth and to surrender myself to you, that I may bear in her place any punishment which you think fit to inflict

"Because, Sultan," answered Godwin sadly, and with bent head, "whatever she did, she did for love of me,

Godwin breathed a sigh of relief. At least, Masouda still lived, and the terror that had struck him in the night

"Doubtless she will be glad to learn how her plot prospered," said Saladin, with a grim smile. "In truth it was

Calling to one of his council, that same old imaum who had planned the casting of the lots, the Sultan spoke

Taking a silver lamp from the wall, the imaum beckoned to Godwin, who bowed to the Sultan and followed.

As he passed wearily through the throng in the audience room, it seemed to Godwin that the emirs and

captains gathered there looked at him with pity in their eyes. So strong was this feeling in him that he halted

"All of us go thither," answered Saladin in the silence, "but Allah has not written that death is yours

They passed down long passages; they came to a door which the imaum, who hobbled in front, unlocked.

"Ay," was the answer, "under ward. Enter," and he handed him the lamp. "I remain without."

"Perchance she sleeps, and I shall disturb her," said Godwin, as he hesitated upon the threshold.

"Did you not say she loved you? Then doubtless, even if she sleeps, she, who has dwelt at Masyaf will not

take your visit ill, who have ridden so far to find her," said the imaum with a sneering laugh. "Enter, I say."

So Godwin took the lamp and went in, and the door was shut behind him. Surely the place was familiar to

him? He knew that arched roof and these rough, stone walls. Why, it was here that he had been brought to

die, and through that very door the false Rosamund had come to bid him farewell, who now returned to greet

her in this same darksome den. Well, it was emptydoubtless she would soon come, and he waited, looking

at the door. It did not stir; he heard no footsteps; nothing broke that utter silence. He turned again and stared

about him. Something glinted on the ground yonder, towards the end of the vault, just where he had knelt

before the executioner. A shape lay there; doubtless it was Masouda, imprisoned and asleep.

"Masouda," he said, and the sounding echoes from the arched walls answered back, "Masouda!"

He must awaken her; there was no choice. Yes, it was she, asleep, and she still wore the royal robes of

How sound Masouda slept! Would she never wake? He knelt down beside her and put out his hand to lift the

Then, with horror in his heart, Godwin held down the lamp and looked. Oh! those robes were red, and those

lips were ashen. It was Masouda, whose spirit had passed him in the desert; Masouda, slain by the

headsman's sword! This was the evil jest that had been played upon him, and thusthus they met again.

Godwin rose to his feet and stood over her still shape as a man stands in a dream, while words broke from his

"Masouda," he whispered, "I know now that I love you and you only, henceforth and forever, O woman with

While the whispered words left his lips, it seemed to Godwin that once more, as when he rode with Wulf

from Ascalon, the strange wind blew about his brow, bringing with it the presence of Masouda, and that once

Then all was past and over, and he turned to see the old imaum standing at his side.

"Did I not tell you that you would find her sleeping?" he said, with his bitter, chuckling laugh. "Call on her,

Sir Knight; call on her! Love, they say, can bridge great gulfseven that between severed neck and bosom."

With the silver lamp in his hand Godwin smote, and the man went down like a felled ox, leaving him once

For a moment Godwin stood thus, till his brain was filled with fire, and he too fellfell across the corpse of

Godwin knew that he lay sick, but save that Masouda seemed to tend him in his sickness he knew no more,

for all the past had gone from him. There she was always, clad in a white robe, and looking at him with eyes

full of ineffable calm and love, and he noted that round her neck ran a thin, red line, and wondered how it

He knew also that he travelled while he was ill, for at dawn he would hear the camp break up with a mighty

noise, and feel his litter lifted by slaves who bore him along for hours across the burning sand, till at length

the evening came, and with a humming sound, like the sound of hiving bees, the great army set its bivouac.

Then came the night and the pale moon floating like a boat upon the azure sea above, and everywhere the

bright, eternal stars, to which went up the constant cry of "Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! God is the greatest,

"It is a false god," he would say. "Tell them to cry upon the Saviour of the World."

"Judge not. No god whom men worship with a pure and single heart is wholly false. Many be the ladders that

At length that journey was done, and there arose new noises as of the roar of battle. Orders were given and

men marched out in thousands; then rose that roar, and they marched back again, mourning their dead.

At last came a day when, opening his eyes, Godwin turned to rest them on Masouda, and lo! she was gone,

and in her accustomed place there sat a man whom he knew wellEgbert, once bishop of Nazareth, who

gave him to drink of sherbet cooled with snow. Yes, the Woman had departed and the Priest was there.

"Outside the walls of Jerusalem, my son, a prisoner in the camp of Saladin," was the answer.

"In heaven, as I trust," came the gentle answer, "for she was a brave lady. It is I who have sat by you."

"If so," answered the bishop again, "it was her spirit, for I shrove her and have prayed over her open

graveher spirit, which came to visit you from heaven, and has gone back to heaven now that you are of the

Then Godwin remembered the truth, and groaning, fell asleep. Afterwards, as he grew stronger, Egbert told

him all the story. He learned that when he was found Iying senseless on the body of Masouda the emirs

wished Saladin to kill him, if for no other reason because he had dashed out the eye of the holy imaum with a

lamp. But the Sultan, who had discovered the truth, would not, for he said that it was unworthy of the imaum

to have mocked his grief, and that Sir Godwin had dealt with him as he deserved. Also, that this Frank was

one of the bravest of knights, who had returned to bear the punishment of a sin which he did not commit, and

Thus it had come about that the bishop Egbert was ordered to nurse him, and, if possible to save his life; and

when at last they marched upon Jerusalem, soldiers were told off to bear his litter, and a good tent was set

apart to cover him. Now the siege of the holy city had begun, and there was much slaughter on both sides.

"Why should he be merciful, my son, since they have refused his terms and defied him? Nay, he has sworn

that as Godfrey took the place nigh upon a hundred years ago and slaughtered the Mussulmen who dwelt

there by thousands, men, women, and children together, so will he do to the Christians. Oh! why should he

spare them? They must die! They must die!" and wringing his hands Egbert left the tent.

Godwin lay still, wondering what the answer to this riddle might be. He could think of one, and one only. In

Jerusalem was Rosamund, the Sultan's niece, whom he must desire to recapture, above all things, not only

because she was of his blood, but since he feared that if he did not do so his vision concerning her would

Now what was this vision? That through Rosamund much slaughter should be spared. Well, if Jerusalem

were saved, would not tens of thousands of Moslem and Christian lives be saved also? Oh! surely here was

the answer, and some angel had put it into his heart, and now he prayed for strength to plant it in the heart of

This very day Godwin found the opportunity. As he lay dozing in his tent that evening, being still too weak to

rise, a shadow fell upon him, and opening his eyes he saw the Sultan himself standing alone by his bedside.

