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CHAPTER XXXIX.
IN THE LION’S MOUTH.

T must be admitted that the position of the ambas-
sadors was not enviable; and, when the Templar
hastily stated that the Tartars were storming Bagdad,
even Bisset’s bold countenance fell, and his tongue
faltered.

‘I will not hide,’ said he, recovering himself, ‘ that
our doom looks dark; our heads are in the lion’s
mouth. But, as Christian warriors, we must trust in
God and the saints; and, as brave men, we must do
what we can to extricate ourselves.’

Without wasting more time in words, Bisset pro-
ceeded to buckle on his chain mail, while Walter
Espec also arrayed himself; and, while the knight
armed himself with his ponderous battle-axe, the
squire unsheathed his falchion; and both, resuming
their wonted air of dauntless courage, prepared, in
case of the worst, to sell their lives dearly. Mean-
while, the attendants of the ambassadors filled the
chamber, with alarm on their faces; and thither also
Guy Muschamp and his fellow captives found their
way, closely followed by the aged Saracen, who bowed
himself before Bisset and exclaimed —