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CHAPTER XXVIT.
NEWS OF DISASTER.

HILE Louis of France and his nobles and
knights were exposed to such danger at the
hands of their enemies, from whom they bad no reason
to expect forbearance, Queen Margaret remained at
Damietta, with her ladies, expecting to hear of battles
won and fortresses taken. At length, one morning
about sunrise, a strange and heart-rending cry re-
sounded through the city, and reached the ears of
the queen in her palace. What was it? was it fire ?
No. Another and another wail of agony. What could
it be? The approach of an enemy? No. It was
merely tidings of the massacre of Minieh!

Margaret of Provence summoned to her presence
Oliver de Thermes, whom King Louis had left at
Damietta in command of the garrison.

‘Sir knight,’ said the queen, ‘ what is all that noise
I hear ?’

The warrior hesitated.

‘Speak, sir,’ said Margaret, losing patience; ‘I
command you to tell me what has happened.’

‘Madam,’ replied the knight, ‘the news as yct is
but vague and uncertain.’

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