Classic Audiobook Collection - The Brethren by H. Rider Haggard ~ Full Audiobook [adventure]

Episode Date: July 20, 2023

The Brethren by H. Rider Haggard audiobook. Genre: adventure Set in the days of the Crusaders, this books tells of a young maiden named Rosamund, and her twin cousins. Godwin is the grey eyed thoughtful man, and Wulf is the blue eyed warrior. They are both knights of England and they are both in love with their fair cousin. But the riddle of the story is which does Rosamund love? The adventure begins when Rosamund is taken from England and carried to the East. The plot thickens as the two young knights follow her in hopes of rescuing her from the Muslim leader, Saladin. As the Cross and the Crescent face each other at the Battle of Hattin, the story of Rosamund is unfolded and the riddle is solved. With dangerous lions, a moon light duel on a bridge, and beautiful Arabian horses, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 00 (00:10:04) Chapter 01 (00:43:07) Chapter 02 (01:11:45) Chapter 03 (01:51:31) Chapter 04 (02:30:20) Chapter 05 (03:12:14) Chapter 06 (03:50:53) Chapter 07 (04:28:23) Chapter 08 (05:10:58) Chapter 09 (06:01:03) Chapter 10 (06:48:53) Chapter 11 (07:17:38) Chapter 12 (07:48:42) Chapter 13 (08:33:13) Chapter 14 (09:09:33) Chapter 15 (09:47:48) Chapter 16 (10:23:47) Chapter 17 (11:00:21) Chapter 18 (11:49:05) Chapter 19 (12:25:26) Chapter 20 (13:02:41) Chapter 21 (13:42:41) Chapter 22 (14:17:21) Chapter 23 (14:56:26) Chapter 24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Brethren by H. Rider Haggit. Author's note. Standing a while ago upon the flower-clad plain above Tiberius, by the Lake of Galilee, the writer gazed at the double peaks of the hill of Hatim. Here also tradition says, Christ preached the sermon on the mount, that perfect rule of gentleness and peace. Here too, and this is certain, after nearly 12, centuries had gone by, Yusuf Salah Redin, who we know as the Sultan Saladin, crushed the Christian

power in Palestine, in perhaps the most terrible battle which that land of blood has known. Thus the Mount of the Beatitudes became the Mount of Massacre. Whilst musing on these strangely contrasted scenes enacted in one place, there arose in his mind a desire to weave as best he might, a tale wherein any who are drawn to the romance of that pregnant and mysterious epoch, when men by thousands were glad to lay down their lives for visions and spiritual hopes

could find a picture, however faint and broken, of the long war between cross and crescent waged among the Syrian plains and deserts. Of Christian knights and ladies also, and their loves and sufferings in England, and the East, of the fearful lords of the assassins, whom the Franks called, old man of the mountain and his fortress city, Masiaf, of the great-hearted if at times cruel Saladin, and his fierce Saracens, of the root at Hatin itself, on whose rocky height the holy route was set up as a standard

and captured to be seen no more by Christian eyes, and of the last surrender. whereby the Crusaders lost Jerusalem forever. Of that desire, this story is the fruit. Prologue. Salah Hedin, commander of the faithful, the king strong to aid, sovereign of the east, sat at night in his palace at Damascus, and brooded on the wonderful ways of God,

by whom he had been lifted to his high estate. He remembered how when he was but small in the eyes of men, Noureddin, king of Syria, forced him to accompany his uncle, Shirku, to Egypt, whether he went, like one driven to his death, and how, against his own will, there he rose to greatness. He thought of his father, the wise Ayub,

and the brethren with whom he was brought up, all of them dead now save one. and of his sisters whom he had cherished. Most of all did he think of her, Zubeda, who had been stolen away by the knight whom she loved even to the loss of her own soul. Yes, by the English friend of his youth,

