&6 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

by them, he contrived 10 reach his tent: but he was
much bruised, and so exhausted that he could not
muster voice to speak. When, however, surgeons
and physicians were called, they expressed themselves
hopefully, and, not comprehending his dangerous
state, bled him freely in the arm, and then adminis-
tering a composing draught, left him under the
charge of the squires.

As evening was falling, the Earl of Salisbury, after
a long conference with King Louis, during which the
unfortunate quarrel of the English and French Cru-
saders were discussed with a view of averting fatal
consequences, left the royal quarters, in company
with the Lord of Joinville.

ia or said Salisbury, ‘I would fain visit the
Karl of March; and I pray you to bear me com-
pany.’ :

‘Right cee replied Joinville; ‘for he is a
man of great valour and renown, and wise in council ;
and it were ill for our expedition if hig ees
should prove fatal.’

‘And how fares the earl?’ asked Salisbury, as they
reached the tent over which ramped that ancient
lion argent, so terrible on many a foughten field.

‘My lord,’ said Walter Espec, in a hushed voice,
as they came to the entrance, ‘the earl sleeps; so
pray tread softly, lest you should disturb his repose.’

They did so, and entering, found the earl lying on
his mantle of minever, which covered him.

‘He sleeps soundly,’ whispered Walter, looking up.

aes said Salisbury, anne ‘he sleeps the |

s:eep that knows no waking,’

ae