156 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

forward, and, led on by the English squire, made so
successful an attack that the Saracens were dispersed,
and the count was rescued and carried back in
triumph.

‘Young gentleman,’ said the count, gratefully, ‘I
owe you my liberty. I pray you, tell me to whom I
am so deeply indebted.’ |

‘ Noble count,’ replied Guy, after telling his name,
‘I am a squire of England; and, for the present, I
serve the Lord of Joinville.’

‘Ah,’ said the count, smiling, ‘ the seneschal must
give you tome; forI would fain have an opportunity
of proving how I can requite such good service.’

By this time Bibars Bendocdar perceived that he
was wasting his strength in vain, and sounded a re-
treat. But the Mameluke chief was not without his
consolation. He knew that he had ruined the enter-
prise of the Crusaders; that they were no longer in a
condition to attempt a march to Cairo; and that they:
knew not on which side to turn.

But when the Saracens retreated towards Damietta,
and the danger was over for the time being, the
Crusaders were inclined to talk of their successful
resistance as a victory; and the knights and barons
when summoned that evening to the king’s pavilion,
went thither with the airs of conquerors.

‘My lords and friends,’ said Louis, kindly; * we
have much cause to be grateful to God our Creator.
On Tuesday, aided by Him, we dislodged our enemies
from their quarters, of which we gained possession.
This day we have defended ourselves against them.
though taken at advantage; many of us being left