118 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

the melon. But the adventure did not end so plea-
santly as he had anticipated. Scarcely, indeed, had
he stretched forward his hand, when he found himself
seized by the Saracen, and dragged forcibly away in
the direction of the camp on the opposite bank.

At first the Crusaders could hardly believe their
eyes. But there was no mistake about it. Their
comrade was gone, and a prisoner in the hands of the
Saracens; and, as they considered what might be his
fate, they raised such shouts of alarm, that their lord
was attracted to the spot.

‘In St Denis’ name,’ said Joinville, after hearing
sufficient to be aware of what had occurred, ‘ tell me,
I pray you, who among my fellows has met with
this mishap ?’

‘In truth, my lord,’ replied one of the knights,
‘it is the English squire who took service with you
at Damietita.’

‘May the God of his fathers protect him :’ ex-
claimed Joinville, somewhat sadly ; ‘as matters ar e,
we can do nothing in his behalf.’

And who was the squire, who had entered the
service of Joinville at Damietta, and afterwards been
taken prisoner by the Saracens ?

It was one of the -brothers-in-arms. It was Guy
Muschamp.