"Sir Godwin," he said, " I am come to ask your pardon. When I sent you to visit that dead woman, who had

suffered justly for her crime, I did an act unworthy of a king. But my heart was bitter against her and you, and

the imaum, he whom you smote, put into my mind the trick that cost him his eye and almost cost a wornout

"You say so. Yet I have done things to you and yours that you can scarcely hold as noble," said Saladin. "I

stole your cousin from her home, as her mother had been stolen from mine, paying back ill with ill, which is

against the law, and in his own hall my servants slew her father and your uncle, who was once my friend.

Well, these things I did because a fate drove me onthe fate of a dream, the fate of a dream. Say, Sir

Godwin, is that story which they tell in the camps true, that a vision came to you before the battle of Hattin,

"Yes, it is true," answered Godwin, and he told the vision, and of how he had sworn to it on the Rood.

"They laughed at me, and hinted that I was a sorcerer, or a traitor in your pay, or both."

"Blind fools, who would not hear the truth when it was sent to them by the pure mouth of a prophet,"

muttered Saladin. "Well, they paid the price, and I and my faith are the gainers. Do you wonder, then, Sir

Godwin, that I also believe my vision which came to me thrice in the night season, bringing with it the

"Do you wonder also that I was mad with rage when I learned that at last yonder brave dead woman had

outwitted me and all my spies and guards, and this after I had spared your lives? Do you wonder that I am

still so wroth, believing as I do that a great occasion has been taken from me?"

"I do not wonder. But, Sultan, I who have seen a vision speak to you who also have seen a visiona prophet

to a prophet. And I tell you that the occasion has not been takenit has been brought, yes, to your very door,

"See now,Salaheddin, the princess Rosamund is in Jerusalem. She has been led to Jerusalem that you may

spare it for her sake, and thus make an end of bloodshed and save the lives of folk uncounted."

"Never!" said the Sultan, springing up. "They have rejected my mercy, and I have sworn to sweep them

away, man, woman, and child, and be avenged upon all their unclean and faithless race."

"Is Rosamund unclean that you would be avenged upon her? Will her dead body bring you peace? If

"I will give orders that she is to be savedthat she may be judged for her crime by me," he added grimly.

"How can she be saved when the stormers are drunk with slaughter, and she but one disguised woman among

"Then," he answered, stamping his foot, "she shall be brought or dragged out of Jerusalem before the

"That, I think, will not happen while Wulf is there to protect her," said Godwin quietly.

Within Jerusalem all was misery, all was despair. There were crowded thousands and tens of thousands of

fugitives, women and children, many of them, whose husbands and fathers had been slain at Hattin or

elsewhere. The fighting men who were left had few commanders, and thus it came about that soon Wulf

First Saladin attacked from the west between the gates of Sts. Stephen and of David, but here stood strong

fortresses called the Castle of the Pisans and the Tower of Tancred, whence the defenders made sallies upon

him, driving back his stormers. So he determined to change his ground, and moved his army to the east,

camping it near the valley of the Kedron. When they saw the tents being struck the Christians thought that he

was abandoning the siege, and gave thanks to God in all their churches; but lo! next morning the white array

There were in the city many who desired to surrender to the Sultan, and fierce grew the debates between them

and those who swore that they would rather die. At length it was agreed that an embassy should be sent. So it

came under safe conduct, and was received by Saladin in presence of his emirs and counsellors. He asked

them what was their wish, and they replied that they had come to discuss terms. Then he answered thus:

"In Jerusalem is a certain lady, my niece, known among us as the princess of Baalbec, and among the

Christians as Rosamund D'Arcy, who escaped thither a while ago in the company of the knight, Sir Wulf

D'Arcy, whom I have seen fighting bravely among your warriors. Let her be surrendered to me that I may

deal with her as she deserves, and we will talk again. Till then I have no more to say."

Now most of the embassy knew nothing of this lady, but one or two said they thought that they had heard of

"At least," exclaimed Heraclius the Patriarch, "in this matter it is easy to satisfy the Sultan. Let his niece be

Now one declared that was known by the knight, Sir Wulf D'Arcy, with whom she had entered the city. So he

was sent for, and came with armour rent and red sword in hand, for he had just beaten back an attack upon

"We desire to know, Sir Wulf, said the patriarch, "where you have hidden away the lady known as the

"A great deal, to me and to all, seeing that Saladin will not even treat with us until she is delivered to him."

"Does this council, then, propose to hand over a Christian lady to the Saracens against her will?" asked Wulf

"She does not belong," answered Wulf. "She was kidnapped by Saladin in England, and ever since has striven

"Waste not our time," exclaimed the patriarch impatiently. "We understand that you are this woman's lover,

but however that may be, Saladin demands her, and to Saladin she must go. So tell us where she is without

"Discover that for yourself, Sir Patriarch," replied Wulf in fury. "Or, if you cannot, send one of your own

Now there was a murmur in the council, but of wonder at his boldness rather than of indignation, for this

"I care not if I speak the truth," went on Wulf, "for it is known to all. Moreover, I tell this man that it is well

for him that he is a priest, however shameful, for otherwise I would cleave his head in two who has dared to

call the lady Rosamund my lover." Then, still shaking with wrath, the great knight turned and stalked from

"A dangerous man," said Heraclius, who was white to the lips; "a very dangerous man. I propose that he

"Ay," answered the lord Balian of Ibelin, who was in supreme command of the city, "a very dangerous

manto his foes, as I can testify. I saw him and his brother charge through the hosts of the Saracens at the

battle of Hattin, and I have seen him in the breach upon the wall. Would that we had more such dangerous

"The truth should be no insult," answered Balian with meaning. "At least, it is a private matter between you

and him on account of which we cannot spare one of our few captains. Now as regards this lady, I like not the

As he spoke a messenger entered the room and said that the hidingplace of Rosamund had been discovered.

She had been admitted a novice into the community of the Virgins of the Holy Cross, who had their house by

"Now I like it still less," Balian went on, "for to touch her would be sacrilege."

Then another leader rosehe was one of the party who desired peaceand pointed out that this was no time

to stand on scruples, for the Sultan would not listen to them in their sore plight unless the lady were delivered

to him to be judged for her offence. Perhaps, being his own niece, she would, in fact, suffer no harm at his

hands, and whether this were so or not, it was better that one should endure wrong, or even death, than many.

With such words he overpersuaded the most of them, so that in the end they rose and went to the convent of

the Holy Cross, where the patriarch demanded admission for them, which, indeed, could not be refused. The

"Daughter," said the patriarch, "you have in your keeping a lady named Rosamund D'Arcy, with whom we

"The novice Rosamund," answered the abbess, "prays by the holy altar in the chapel."

"Ah! as I thought, he has been beforehand with us. Also, daughter, surely your discipline is somewhat lax if

"The dangers of the times and of the lady must answer for it," the abbess replied boldly, as she obeyed.

Presently they were in the great, dim place, where the lamps burned day and night. There by the altar, built, it

was said, upon the spot where the Lord stood to receive judgment, they saw a kneeling woman, who, clad in

the robe of a novice, grasped the stonework with her hands. Without the rails, also kneeling, was the knight

Wulf, still as a statue on a sepulchre. Hearing them, he rose, turned him about, and drew his great sword.

