BIBARS BENDOCDAR. 121

are gained and retained, and the arts also by which
military adventurers elevate themselves to supremacy
in a state |

Besides, Bibars Bendocdar had other qualities
likely to render him a formidable foe or a dangerous
rival. He was skillful as a leader in war, courageous
in conflict, cruel in the hour of victory, and remark-
able for his penetration, sagacity, and activity.
Moreover, he professed great faith in the Mahometan
religion, and had great faith also in his own destiny.
Such was the man who now watched events with the
eagerness of a gambler, and who recognised, not
without satisfaction, the danger and disorder, from
the bosom of which a leader of courage and audacity
might, by rekindling enthusiasm and restoring order,
elevate himself to power. He was about to prove
himself one of the most formidable foes whom the
soldiers of the Cross had ever been under the neces-
sity of encountering.

Into the presence of the Emir Fakreddin and
Bibars Bendocdar young Guy Muschamp, drenched
and agitated, was carried. Alarmed as he well
might be, the squire exhibited a dauntless air and
presented a bold front. In fact, his demeanour was
such that the Saracen chiefs exchanged glances of
surprise.

‘Who are you?’ asked Fakreddin.

‘My name is Muschamp, and I am a subject of
the King of England.’

‘And what brought you to Egypt ?’

‘tT came to fight for the Holy Sepulchre.’

‘And,’ asked Bibars Bendocdar, sternly, ‘know