his father's prisoner, Sir Andrew Darcy, who led astray by passion, had done him and his house this grievous wrong. He had sworn, he remembered, remembered that he would bring her back even from England, and already had planned to kill her husband and capture her when he learnt her death. She had left a child, Osoe his spies told him, who, if she still lived, must be a woman now, his own niece, though half of noble English blood. Then his mind wandered from this old half-forgotten story to the woe and blood in which his days were set

and to the last great struggle between the followers of the prophets Jesus and Muhammad that jihad for which he made ready and he sighed for he was a merciful man who loved not slaughter although his fierce faith drove him from war to war Salarreddin slept and dreamt of peace. In his dream a maiden stood before him. Presently when she lifted her veil, he saw that she was beautiful,

with features like his own, but fairer, and knew her surely for the daughter of his sister, who had fled with the English knight. Now he wondered why she visited him thus, and in his vision prayed Allah to make the matter. clear. Then of a sudden he saw the same woman standing before him on a Syrian plane, and on either side of her a countless host of Saracens and Franks, of whom thousands and tens of thousands were appointed to death. Lo, he, Salahedin, charged at the head of his squadrons.

Simitar laughed, but she held up her hand and stayed him. What do you hear, my niece? he asked. I am come to save the lives of men through you, she answered. Therefore was I born of your blood, and therefore I am sent to you. Put up your sword, king, and spare them. Say, maiden, what ransom do you bring to buy this multitude from doom? What ransom and what gift? The ransom of my own blood freely offered,

and heaven's gift of peace to your sinful soul, O king. And with that outstretched hand, she drew down his keen-edged scimitar until it rested on her breast. Salah Hedin awoke and marvelled on his dream, but said nothing of it to any man. The next night it returned to him, and the memory of it, went with him all the day that followed, but still he said nothing.

When on the third night he dreamt it yet again, even more vividly, then he was sure that this thing was from God, and summoned his holy imams and his diviners and took counsel with them. These, after they had listened, prayed and consulted, spoke thus. O Sultan, Allah has warned you. in shadows that the woman your niece, who dwells far away in England, shall by her own nobleness and sacrifice in some time to come, save you from shedding a sea of blood and bring rest upon the land. We charge you, therefore, draw this lady to your court and keep her ever by your side,

since if she escape you, her peace goes with her. Salahedin said that this interpretation was wise and true, for thus also he had read his dream. Then he summoned a certain false knight, who bore the cross upon his breast, but in secret had accepted the Quran, a frankish spy of his, who came from that country where dwelt the maiden, his niece, and from him learned about her, her father and her father and her. her home, with him and another spy who passed as a Christian palmer by the aid of Prince Hassan, one of the greatest and most trusted of his emirs. He made a cunning plan for the capture of the maiden if she would not come willingly, and for her bearing away to Syria. Moreover, that in the eyes of all men her dignity might be worthy of her high blood and fate, by his decree, He created her the niece whom he had never seen, princess of Baalbeck, with great possessions,

a rule that her grandfather Ayub and her uncle Isiddin had held before her. Also, he purchased a stout galley of war, manning it with proved sailors and with chosen men at arms, under the command of the Prince Hassan, and wrote a letter to the English Lord, Sir Andrew Darcy and to his daughter, and prepared a royal gift of jewels, and sent them to the lady his niece far away in England, and with it the patent of her rank. Her he commanded this company to win by peace or force or fraud, as best they might, but that without her not one of them should dare to look upon his face again. and with these he sent the two Frankish spies

who knew the place where the lady lived one of whom the false knight was a skilled mariner and the captain of the ship these things did Yusuf Salah Redin and waited patiently till it should please God to accomplish the vision with which God had filled his soul in sleep End of Prologue Chapter 1 of the Brethren

by H. Ryder Haggard By the waters of Death Creek From the sea wall on the coast of Essex Rosamond looked out across the ocean eastwards To right and left But a little behind her Like guards attending the person of their sovereign Stood her cousins