"When I became a knight," answered Wulf, "I swore to defend the innocent from harm and the altars of God

"Take no heed of him," said one; and Heraclius, standing back in the aisle, addressed Rosamund:

"Daughter," he cried, "with bitter grief we are come to ask of you a sacrifice, that you should give yourself

for the people, as our Master gave Himself for the people. Saladin demands you as a fugitive of his blood,

and until you are delivered to him he will not treat with us for the saving of the city. Come forth, then, we

"I risked my life and I believe another gave her life," she said, "that I might escape from the power of the

"What!" she cried. "You, the patriarch of this sacred city, would tear me from the sanctuary of its holiest

altar? Oh! then, indeed shall the curse fall upon it and you. Hence, they say, our sweet Lord was haled to

sacrifice by the command of an unjust judge, and thereafter Jerusalem was taken by the sword. Must I too be

dragged from the spot that His feet have hallowed, and even in these weeds"and she pointed to her white

robe"thrown as an offering to your foes, who mayhap will bid me choose between death and the Koran? If

so, I say assuredly that offering will be made in vain, and assuredly your streets shall run red with the blood

Now they consulted together, some taking one side and some the other, but the most of them declared that she

"Come of your own will, I pray you," said the patriarch, "since we would not take you by force."

"Sirs, will you commit so great a crime? Then I tell you that it cannot go without its punishment. With this

lady I say"and she drew up her tall shape"that it shall be paid for in your blood, and mayhap in the

blood of all of us. Remember my words when the Saracens have won the city, and are putting its children to

"Absolve yourself," broke in Wulf sternly, "and know this. I am but one man, but I have some strength and

skill. If you seek but to lay a hand upon the novice Rosamund to hale her away to be slain by Saladin, as he

has sworn that he would do should she dare to fly from him, before I die there are those among you who have

Then, standing there before the altar rails, he lifted his great blade and settled the skullblazoned shield upon

Now the patriarch raved and stormed, and one among them cried that they would fetch bows and shoot Wulf

"And thus," broke in Rosamund, "add murder to sacrilege! Oh! sirs, bethink what you doay, and remember

this, that you do it all in vain. Saladin has promised you nothing, except that if you deliver me to him, he will

talk with you, and then you may find that you have sinned for nothing. Have pity on me and go your ways,

Now Balian, the guardian of the city, who had followed them to the chapel and standing in the background

"My lord Patriarch, I pray you let this thing be, since from such a crime no good could come to us or any.

That altar is the holiest and most noted place of sanctuary in all Jerusalem. Will you dare to tear a maiden

from it whose only sin is that she, a Christian, has escaped the Saracens by whom she was stolen? Do you

dare to give her back to them and death, for such will be her doom at the hands of Saladin? Surely that would

be the act of cowards, and bring upon us the fate of cowards. Sir Wulf, put up your sword and fear nothing. If

there is any safety in Jerusalem, your lady is safe. Abbess, lead her to her cell."

"Nay," answered the abbess with fine sarcasm, "it is not fitting that we should leave this place before his

"Then you have not long to wait," shouted the patriarch in fury. "Is this a time for scruples about altars? Is

this a time to listen to the prayers of a girl or to threats of a single knight, or the doubts of a superstitious

captain? Well, take your way and let your lives pay its cost. Yet I say that if Saladin asked for half the noble

maidens in the city, it would be cheap to let him have them in payment for the blood of eighty thousand folk,"

So they went away, all except Wulf, who stayed to make sure that they were gone, and the abbess, who came

to Rosamund and embraced her, saying that for the while the danger was past, and she might rest quiet.

"Yes, mother," answered Rosamund with a sob, "but oh! have I done right? Should I not have surrendered

myself to the wrath of Saladin if the lives of so many hang upon it? Perhaps, after all, he would forget his

oath and spare my life, though at best I should never be suffered to escape again while there is a castle in

Baalbec or a guarded harem in Damascus. Moreover, it is hard to bid farewell to all one loves forever," and

"Yes," answered the abbess, "it is hard, as we nuns know well. But, daughter, that sore choice has not yet

been thrust upon you. When Saladin says that he sets you against the lives of all this cityful, then you must

The siege went on; from terror to terror it went on. The mangonels hurled their stones unceasingly, the arrows

flew in clouds so that none could stand upon the walls. Thousands of the cavalry of Saladin hovered round St.

Stephen's Gate, while the engines poured fire and bolts upon the doomed town, and the Saracen miners

worked their way beneath the barbican and the wall. The soldiers within could not sally because of the

multitude of the watching horsemen; they could not show themselves, since he who did so was at once

destroyed by a thousand darts, and they could not build up the breaches of the crumbling wall. As day was

added to day, the despair grew ever deeper. In every street might be met long processions of monks bearing

crosses and chanting penitential psalms and prayers, while in the housedoors women wailed to Christ for

mercy, and held to their breasts the children which must so soon be given to death, or torn from them to deck

The commander Balian called the knights together in council, and showed them that Jerusalem was doomed.

"Then," said one of the leaders, "let us sally out and die fighting in the midst of foes."

"Ay," added Heraclius, "and leave our children and our women to death and dishonour. Then that surrender is

"Nay," answered Balian, "we will not surrender. While God lives, there is hope."

"He lived on the day of Hattin, and suffered it," said Heraclius; and the council broke up, having decided

That afternoon Balian stood once more before Saladin and implored him to spare the city.

Saladin led him to the door of the tent and pointed to his yellow banners floating here and there upon the

"Why should I spare what I have already conquered, and what I have sworn to destroy?" he asked. "When I

"For this reason, Sultan. Before God, if die we must, we will first slaughter our women and our little children,

leaving you neither male nor female to enslave. We will burn the city and its wealth; we will grind the holy

Rock to powder and make of the mosque elAksa, and the other sacred places, a heap of ruins. We will cut

the throats of the five thousand followers of the Prophet who are in our power, and then, every man of us who

can bear arms, we will sally out into the midst of you and fight on till we fall. So I think Jerusalem shall cost

"Eighty thousand lives," he muttered; "eighty thousand lives, besides those of my soldiers whom you will

slay. A great slaughterand the holy city destroyed forever. Oh! it was of such a massacre as this that once I

>From the day when he saw Saladin Godwin began to grow strong again, and as his health came back, so he

fell to thinking. Rosamund was lost to him and Masouda was dead, and at times he wished that he were dead

also. What more had he to do with his life, which had been so full of sorrow, struggle and bloodshed? Go

back to England to live there upon his lands, and wait until old age and death overtook him? The prospect

would have pleased many, but it did not please Godwin, who felt that his days were not given to him for this

As he sat thinking thus, and was very unhappy, the aged bishop Egbert, who had nursed him so well, entered

"Am I not your confessor, with a right to hear?" answered the gentle old man. "Show me your trouble."

