A MELON FLOATING IN TIIE WATER. 117

All this time Fakreddin was diligent in procuring
what intelligence he could as to the position and plans
of the Crusaders. This, however, was not an easy busi-
ness. Indeed, no intelligence on such subjects could
be obtained, save from captives, and the emir, there-
fore, offered a high reward for every Frank brought
to histent. Butthe Crusaders, taught by experience,
had become marvellously vigilant, and showed a
decided aversion to be captured. A Saracen, how-
ever, who was an expert swimmer, vowed not to ba
baffled, and performed an exploit, which Arabian
chroniclers, while omitting much more important
events, have carefully recorded.

It seeins that this Saracen, having determined to
carry a Christian as captive to Fakreddin’s tent, and
claim the reward, fell upon a somewhat whimsical
plan for accomplishing his object. Having scooped
out a melon, and thrust his head into the cavity, he
threw himself into the canal, and swam down the
stream in such a way that the melon appeared to float
in the water. The trick succeeded in attracting the
attention of the Crusaders, and as the melon was
passing that part of the bank where the Lord of
Joinville was encamped, there was much excite-
ment among his men.

‘Let us catch the melon,’ cried one.

‘Who is bold enough to make the attempt ?’ asked
another.

‘On my faith,’ said a squire, laughing, ‘I see no
danger to daunt the most timid.’

As he spoke, the squire, doffing his upper garments,
rushed into the water, and, striking out, grasped at

H