The twin brethren Godwin and wolf Tall and shapely men Godwin was still as a statue His hands folded over the hilt of the long scabbarded sword, of which the point was set on the ground before him. But Wolf, his brother, moved restlessly and at length yawned aloud. They were beautiful to look at all three of them, as they appeared in the splendour of their youth and health. The imperial rosamond, dark-haired and eyed, ivory-skinned and slender-wasted, a posy of marsh flowers in her hand,

the pale stately godwin with his dreaming face and the bold-fronted blue-eyed warrior wolf saxon to his fingertips notwithstanding his father's norman blood at the sound of that unstifled yawn rosamund turned her head with a slow grace which marked her every movement would you sleep already wolf and the sun not yet down she asked in her rich low voice which perhaps because of her of its foreign accent seemed quite different to that of any other woman. I think so, Rosamond, he answered. It would serve to pass the time, and now that you have finished gathering those yellow flowers which we rode so far to seek, the time is somewhat long. Shame on you, Wolf, she said smiling. Look upon yonder sea and sky,

at that sheet of bloom, all gold and purple. i have looked for hard on half an hour cousin rosamond also at your back and at godwin's left arm and side face till in truth i thought myself kneeling in stangate priory staring at my father's effigy upon his tomb while pride john patted the mass why if you stood it on its feet it is godwin the same crossed hands resting on the sword the same cold silent face staring at the sky Godwin, as Godwin will no doubt one day be, or so he hopes. That is, if the saints give him grace to do such deeds as did our sire, interrupted his brother. Wolf looked at him, and a curious flash of inspiration shone in his blue eyes. No, I think not, he answered.

The deeds you may do, and greater, but surely you will lie wrapped not in a shirt of mail, but with the monk's cow at the last. unless a woman robs you of it and the quickest road to heaven. Tell me now, what are you thinking of, you two? For I have been wandering in my dull way, and I'm curious to learn how far I stand from the truth. Rosamond, speak first. Nay, not all the truth, a maid's thoughts are her own,

but just the cream of it, that which rises to the top and should be skimmed. Rosamond sighed. I, I was thinking of the truth. the east, where the sun shines ever, and the seas are blue as my girdle stones, and men are full of strange learning, and women are men slaves, interrupted wolf. Still, it is natural that you should think of the east, who have that blood in your veins, and high blood, if all tales be true, say, princess! And he bowed the knee to her, with an affectation of mockery, which could not Heidi's earnest reverence. Say, princess, my cousin, granddaughter of Ayyub, and niece of the mighty monarch Yusuf Salah

Gideen, do you wish to leave this pale land and visit your dominions in Egypt and in Syria? She listened, and at his words her eyes seem to take fire, the stately form to erect itself, the breast to heave and the thin nostrils to grow wider as though they scented some sweet remembered perfume. Indeed at that moment standing there on the promontory above the seas, Rosamond looked a very queen. Presently she answered him with another question. And how would they greet me there, Wolf, who am a Norman Darcy and a Christian maid? The first they would forgive you, since they would. blood is none so ill either, and for the second, why, faiths can be changed?

Then it was that Godwin spoke for the first time. Wolf, wolf, he said sternly, keep watch upon your tongue, for there are things that should not be said, even as a silly jest. See you, I love my cousin here, better than ought else upon the earth. there at least we agree, broken wolf, better than aught else on the earth, repeated Godwin. But by the holy blood

and by St Peter at whose shrine we are, I would kill her with my own hand before her lips kissed the book of the false prophet or any of his followers, muttered Wolf to himself, but fortunately perhaps too low

for either of his companions to hear Aloudi said, You understand, Rosamond, you must be careful, for God whenever keeps his word, and that would be but a poor end for so much birth and beauty and wisdom. Oh, cease mocking, Wolf, she answered, laying her hand lightly on the tunic that hid his shirt of mail. Cease mocking, and praise and Chad, the builder of this church,

that no such dreadful choice may ever be forced upon you, me, or your beloved brother, who indeed, in such a case, would you right to slay me? Well, if it were, answered Wolf, and his fair face flushed as he spoke. I trust that we should know how to meet it. After all, is it so very hard to choose between death and duty? I know not, she replied, but oftentimes sacrifice seems easy when seen from far, away. Also, things may be lost that are more prized than life. What things? Do you mean place or wealth or love? Tell me, said Rosamond, changing her tone. What is that boat rowing round the river's mouth? A while ago it hung upon