So Godwin began at the beginning and told it allhow as a lad he had secretly desired to enter the Church;

how the old prior of the abbey at Stangate counselled him that he was too young to judge; how then the love

of Rosamund had entered into his life with his manhood, and he had thought no more of religion. He told him

also of the dream that he had dreamed when he lay wounded after the fight on Death Creek; of the vows

which he and Wulf had vowed at the time of their knighting, and of how by degrees he had learned that

Rosamund's love was not for him. Lastly, he told him of Masouda, but of her Egbert, who had shriven her,

"Now," answered Godwin, "I know not. Yet it seems to me that I hear the sound of my own feet walking

upon cloister stones, and of my own voice lifted up in prayer before the altar."

"You are still young to talk thus, and though Rosamund be lost to you and Masouda dead, there are other

"The Templars and the Hospitallers are crushed. Moreover, I watched them in Jerusalem and the field, and

love them not. Should they change their ways, or should I be needed to fight against the Infidel, I can join

"Oh! my son," the old bishop said, his face lighting up, "if God calls you, come to God. I will show you the

"Yes, I will come," Godwin answered quietly. "I will come, and, unless the Cross should once more call me

to follow it in war, I will strive to spend the time that is left to me in His service and that of men. For I think,

Three days later Godwin was ordained a priest, there in the camp of Saladin, by the hand of the bishop

Egbert, while around his tent the servants of Mahomet, triumphant at the approaching downfall of the Cross,

"Tell me," he said, "what of the princess of Baalbec, whom you know as the lady Rosamund D'Arcy? I told

you that I would speak no more with you of the safety of Jerusalem until she was delivered to me for

"Sultan," answered Balian, "we found this lady in the convent of the Holy Cross, wearing the robe of a novice

of that order. She had taken the sanctuary there by the altar which we deem so sacred and inviolable, and

"Cannot all your menatarms drag one maiden from an altar stone?unless, indeed, the great knight Wulf

"So he stood," answered Balian, "but it was not of him that we thought, though assuredly he would have slain

some of us. To do this thing would have been an awful crime, which we were sure must bring down the

"I think that it is about to fall," said Saladin, and again was silent and stroked his beard.

"Listen, now," he said at length. "Let the princess, my niece, come to me and ask it of my grace, and I think

"Then we must dare the great sin and take her," answered Balian sadly, "having first slain the knight Wulf,

"Nay, Sir Balian, for that I should be sorry, nor will I suffer it, for though a Christian he is a man after my

own heart. This time I said 'Let her come to me,' not 'Let her be brought.' Ay, come of her own free will, to

answer to me for her sin against me, understanding that I promise her nothing, who in the old days promised

her much, and kept my word. Then she was the princess of Baalbec, with all the rights belonging to that great

rank, to whom I had sworn that no husband should be forced upon her, nor any change of faith. Now I take

back these oaths, and if she comes, she comes as an escaped Crossworshipping slave, to whom I offer only

"What highborn lady would take such terms?" asked Balian in dismay. "Rather, I think, would she choose to

die by her own hand than by that of your hangman, since she can never abjure her faith."

"And thereby doom eighty thousand of her fellow Christians, who must accompany her to that death,"

answered Saladin sternly. "Know, Sir Balian, I swear it before Allah and for the last time, that if my niece

Rosamund does not come, of her own free will, unforced by any, Jerusalem shall be put to sack."

"Then the fate of the holy city and all its inhabitants hangs upon the nobleness of a single woman?"

"Ay, upon the nobleness of a single woman, as my vision told me it should be. If her spirit is high enough,

Jerusalem may yet be saved. If it be baser than I thought, as well may chance, then assuredly with her it is

doomed. I have no more to say, but my envoys shall ride with you bearing a letter, which with their own

hands they must present to my niece, the princess of Baalbec. Then she can return with them to me, or she

can bide where she is, when I shall know that I saw but a Iying vision of peace and mercy flowing from her

Within an hour Balian rode to the city under safe conduct, taking with him the envoys of Saladin and the

It was night, and in their lamplit chapel the Virgins of the Holy Cross upon bended knees chanted the slow

and solemn Miserere. From their hearts they sang, to whom death and dishonour were so near, praying their

Lord and the merciful Mother of God to have pity, and to spare them and the inhabitants of the hallowed

town where He had dwelt and suffered, and to lead them safe through the shadow of a fate as awful as His

own. They knew that the end was near, that the walls were tottering to their fall, that the defenders were

exhausted, and that soon the wild soldiers of Saladin would be surging through the narrow streets.

Then would come the sack and the slaughter, either by the sword of the Saracens, or, perchance, if these

found time and they were not forgotten, more mercifully at the hands of Christian men, who thus would save

Their dirge ended, the abbess rose and addressed them. Her bearing was still proud, but her voice quavered.

"My daughters in the Lord," she said, "the doom is almost at our door, and we must brace our hearts to meet

it. If the commanders of the city do what they have promised, they will send some here to behead us at the

last, and so we shall pass happily to glory and be ever with the Lord. But perchance they will forget us, who

are but a few among eighty thousand souls, of whom some fifty thousand must thus be killed. Or their arms

may grow weary, or themselves they may fall before ever they reach this houseand what, my daughters,

Now some of the nuns clung together and sobbed in their affright, and some were silent. Only Rosamund

"My Mother," she said, "I am a newcomer among you, but I have seen the slaughter of Hattin, and I know

what befalls Christian women and children among the unbelievers. Therefore I ask your leave to say my say."

"This is my counsel," went on Rosamund, "and it is short and plain. When we know that the Saracens are in

the city, let us set fire to this convent and get us to our knees and so perish."

"Well spoken; it is best," muttered several. But the abbess answered with a sad smile:

"High counsel indeed, such as might be looked for from high blood. Yet it may not be taken, since

"I see little difference between it," said Rosamund, "and the stretching out of our necks to the swords of

friends. Yet, although for others I cannot judge, for myself I do judge who am bound by no final vows. I tell

you that rather than fall into the hands of the Paynims, I will dare that sin and leave them nothing but the vile

"To you, daughter, I cannot forbid the deed, but to those who have fully sworn to obey me I do forbid it, and

to them I show another if a more piteous way of escape from the last shame of womanhood. Some of us are

old and withered, and have naught to fear but death, but others are still young and fair. To these I say, when

the end is nigh, let them take steel and score face and bosom and seat themselves here in this chapel, red with

their own blood and made loathsome to the sight of man. Then will the end come upon them quickly, and

Now a great groan of horror went up from those miserable women, who already saw themselves seated in

stained robes, and hideous to behold, there in the carved chairs of their choir, awaiting death by the swords of

furious and savage men, as in a day to come their sisters of the Faith were to await it in the doomed convent

[* Those who are curious to know the story of the end of those holy heroines, the Virgins of St. Clare, I think

in the year 1291, may read it in my book, "A Winter Pilgrimage," pp. 270 and 271AUTHOR.]

Yet one by one, except the aged among them, they came up to the abbess and swore that they would obey her

in this as in everything, while the abbess said that herself she would lead them down that dreadful road of

pain and mutilation. Yes, save Rosamund, who declared that she would die undisfigured as God had made

her, and two other novices, they swore it one by one, laying their hands upon the altar.

Presently, above their mournful chant, the sound of loud, insistent knockings echoed down the vaulted roofs.

