1c0 Tix BOY CRUSADERS.

what fortune might be sent him. Suddenly, how-
ever, a sound—a whisper on the breeze, and the
heavy tread of horses—reached his ears; and, gazing
round, he descried a body of horsemen approaching
in the opposite direction from which the caravan came.

‘Now, may the saints be praised, and may we be
for ever grateful! exclaimed Walter, with a joyful
heart, as he closely examined the banner that ap-
proached ; ‘for here come my Lord of Salisbury and
his men of might.’

In a few minutes the Earl reached the spot, and,
rapidly comprehending the situation of affairs, pre-
pared for action. But there was hardly occasion to
strike a blow. No sooner did the English move
towards the caravan, and no sooner had the Saracens
an opportunity of judging what manner of men their
assailants were, than they halted in surprise, and
gave way to terror; and when the Earl, on his bay
charger, spurred forward, shouting his battle-cry,
they only waited long enough to discharge a shower
of arrows, and then fled like hares before the hounds.
Routed in every direction, they left the caravan to
its fate ; and the English, pausing from the fray, found
themselves in possession of oxen, buffaloes, camels,
mules, and asses, laden with gold and silver, and
silks and paintings.

‘And now for Damietta ! said Longsword; ‘ for this
is in truth a rich prize; and let us not risk the loss
of it by loitering on the way.’

And without waste of time — for a rescue was not
impossible -—. they secured their booty, and marched.
with what speed they could towards Damietta.