236 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

woman, who outdoes Jezebel in wickedness, wished
to propitiate the caliph, she sent me and five other
Christian prisoners whom you see as a peace-offer-
ing. And so,’ added Guy, looking down at his fetters,
‘here you see me, an Anglo-Norman gentleman, of
great name, in captivity and chains, and threatened
with a cruel death; which, however, I would fain
escape; for, tempting as may be the prospect of the
crown of martyrdom, beshrew me, good Walter, if at
my age I deem not life too sweet to part with
willingly.’

And in spite of his fetters and his perilous plight,
Guy looked as blithe and gay as he was wont to do
in the tilt-yard of the castle of Wark.

‘By the Holy Cross,’ said Walter, gravely, ‘I can-
not pretend to make light of the business; and yet I
am not without hope; for a Templar, and Bisset, the
stout knight whom I now serve, have come from the
good King Louis as ambassadors to the caliph, and
they will not fail you. But credit this, at least, that
if the worst comes to the worst I will remain in this
place, and not leave it—save in your company—
tide what may.’

Guy was about to protest against Walter sacrific-
ing himself to friendship; but further conversation
was prevented by the approach of the aged Saracen ;
and Guy, however reluctant, was fain to rejoin the
companions of his captivity. Walter, however, fol-
lowed their steps, and watched their movements, till
they disappeared in a door contiguous to that part
of the palace in which the ambassadors were lodged
with their train. But, warned by Beltran, the rene-