"Wait awhile," cried the abbess. "These may be friends, not foes. Sister Ursula, go to the door and seek

The sister, an aged woman, obeyed with tottering steps, and, reaching the massive portal, undid the guichet,

"Who are you that knock?" while the nuns within held their breath and strained their ears to catch the answer.

Presently it came, in a woman's silvery tones, that sounded strangely still and small in the spaces of that

"Nay; I bring with me some envoys from Saladin, who would have speech with the lady named Rosamund

Now at these words Rosamund fled to the altar, and stood there, still holding the naked dagger in her hand.

"Let her not fear," went on the silvery voice, "for no harm shall come to her against her will. Admit us, holy

Then the abbess said, "Let us receive the queen with such dignity as we may." Motioning to the nuns to take

their appointed seats. in the choir she placed herself in the great chair at the head of them, whilst behind her at

The door was opened, and through it swept a strange procession. First came the beauteous queen wearing her

insignia of royalty, but with a black veil upon her head. Next followed ladies of her courttwelve of them

trembling with fright but splendidly apparelled, and after these three stern and turbaned Saracens clad in mail,

their jewelled scimitars at their sides. Then appeared a procession of women, most of them draped in

mourning, and leading scared children by the hand; the wives, sisters, and widows of nobles, knights and

burgesses of Jerusalem. Last of all marched a hundred or more of captains and warriors, among them Wulf,

headed by Sir Balian and ended by the patriarch Heraclius in his gorgeous robes, with his attendant priests

On swept the queen, up the length of the long church, and as she came the abbess and her nuns rose and

bowed to her, while one offered her the chair of state that was set apart to be used by the bishop in his

"Nay," said the queen, "mock me with no honourable seat who come here as a humble suppliant, and will

So down she went upon the marble floor, with all her ladies and the following women, while the solemn

Saracens looked at her wondering and the knights and nobles massed themselves behind.

"What can we give you, O Queen," asked the abbess, "who have nothing left save our treasure, to which you

"Alas!" answered the royal lady. "Alas, that I must say it! I come to ask the life of one of you."

Sybilla lifted her head, and with her outstretched arm pointed to Rosamund, who stood above them all by the

"Say, what service can my poor life be to you, O Queen, and by whom is it sought?"

"I cannot. Let the envoys give her the letter, if she is able to read their tongue."

"I am able," answered Rosamund, and a Saracen emir drew forth a roll and laid it against his forehead, then

gave it to the abbess, who brought it to Rosamund. With her dagger blade she cut its silk, opened it, and read

"In the name of Allah the One, the Allmerciful, to my niece, aforetime the princess of Baalbec, Rosamund

D'Arcy by name, now a fugitive hidden in a convent of the Franks in the city elKuds Eshsherif, the holy

"Niece,All my promises to you I have performed, and more, since for your sake I spared the lives of your

cousins, the twin knights. But you have repaid me with ingratitude and trickery, after the manner of those of

your false and accursed faith, and have fled from me. I promised you also, again and yet again, that if you

attempted this thing, death should be your portion. No longer, therefore, are you the princess of Baalbec, but

only an escaped Christian slave, and as such doomed to die whenever my sword reaches you.

"Of my vision concerning you, which caused me to bring you to the East from England, you know well.

Repeat it in your heart before you answer. That vision told me that by your nobleness and sacrifice you

should save the lives of many. I demanded that you should be brought back to me, and the request was

refusedwhy, it matters not. Now I understand the reasonthat this was so ordained. I demand no more

that force should be used to you. I demand that you shall come of your own free will, to suffer the bitter and

shameful reward of your sin. Or, if you so desire, bide where you are of your own free will, and be dealt with

as God shall decree. This hangs upon your judgment. If you come and ask it of me, I will consider the

question of the sparing of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. If you refuse to come, I will certainly put every one

of them to the sword, save such of the women and children as may be kept for slaves. Decide, then, Niece,

and quickly, whether you will return with my envoys, or bide where they find you.

Rosamund finished reading, and the letter fluttered from her hand down to the marble floor.

"Lady, we ask this sacrifice of you in the name of these and all their fellows," and she pointed to the women

"And my life?" mused Rosamund aloud. "It is all I have. When I have paid it away I shall be beggared," and

her eyes wandered to where the tall shape of Wulf stood by a pillar of the church.

"Why should he be merciful," answered Rosamund, "who has always warned me that if I escaped from him

and was recaptured, certainly I must die? Nay, he will offer me Islam, or death, which meansdeath by the

"But if you stay here you must die," pleaded the queen, "or at best fall into the hands of the soldiers. Oh!

lady, your life is but one life, and with it you can buy those of eighty thousand souls."

"Is that so sure?" asked Rosamund. "The Sultan has made no promise; he says only that, if I pray it of him, he

"Butbut," went on the queen, "he says also that if you do not come he will surely put Jerusalem to the

sword, and to Sir Balian he said that if you gave yourself up he thought he might grant terms which we

should be glad to take. Therefore we dare to ask of you to give your life in payment for such a hope. Think

think what otherwise must be the lot of these"and again she pointed to the women and children"ay, and

your own sisterhood and of all of us. Whereas, if you die, it will be with much honour, and your name shall

"Oh! refuse not our prayer, but show that you indeed are great enough to step forward to meet the death

which comes to every one of us, and thereby earn the blessings of half the world and make sure your place in

heaven, nigh to Him Who also died for men. Plead with her, my sistersplead with her! "

Then the women and the children threw themselves down before her, and with tears and sobbing prayed her

that she would give up her life for theirs. Rosamund looked at them and smiled, then said in a clear voice:

"What say you, my cousin and betrothed, Sir Wulf D'Arcy? Come hither, and, as is fitting in this strait, give

So the greyeyed, warworn Wulf strode up the aisle, and, standing by the altar rails, saluted her.

"Alas!" he answered in a hoarse voice. "It is hard to speak. Yet, they are manyyou are but one."

Now there was a murmur of applause. For it was known that this knight loved his lady dearly, and that but

the other day he had stood there to defend her to the death against those who would give her up to Saladin.

Now Rosamund laughed out, and the sweet sound of her laughter was strange in that solemn place and hour.

"Ah, Wulf!" she said. "Wulf, who must ever speak the truth, even when it costs him dear. Well, I would not

have it otherwise. Queen, and all you foolish people, I did but try your tempers. Could you, then, think me so

base that I would spare to spend this poor life of mine, and to forego such few joys as God might have in

store for me on earth, when those of tens of thousands may hang upon the issue? Nay, nay; it is far

Then Rosamund sheathed the dagger that all this while she had held in her hand, and, lifting the letter from

the floor, touched her brow with it in signal of obedience, saying in Arabic to the envoys:

"I am the slave of Salaheddin, Commander of the Faithful. I am the small dust beneath his feet. Take

notice, Emirs, that in presence of all here gathered, of my own free will I, Rosamund D'Arcy, aforetime

princess and sovereign lady of Baalbec, determine to accompany you to the Sultan's camp, there to make

prayer for the sparing of the lives of the citizens of Jerusalem, and afterwards to suffer the punishment of

death in payment of my flight, according to my royal uncle's high decree. One request I make only, if he be

pleased to grant itthat my body be brought back to Jerusalem for burial before this altar, where of my own

Now the envoys bowed before her in grave admiration, and the air grew thick with blessings. As Rosamund

stepped down from the altar the queen threw her arms about her neck and kissed her, while lords and knights,

women and children, pressed their lips upon her hands, upon the hem of her white robe, and even on her feet,

"Alas!" she answered, waving them back. "As yet I am neither of these things, though the latter of them I

Rosamund started at the words, and all there stared. "Listen, Queen, Emirs, and People," he went on. "I am

this lady's kinsman and her betrothed knight, sworn to serve her to the end. If she be guilty of a crime against

the Sultan, I am more guilty, and on me also shall fall his vengeance. Let us be going."

