i12 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

point, however, their progress was arrested by two
obstacles—the canal of Achmoun, and the army of
Takreddin.

‘Who is the leader of that army?’ asked Kine
JLouis, as he looked earnestly across the canal to
where the Saracens were encamped.

‘Sire,’ answered one of his knights, ‘it is Fak-
reddin, the emir, who fled from Damietta; but who,
nevertheless, as I learn, does not hesitate to boast
that it is his intention-to dine in your red tent on
St. Sebastian’s-day.’

‘Does the emir intend to dine in my tent on St.
Sebastian’s-day?’ said Louis, mildly; ‘ however, I will!
take good care to prevent him.’

‘In truth, sire,’ said the knight, smiling, ‘I hold
that you are much more likely to dine in the sultan’s
palace.’ |

‘Be that as it may,’ replied the king, ‘one thing
is certain. We and our foes are now-face to face.’

And so they were. Face to face, separated only
by the canal Achmoun, Christian and Moslem,
headed by the King of France and the Emir Fak-
reddin, lay encamped and awaiting a favourable
opportunity to fight, and to conquer or die for their
countries and salience

And it speedily appeared that face to face they
were for some time likely to remain.