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CHAPTER XX,
PASSING THE ACHMOUN.

ORE than six weeks had passed since the Cru-
saders found their progress arrested by the
Achmoun; and still the causeway by which they
had hoped to pass the canal was not constructed.
Indeed, the workmen had made very little progress
since the first week; and Louis was despairing cf
seeing the work brought to a completion, when,
much to his gratification, he learned that there was
a prospect of crossing the canal by the simplest of
all processes.

On the day when bie Muschamp was carried off
as a captive, the Constable of France was surprised
by a visit from a Bedouin, and demanded his busi-
ness. ‘The Bedouin thereupon offered, for five hun-
dred golden bezants, to point out a ford by which
the Crusaders might, without danger or difficulty,
cross in safety to the opposite bank. The constable
at once promised the required reward, in the event
of the information proving satisfactory; but it was
not till the money was told down that the Bedouin |
conducted him to the spot, and convinced him that
the ford was there. Giadly hastening to Louis, the