its oars as though those within it watched us. Fisher folk, answered Wolf carelessly. I saw their necks. yes but beneath them something gleamed bright like swords fish said wolf we are at peace in essex although rosamond did not look convinced he went on now for godwin's thoughts what were they brother if you would know of the east also the east and its wars which have brought us no great luck answered wolf seeing that our sire was slain in them, and nought of him came home again save his heart, which lies at Stangate yonder. How better could he die? asked Godwin, than fighting for the cross of Christ, is not that death of his at Harenk told of to this day? By our lady, I pray for one but half as glorious. Aye, he died well, he died well, said Wolf, his blue eyes flashing, and his hand creeping to his sword-hilt. But, brother, there is peace at Jerusalem, as in Essex.

Peace? Yes, but soon there will be war again. The monk Peter, he whom we saw at Stangate last Sunday, and who left Syria about six months gone, told me that it was coming fast. Even now, the Sultan Saladin, sitting at Damascus, summons his hosts from far and wide, while his priests preach battle amongst the tribes and barons of the east. And when it comes, brother, shall we not be there to share it, as were our grandfather, our father, our uncle, and so many of our kin? Shall we rot here in this dull land, as by our uncle's wish we have done these many years? Yes, ever since we were home from the Scottish War,

and count the kind and plough the fields like peasants, while our peers are charging on the pagan and the banners wave and the blood runs red upon the holy sands of Palestine now it was wolf's turn to take fire by our lady in heaven and our lady here and he looked at Rosamond who was watching the pair of them with her quiet thoughtful eyes go when you will Godwin and I go with you

and as our birth was one birth so if it is decreed let our death be one death. And suddenly his hand that had been playing with a sword-hilt, gripped it fast, and tore the long lean blade from its scabbard, and cast it high into the air, flashing in the sunlight, to catch it as it fell again, while in a voice that caused the wild fowl to rise in thunder from the saltings beneath, wolf shouted the old war cry that had rung on so many a field,

Adarsi, Adarsi, meet Adarsi, meet death. Then he sheathed his sword again and added in a shamed voice. Are we children that we fight where no foe is? Still, brother, may we find him soon. Godwin smiled grimly, but answered nothing. Only Rosamond said, So, my cousins, you would be away. perhaps to return no more, and that will part us.

But, and her voice broke somewhat, such is the woman's lot, since men like you ever love the bare sword, best of all. Nor should I think well of you were it otherwise. Yet, cousins, I know not why, and she shivered a little. It comes into my heart that heaven often answers such prayers swiftly. Oh, wolf, your sword looked very red,

in the sunlight but now. I say that it looked very red in the sunlight. I am afraid, of I know not what. Well, we must be going, for we have nine miles to ride, and the dark is not so far away. But first, my cousins, come with me into this shrine, and let us pray St. Peter and St. Chad to guard us on our journey home. Our journey? said Wolf anxiously. What is there for you to fear in a nine-mile ride along the shores of the blackwater? I said our journey home, wolf, and home is not in the hall at steeple, but yonder. And she pointed to the quiet, brooding sky. Well answered, said Godwin, in this ancient place, when so many have journeyed home,

all the Romans who are dead, when it was their fortress, and the Saxons who came after them, and others without count. Then they turned and entered the old church, one of the first that ever was in Britain, rough-built of Roman stone by the very hands of Chad, the Saxon saint, more than 500 years before that day. Here they knelt a while at the rude altar and prayed.

