152 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

if necessary, penetrated into the city, carrying all
before them ; and, reaching the palace of the sultan,
they commenced the work of pillage. But during
this process they were rudely interrupted; for Bibars
Bendocdar perceived the imprudence of which the
Crusaders had been guilty, and suddenly, at the
head of a Saracen army, appeared to give them
battle.

And now the Crusaders were in a fearful predica-
ment. Kre they had time to rally, they were fiercely
attacked. From the roofs and windows of the houses
around, the Saracens hurled stones, and poured
heated sand and boiling water. Before them were -
the Mamelukes, headed by Bibars Bendocdar, fiery
with fanaticism, and panting for blood. It was a
terrible situation even for brave men; and the very
bravest there felt a thrill of awe and terror.

‘ All is lost!’ said Salisbury, in a whisper.

‘The King of France may hear of our peril, and
come to our rescue, suggested Lord Robert de
Vere. :

‘No hope of succour,’ said Bisset, in a conclusive
tone. ‘But let us not droop. We can at least sell
our lives dearly.’

A brief and painful silence succeeded, while still
upon the Crusaders the Saracens hurled stones and
poured boiling water.

‘Englishmen and friends,’ at length said Salisbury,
raising his voice so as to be heard at a distance, ‘it
were vain at this moment to deny our peril. But
take courage, my brave companions; and let us not
faint in the hour of adversity. Everything, save