262 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

seen them; and he looked ont with no inconsiderable
curiosity as, mounted on choice steeds, they came on
and swept along, with bronzed visages, athletic forms,
muscular limbs, and the air of men who believed im-
plicitly in their own superiority over their com-
peers, and desired nothing so much as foes to
conquer.

But suddenly Walter started in amazement, and
uttered a cry ; then remained for a moment silent, and
quivered with agitation; then seized his cap, and,
rushing from the house, hastened, with excitement on
his countenance and wildness in his manner, after the
warrior monks, not losing sight of them till they
disappeared within the gates of the castle of St.
Katherine, which they possessed in Acre, near the
gate of St. Anthony. Into this building he de-
manded to be admitted.

‘Two hours later, Walter Espec returned to his
lodgings, and found Guy Muschamp awaiting his
return, and impatient to tell him that everything
was arranged for embarking for France in the king’s
ship In company with the Lord of Joinville. But
observing that his friend’s countenance wore a look
of extraordinary elation, he, for the time being,
quite forgot the commuzication he had intended to
make, and eyed him with an Ep Presion. of keen
curiosity.

‘Good Walter,’ said he, quickly, and with interest,
‘you appear so excited that I cannot but presume
that something wonderful has befallen you since we
parted ?’

‘In truth, brave Guy. you guess aright,’ replied