"Yet, lady, both shall be given that the measure of atonement may run over, and Saladin moved to mercy.

Nay, forbid me not. I have lived for you, and for you I die. Yes, if they hold me by force, still I die, if need

be, on my own sword. When I counselled you just now, I counselled myself also. Surely you never dreamed

that I would suffer you to go alone, when by sharing it I could make your doom easier."

"No, no; faced hand in hand, death loses half its terrors. Moreover, Saladin is my friend, and I also would

Then he whispered in her ear, "Sweet Rosamund, deny me not, lest you should drive me to madness and

Going to the abbess, Rosamund would have knelt before her, but it was the abbess who knelt and called her

blessed, and kissed her. The sisters also kissed her one by one in farewell. Then a priest was broughtnot

To him apart at the altar, first Rosamund and then Wulf made confession of their sins, receiving absolution

and the sacrament in that form in which it was given to the dying; while, save the emirs, all in the church

The solemn ritual was ended. They rose, and, followed by two of the envoysfor already the third had

departed under escort to the court of Saladin to give him warningthe queen, her ladies and all the company,

walked from the church and through the convent halls out into the narrow Street of Woe. Here Wulf, as her

kinsman, took Rosamund by the hand, leading her as a man leads his sister to her bridal. Without it was

bright moonlight, moonlight clear as day, and by now tidings of this strange story had spread through all

Jerusalem, so that its narrow streets were crowded with spectators, who stood also upon every roof and at

"The lady Rosamund!" they shouted. "The blessed Rosamund, who goes t o a martyr's death to save us. The

pure Saint Rosamund and her brave knight Wulf!" And they tore flowers and green leaves from the gardens

Down the long, winding streets, with bent heads and humble mien, companioned ever by the multitude,

through which soldiers cleared the way, they walked thus, while women held up their children to touch the

robe of Rosamund or to look upon her face. At length the gate was reached, and while it was unbarred they

"Lady, on behalf of the people of Jerusalem and of the whole of Christendom, I give you honour and thanks,

and to you also, Sir Wulf D'Arcy, the bravest and most faithful of all knights."

A company of priests also, headed by a bishop, advanced chanting and swinging censers, and blessed them

"Give us not praise and thanks, but prayers," answered Rosamund; "prayers that we may succeed in our

mission, to which we gladly offer up our lives, and afterwards, when we are dead, prayers for the welfare of

our sinful souls. But should we fail, as it may chance, then remember of us only that we did our best. Oh!

good people, great sorrows have come upon this land, and the Cross of Christ is veiled with shame. Yet it

shall shine forth once more, and to it through the ages shall all men bow the knee. Oh! may you live! May no

more death come among you! It is our last petition, and with it, thisthat when at length you die we may

Then they passed through the gate, and as the envoys declared that none might accompany them further,

walked forward followed by the sound of the weeping of the multitude towards the camp of Saladin, two

At last these lamentations could be heard no more, and there, on the outskirts of the Moslem lines, an escort

But into this Rosamund would not enter, so they walked onwards up the hill, till they came to the great square

in the centre of the camp upon the Mount of Olives, beyond the grey trees of the Garden of Gethsemane.

There, awaiting them at the head of the square, sat Saladin in state, while all about, rank upon rank, in

thousands and tens of thousands, was gathered his vast army, who watched them pass in silence.

Thus they came into the presence of the Sultan and knelt before him, Rosamund in her novice's white robe,

"Woman, you have had my message. You know that your rank is taken from you, and that with it my

promises are at an end; you know also that you come hither to suffer the death of faithless women. Is it so?"

"Tell me, then, do you come of your own free will, unforced by any, and why does the knight Sir Wulf,

"I come of my own free will, Salaheddin, as your emirs can tell you; ask them. For the rest, my kinsman

"Sultan," said Wulf, "I counselled the lady Rosamund that she should comenot that she needed such

counseland, having given it, I accompanied her by right of blood and of Justice, since her offence against

"I have no quarrel against you whom I forgave, therefore you must take your own way to follow the path she

"Doubtless," answered Wulf, "being a Christian among many sons of the Prophet, it will not be hard to find a

friendly scimitar to help me on that road. I ask of your goodness that her fate may be my fate."

"What!" said Saladin. "You are ready to die with her, although you are young and strong, and there are so

"Good. Who am I that I should stand between a fool and his folly I grant the boon. Your fate shall be her fate;

Wulf D'Arcy, you shall drink of the cup of my slave Rosamund to its last bitterest dregs."

"Woman, why have you come here to brave my vengeance? Speak on if you have aught to ask. "

"I am come, O my mighty lord, to plead for the people of Jerusalem, because it was told me that you would

listen to no other voice than that of this your slave. See, many moons ago, you had a vision concerning me.

Thrice you dreamed in the night that I, the niece whom you had never seen, by some act of mine should be

the means of saving much life and a way of peace. Therefore you tore me from my home and brought my

father to a bloody death, as you are about to bring his daughter; and after much suffering and danger I fell

into your power, and was treated with great honour. Still I, who am a Christian, and who grew sick with the

sight of the daily slaughter and outrage of my kin, strove to escape from you, although you had warned me

that the price of this crime was death; and in the end, through the wit and sacrifice of another woman, I did

"Now I return to pay that price, and behold! your vision is fulfilledor, at the least, you can fulfil it if God

should touch your heart with grace, seeing that of my own will I am come to pray you, Salaheddin, to

Oh, my lord! as you are great, be merciful. What will it avail you in the day of your own judgment that you

have added another eighty thousand to the tally of your slain, and with them many more thousands of your

own folk, since the warriors of Jerusalem will not die unavenged? Give them their lives and let them go free,

"These things I offered to them, and they were refused," answered Saladin. "Why should I grant them now

"My lord, StrongtoAid," said Rosamund, "do you, who are so brave, blame yonder knights and soldiers

because they fought on against desperate odds? Would you not have called them cowards if they had yielded

up the city where their Saviour died and struck no blow to save it? Oh! I am outworn! I can say no more; but

once again, most humbly and on my knees, I beseech you speak the word of mercy, and let not your triumph

Then casting herself upon her face, Rosamund clasped the hem of his royal robe with her hands, and pressed

So for a while she lay there in the shimmering moonlight, while utter silence fell upon all that vast multitude

of armed men as they waited for the decree of fate to be uttered by the conqueror's lips. But Saladin sat still

as a statue, gazing at the domes and towers of Jerusalem outlined against the deep blue sky.

