220 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

and dashed in amongst them. Resistance was vain,
but the Saracens turned to bay, and a bloody fray,
in which Bisset’s axe did terrible execution, was the
consequence. Only one attempted to escape,—he
who had before him on his saddle the almost lifeless
form of Adeline de Brienne; and after him Walter
Espec, his sword drawn and his spur in his horse’s
flank, rode with furious shouts.

It was a keen chase, both flyer and pursuer
urging their steeds to the utmost; and under ordinary
circumstances the Saracen would have escaped; but,
hampered with his burden, and unable to exert hig
equestrian skill, he soon found that his pursuer was
gaining on him rapidly, and turned to take the chance
of an encounter. Tearful of hurting the damsel, but
perceiving that even this must be hazarded, Walter
met him in full course; and, exercising all his art in
arms to elude a blow fiercely aimed at him, he
dealt one on the Saracen’s turban, which stretched
the eastern warrior lifeless on the ground, and then
leaping from his steed, quick as thought caught the
form of the half-fainting maiden just as she was
falling.

Be of good cheer, noble demoiselle,’ said Walter.
‘You are saved.’

But Adeline de Brienne did not reply. She had
fainted ; and Walter, taking her in his strong arms,
bore her tenderly to one of the springs of water, and
was gradually bringing her back to consciousness
when Bisset and his riders, having routed the other
Saracens, came up in doubt as to the issue of the
chase, Having succeeded in restoring the damsel, they