GOOD FORTUNE. 221

placed her on Walter’s steed, and, the squire leading
her rein, conducted her to Acre.

‘On my faith, sir squire,’ said Bisset with a smile
of peculiar significance, as Walter unbuckled his
armour, ‘I marvel at your good fortune in regard
to the noble demoiselle, and perceive that I was
right in saying that you had been born with luck on
your side. A few more such exploits, and you will be
known to fame.’

‘ At all events, sir knight,’ replied Walter, trying
not to appear too much elated, ‘ we can lay ourselves
down to rest to night with all the better conscience
that we have this day performed an action worthy
of minstrels’ praise.

‘ Marry,’ exclaimed Bisset seriously, ‘I look to de-
riving from this adventure some benefit more substan-
tial than a sound sleep or minstrels’ flattery ; and, to
speak truth, I am somewhat weary of this saint-king
and this purposeless Crusade, and would fain go to
aid the Emperor of Constantinople against the Greeks
and the Turks; and Baldwin de Courtenay could not
but accord a favourable reception to warriors who
had saved his kinswoman from the Saracens. What
thinkest thou of a movement. to Constantinorle ?’

Walter mused, but did not answer.