"Rise," he said at length, "and know, niece, that you have played your part in a fashion worthy of my race,

and that I, Salaheddin, am proud of you. Know also that I will weigh your prayer as I have weighed that of

none other who breathes upon the earth. Now I must take counsel with my own heart, and tomorrow it shall

be grantedor refused. To you, who are doomed to die, and to the knight who chooses to die with you,

according to the ancient law and custom, I offer the choice of Islam, and with it life and honour."

"We refuse," answered Rosamund and Wulf with one voice. The Sultan bowed his head as though he

expected no other answer, and glanced round, as all thought to order the executioners to do their office. But

"Take them; keep them under guard and separate them, till my word of death comes to you. Your life shall

answer for their safety. Give them food and drink, and let no harm touch them until I bid you."

The Mameluk bowed and advanced with his company of soldiers. As they prepared to go with them,

"She died for you; seek her beyond the grave," answered Saladin, whereat Rosamund hid her face with her

Now Rosamund turned; stretching out her arms towards Wulf, she fell upon his breast. There, then, in the

presence of that countless army, they kissed their kiss of betrothal and farewell. They spoke no word, only ere

Then a murmur rose from the multitude, and the sound of it seemed to shape itself into one word: "Mercy!"

Among the thousands who watched this strange and most thrilling scene were two men wrapped in long

cloaks, Godwin and the bishop Egbert. Thrice did Godwin strive to approach the throne. But it seemed that

the soldiers about him had their commands, for they would not suffer him to stir or speak; and when, as

Rosamund passed, he strove to break a way to her, they seized and held him. Yet as she went by he cried:

"The blessing of Heaven be upon you, pure saint of Godon you and your true knight."

Catching the tones of that voice above the tumult, Rosamund stopped and looked around her, but saw no one,

for the guard hemmed her in. So she went on, wondering if perchance it was Godwin's voice which she had

Godwin stood wringing his hands while the bishop strove to comfort him, saying that he should not grieve,

since such deaths as those of Rosamund and Wulf were most glorious, and more to be desired than a hundred

"Their work is done, but not yours," said the bishop gently. "Come to our tent and let us to our knees. God is

more powerful than the Sultan, and mayhap He will yet find a way to save them. If they are still alive

So they entered the tent and prayed there, as the inhabitants of Jerusalem prayed behind their shattered walls,

that the heart of Saladin might be moved to spare them all. While they knelt thus the curtain of the tent was

"Rise," he said, "both of you, and follow me. The Sultan commands your presence."

Egbert and Godwin went, wondering, and were led through the pavilion to the royal sleeping place, which

guards closed behind them. On a silken couch reclined Saladin, the light from the lamp falling on his bronzed

"I have sent for you two Franks," he said, "that you may bear a message from me to Sir Balian of Ibelin and

the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This is the message:Let the holy city surrender tomorrow and all its

population acknowledge themselves my prisoners. Then for forty days I will hold them to ransom, during

which time none shall be harmed. Every man who pays ten pieces of gold shall go free, and two women or

ten children shall be counted as one man at a like price. Of the poor, seven thousand shall be set free also, on

payment of thirty thousand bezants. Such who remain or have no money for their ransomand there is still

much gold in Jerusalem shall become my slaves. These are my terms, which I grant at the dying prayer of

my niece, the lady Rosamund, and to her prayer alone. Deliver them to Sir Balian, and bid him wait on me at

the dawn with his chief notables, and answer whether he is willing to accept them on behalf of the people. If

not, the assault goes on until the city is a heap of ruins covering the bones of its children."

"We bless you for this mercy," said the bishop Egbert, "and we hasten to obey. But tell us, Sultan, what shall

"If he accepts my terms, nay, for in Jerusalem you will be safe, and I give you your freedom without

"Sire," said Godwin, "ere I go, grant me leave to bid farewell to my brother and my cousin Rosamund."

"That for the third time you may plot their escape from my vengeance?" said Saladin. "Nay, bide in

"Sire," pleaded Godwin, "of your mercy spare them, for they have played a noble part. It is hard that they

"Ay," answered Saladin, "a noble part; never have I seen one more noble. Well, it fits them the better for

heaven, if Crossworshippers enter there. Have done; their doom is written and my purpose cannot be turned,

nor shall you see them till the last, as I have said. But if it pleases you to write them a letter of farewell and to

send it back by the embassy, it shall be delivered to them. Now go, for greater matters are afoot than this

So they went, and within an hour stood before Sir Balian and gave him the message of Saladin, whereat he

rose and blessed the name of Rosamund. While he called his counsellors from their sleep and bade his

"To Wulf, my brother, and Rosamund, my cousin and his betrothed, I live, though wellnigh I died by

dead MasoudaJesus rest her gallant and most beloved soul! Saladin will not suffer me to see you, though

he has promised that I shall be with you at the last, so watch for me then. I still dare to hope that it may please

God to change the Sultan's heart and spare you. If so, this is my prayer and desirethat you two should wed

as soon as may be, and get home to England, where, if I live, I hope to visit you in years to come. Till then

seek me not, who would be lonely a while. But if it should be fated otherwise, then when my sins are purged I

will seek you among the saints, you who by your noble deed have earned the sure grace of God.

"The embassy rides. I have no time for more, though there is much to say. Farewell.Godwin."

The terms of Saladin had been accepted. With rejoicing because their lives were spared, but with woe and

lamentation because the holy city had fallen again into the hands of the Moslem, the people of Jerusalem

made ready to leave the streets and seek new homes elsewhere. The great golden cross was torn from the

mosque elAksa, and on every tower and wall floated the yellow banners of Saladin. All who had money

paid their ransoms, and those who had none begged and borrowed it as they could, and if they could not, gave

themselves over to despair and slavery. Only the patriarch Heraclius, forgetting the misery of these wretched

Then Saladin showed his mercy, for he freed all the aged without charge, and from his own treasure paid the

ransom of hundreds of ladies whose husbands and fathers had fallen in battle, or lay in prison in other cities.

So for forty days, headed by Queen Sybilla and her ladies, that sad procession of the vanquished marched

through the gates, and there were many of them who, as they passed the conqueror seated in state, halted to

make a prayer to him for those who were left behind. A few also who remembered Rosamund, and that it was

because of her sacrifice that they continued to look upon the sun, implored him that if they were not already

At length it was over, and Saladin took possession of the city. Having purged the Great Mosque, washing it

with rosewater, he worshipped in it after his own fashion, and distributed the remnant of the people who

could pay no ransom as slaves among his emirs and followers. Thus did the Crescent triumph aver the Cross

in Jerusalem, not in a sea of blood, as ninety years before the Cross had triumphed over the Crescent within

For it was left to the Saracens to teach something of their own doctrines to the followers of Christ.

During all those forty days Rosamund and Wulf lay in their separate prisons, awaiting their doom of death.

