99 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

possess. You must understand that they come in
companies, because it is not deemed decorous for a
woman to go aione. And marvellous it is to see
how they balance the water-pots on their head, and
walk gracefully up steep banks which even you—
agile as you may be—might have some difficulty in
clambering up without any burden. Then they put
into their vessels almonds or beans, which they shake
well; and on the morrow the water is wondrous clear,
and more refreshing than the daintiest wine.’

‘On my faith !’ said Walter, ¢ all this is so curious
that, were it a time of truce, I should be.tempted to
adventure up this river and behold some of the
strange things of which you tell. But here comes
my lord.’ And, as he spoke, the Earl of Salisbury
rode up, and, while Walter held the stirrup, dis-
mounted.

Immediately the stranger stepped forward, and,
humbling himself, with respect offered Salisbury
some lard in pots, and a variety of sweet-smelling
flowers.

‘I bring them to you, noble earl,’ said the man,
in French, ‘ because you are cousin of Prince Richard,
who is called Earl of Cornwall, and because you are
nephew of the Crusader whose memory is held in
most respect and dread by the Saracens,’

‘OF whom speak you?’ asked Salisbury, a little
surprised. |

‘I speak of King Richard of England,’ was the
reply; ‘for he performed such deeds when he was
in the Holy Land that the Saracens, when their.
horses are frightened at a bush ur a shadow, ery