270 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

and as the squire did not attempt to move, those
on board the king’s ship thought some piece of
furniture had tumbled overboard. On coming
nearer, however, they perceived that it was a human
being, and Walter and Guy, with some mariners,
lowered a boat, rowed to the rescue, and suc-
ceeded in saving him.

On being brought on board the king’s ship, the
squire related how he met with the accident, and —
was asked why he did not endeavour to save himself
by swimming.

‘In faith,’ answered the squire, ‘I had no occasion
so to do; for, as I fell into the sea, I cried, “Our
Lady of Valbert!” and she supported me by the
shoulders till I was rescued.’

‘In good sooth,’ remarked the Lord of Joinville,
on hearing this, ‘it is truly marvellous; and, to
perpetuate the memory of this miracle, I vow to
have it painted on the windows of my chapel at
Joinville, and also on the windows of the church
at Blecourt;’ and, on reaching home, the noble
seneschal kept his word.

And now the ships tilted over the oe and,
after a voyage of ten weeks, they reached the Port
of Hieros, in front of a castle which, in right of his
spouse, belonged to the king’s brother, the Count
of Anjou. Louis, however, was not inclined to land.
In vain the queen and his council advised him to
disembark.

‘No,’ said he, *I will not land till I can do so on
my own territory; I will not disembark till I arrive
at Aigues Mortes,’