The letter of Godwin was brought to Wulf, who read it and rejoiced to learn that his brother lived. Then it

was taken from him to Rosamund, who, although she rejoiced also, wept over it, and wondered a little what it

might mean. Of one thing she was sure from its wordingthat they had no hope of life.

They knew that Jerusalem had fallen, for they heard the shouts of triumph of the Moslems, and from far

away, through their prison bars could see the endless multitude of fugitives passing the ancient gates laden

with baggage, and leading their children by the hand, to seek refuge in the cities of the coast. At this sight,

although it was so sad, Rosamund was happy, knowing also that now she would not suffer in vain.

At length the camp broke up, Saladin and many of the soldiers entering Jerusalem; but still the pair were left

languishing in their dismal cells, which were fashioned from old tombs. One evening, while Rosamund was

kneeling; at prayer before she sought her bed, the door of the place was opened, and there appeared a

glittering captain and a guard of soldiers, who saluted her and bade her follow him.

"Lady," he answered, "it is the end." So she bowed her head meekly and followed. Without a litter was ready,

in which they placed her and bore her through the bright moonlight into the city of Jerusalem and along the

Way of Sorrow, till they halted at a great door, which she knew again, for by it stood the ancient arch.

"They have brought me back to the Convent of the Holy Cross to kill me where I asked that I might be

Then the doors were thrown open, and she entered the great courtyard of the convent, and saw that it was

decorated as though for a festival, for about it and in the cloisters round hung many lamps. More; these

cloisters and the space in front of them were crowded with Saracen lords, wearing their robes of state, while

"They would make a brave show of my death," thought Rosamund again. Then a little cry broke from her

lips, for there, in front of the throne of Saladin, the moonlight and the lampblaze shining on his armour,

stood a tall Christian knight. At that cry he turned his head, and she grew sure that it was Wulf, wasted

"So we are to die together," she whispered to herself, then walked forward with a proud step amidst the deep

"However long it may be delayed, the day of fate must break at last. Say, Franks, are you prepared to drink

"Do you grieve now that you laid down your lives to save those of all Jerusalem?" he asked again.

"Nay," Rosamund answered, glancing at Wulf's face; we rejoice exceedingly that God has been so good to

"I too rejoice," said Saladin; "and I too thank Allah Who in bygone days sent me that vision which has given

me back the holy city of Jerusalem without bloodshed. Now all is accomplished as it was fated. Lead them

For a moment they clung together, then emirs took Wulf to the right and Rosamund to the left, and she went

with a pale face and high head to meet her executioner, wondering if she would see Godwin ere she died.

They led her to a chamber where women waited but no swordsman that she could see, and shut the door upon

"Perchance I am to be strangled by these women," thought Rosamund, as they came towards her, "so that the

Yet it was not so, for with gentle hands, but in silence, they unrobed her, and washed her with scented waters

and braided her hair, twisting it up with pearls and gems. Then they clad her in fine linen, and put over it

gorgeous, broidered garments, and a royal mantle of purple, and her own jewels which she had worn in

bygone days, and with them others still more splendid, and threw about her head a gauzy veil worked with

golden stars. It was just such a veil as Wulf's gift which she had worn on the night when Hassan dragged her

"It is the Sultan's will," they answered; "nor shall you rest tonight less happily because of them."

Now all was ready, and the door opened and she stepped through it, a radiant thing, glittering in the

lamplight. Then trumpets blew and a herald cried: 'Way! Way there! Way for the high sovereign lady and

Thus followed by the train of honourable women who attended her, Rosamund glided forward to the

courtyard, and once more bent the knee to Saladin, then stood still, lost in wonder.

Again the trumpets blew, and on the right a herald cried, "Way! Way there! Way for the brave and noble

Lo! attended by emirs and notables, Wulf came forth, clad in splendid armour inlaid with gold, wearing on

his shoulder a mantel set with gems and on his breast the gleaming Star of the Luck of Hassan. To Rosamund

"Princess," said Saladin, "I give you back your rank and titles, because you have shown a noble heart; and

you, Sir Wulf, I honour also as best I may, but to my decree I hold. Let them go together to the drinking of

Again the trumpets blew and the heralds called, and they led them to the doors of the chapel, which at their

knocking were thrown wide. From within came the sound of women's voices singing, but it was no sad song

"The sisters of the Order are still there," said Rosamund to Wulf, "and would cheer us on our road to heaven."

At the door the company of Moslems left them, but they crowded round the entrance as though to watch what

passed. Now down the long aisle walked a single whiterobed figure. It was the abbess.

"Follow me, both of you," she said, and they followed her through the nave to the altar rails, and at a sign

Now they saw that on either side of the altar stood a Christian priest. The priest to the rightit was the

bishop Egbertcame forward and began to read over them the marriage service of their faith.

The service went onas in a dream, the service went on, while the whiterobed sisters sat in their carven

chairs and watched. The rings that were handed to them had been interchanged; Wulf had taken Rosamund to

Then the old bishop withdrew to the altar, and another hooded monk came forward and uttered over them the

benediction in a deep and sonorous voice, which stirred their hearts most strangely, as though some echo

reached them from beyond the grave. He held his hands above them in blessing and looked upwards, so that

Once more they stood before Saladin, and now their train was swelled by the abbess and sisters of the Holy

"Sir Wulf D'Arcy," said the Sultan, "and you, Rosamund, my niece, princess of Baalbec, the dregs of your

cup, sweet or bitter, or bittersweet, are drunk; the doom which I decreed for you is accomplished, and,

according to your own rites, you are man and wife till Allah sends upon you that death which I withhold.

Because you showed mercy upon those doomed to die and were the means of mercy, I also give you mercy,

and with it my love and honour. Now bide here if you will in my freedom, and enjoy your rank and wealth, or

go hence you will, and live out your lives across the sea. The blessing of Allah be upon you, and turn your

souls light. This is the decree of Yusuf Salaheddin, Commander of the Faithful, Conqueror and Caliph of

Trembling, full of joy and wonder, they knelt before him and kissed his hand. Then, after a few swift words

"Sire, that God whom you have invoked, the God of Christian and of Moslem, the God of all the world,

though the world worship Him in many ways and shapes, bless and reward you for this royal deed. Yet listen

to our petition. It may be that many of our faith still lie unransomed in Jerusalem. Take my lands and gems,

and let them be valued, and their price given to pay for the liberty of some poor slaves. It is our marriage

"So be it," answered Saladin. "The lands I will take and devote the sum of them as you desireyes, to the

last bezant. The jewels also shall be valued, but I give them back to you as my wedding dower. To these nuns

further I grant permission to bide here in Jerusalem to nurse the Christian sick, unharmed and unmolested, if

so they will, and this because they sheltered you. Ho! minstrels and heralds lead this newwed pair to the

Still trembling and bewildered, they turned to go, when lo! Godwin stood before them smiling, and kissed

"Nay," Godwin answered, in a fierce whisper and with flashing eyes, "the Cross is down, but not forever.

That Cross has Richard of England and many another servant beyond the seas, and they will come at the

Church's call. Here, brother, before all is done, we may meet again in war. Till then, farewell."