THE EMIR FAKREDDIN. 71

‘Hurrah!’ shouted the mariners; and from ship
to ship the tidings passed; and, as the words of the
pilot flew from deck to deck, a cry of joy burst
from thousands of lips. Great was the excitement
that prevailed; and the chiefs of the expedition
hastily arrayed themselves to go on board the king’s
ship and hold a council of war.

And now all eyes were turned towards the shore;
enl it seemed that the Crusaders were likely to en-
counter a desperate resistance in any attempt to
Jand. A fleet and formidable engines of war de-
fended the mouth of the Nile. A numerous army of
horse and foot appeared on the beach, as if bent on
contesting every inch of ground. At the head of this
mighty host, wearing armour of burnished gold,
figured the Emir Fakreddin, one of the foremost
of Saracen warriors. From the midst trumpets and
drums sounded a stern defiance to the armament of
the Christians. But, undaunted by the aspect of
affairs, the armed pilgrims steadily pursued their
course ; and ship after ship, moving calmly forward,
anchored within a mile of the shore.

Meanwhile, the pilgrims, princes, and nobles, had
reached the king’s ship; and Louis, leaning on his
sword, received them with satisfaction on his coun-
tenance.

‘Gentlemen,’ said he, ‘our voyage has not been
without its perils, but let us be thankful that we are
at length face to face with the enemies of Christ.’

‘Yes, sire,’ said the chiefs, ‘and it is therefore
expedient to form some plan of action.’

‘And, under the circumstances,’ added several, ‘ it