186 THE BOY CRUSADERS,

and left at the portal of a hcuse which he had never
seen before. Gradually recalling all his adventures
since he left the castle of Wark, he remembered and
felt his hand for the amulet with which he had been
gifted by King Louis when at Cyprus. The ring was
there, and as Walter thought of the inscription he
felt something like hope.

But Walter was still weak from loss of blood and.
the fever which had been the consequence of wounds
and exposure, and he soon sank into a slumber.
When he again awoke to consciousness the woman in
russet was standing near him, and conversing with a
damsel whom Walter did nct at first see, but whose
tones, sweet and soft, manifested a strong interest in
his recovery. |

‘He will yet live,’ said the woman in russet, ‘and
rejoice we in it; for he is a young man; and tosuch
life must needs be dear.’

‘He will live,’ repeated the girl, ‘and our lady be
praised therefor; for it is sweet to live.’

‘In truth, noble demoiselle,’ said the woman in
russet, ‘the youth owes much to your solicitude;
but for your anxiety on his behalf, I hardly think he
would have struggled through the fever. However, if
you will remain and watch him for a brief space, I will
attend to the commands of my lady the queen, and
hasten to relieve you. Nay, it misbeseems not noble
maiden to tend a wounded warrior, especially a soldier
of the Cross; and, credit me, he will give you little
trouble. He lies as quiet and calm as if he were in
his shroud.’ ,

With these words the woman in russet departed ;