Each of them in his or her own fashion, then crossed themselves, and rose to seek their horses, which were tied in the shed hard by. Now there were two roads, or rather tracks, back to the hall at Steeple, one a mile or so inland that ran through the village of Bradwell, and the other the shorter way, along the edge of the saltings to the narrow water known as Death Creek, at the head of which the traveller to Steeple must strike inland, leaving the priory of Stangate on his right. It was this latter path they chose, since at low tide the going there is good for horses, which, even in the summer, that of the inland track was not. Also they wished to be at home by supper time, lest the old knight Sir Andrew Darcy,

the father of Rosamond and the uncle of the orphan brethren, should grow anxious, and perhaps come out to seek them. For the half of an hour or more they rode along the edge of the saltings, for the most part in silence that was broken only by the cry of curlew and the lap of the turning tide. No human being did they see, indeed, for this place was very desolate and unvisited,

saved now and again by fishermen. At length, just as the sun began to sink, they approached the shore of Death Creek, a sheet of tidal water which ran a mile or more inland, growing ever narrower, but was here some three-and-a-half. hundred yards in breadth. They were well mounted, all three of them. Indeed, Rosamond's horse, a great grey, her father's gift to her, was famous in that countryside for its swiftness and power,

also because it was so docile that a child could ride it, while those of the brethren were heavy-built, but well-trained war steeds, taught to stand where they were left and to charge when they were urged, without fear of shouting men or flashing steel. Now the ground lay thus, some 70 yards from the shore of Death Creek, and parallel to it, a tongue of land covered with scrub and a few oaks, ran down into the sultings,

its point ending on their path, beyond which were a swamp and the broad river. Between this tongue and the shore of the creek, the track wended its way up to the uplands. It was an ancient track, indeed the reason of its existence, was that here the Romans or some other long dead hands had built a narrow mole or key of rough stone, 40 or 50 yards in length, out into the water of the creek,

doubtless to serve as a convenience for fisherboats, which could lie alongside it even at low tide. This mole had been much destroyed by centuries of washing, so that the end of it lay low below water. although the landward part was still almost sound and level. Coming over the little rise at the top of the wooded tongue, the quick eyes of wolf who rode first, for here the path along the border of the swamp was so narrow

that they must go in single file, caught sight of a large empty boat, moored to an iron ring set in the wall of the mole. Your fishermen have landed Rosemond, he said, and doubtless gone up to Bradwell. That is strange, she answered anxiously, since here no fisherman ever come, and she checked her horse as though to turn.

Whether they come or not, certainly they have gone, said Godwin, craning forward to look about him, so as we have nothing to fear from an empty boat, let us push on. On their road accordingly, until they came to the root of the, stone key or pier, when a sound behind them caused them to look back. Then they saw a sight that sent the blood to their hearts.

For there behind them, leaping down one by one onto that narrow footway, were men armed with naked swords, six or eight of them, all of whom they noted had strips of linen pierced with eyelid holes tied beneath their helms or leather caps so as to conceal their faces. A snare, a snare, cried Wolf, drawing his sword. Swift, follow me up the Bradwell path. And he struck the spurs into his horse. It bounded forward to be dragged next second with all the weight of his powerful arm almost to its haunches.

God's mercy, he cried. There are more of them. And more there were, for another band of men armed and linen hood. like the first, had leapt down onto that Bradwell path, amongst them a stout man, who seemed to be unarmed, except for a long crooked knife at his girdle, and a coat of ringed mail, which showed through the opening of his loose tunic. To the boat! shouted Godwin, whereat the start man laughed, a light penetrating laugh, which even then all three of them heard and noted. along the key they rode, since there was nowhere else that they could go, with both paths barred and swamp and water on one side of them, and a steep wooded bank upon the other.

When they reached it, they found why the man had laughed, for the boat was made fast with a strong chain that could not be cut. More, her sail and oars were gone. Get into it, mocked a voice, or at least let the lady get in. It will save us the trouble of carrying her there. Now Rosamond turned very pale, while the face of wolf went red and white,

and he gripped his sword-hilt. But Godwin, calm as ever, rode forward a few paces and said quietly, On your courtesy, Say what you need of us. If it be money, we have none. Nothing but our arms and horses which I think may cost you dear.

Now the man with a crooked knife advanced a little, accompanied by another man, a tall, supple-looking knave, into whose ear he whispered. My master says, answered the tall man, that you have with you that which is of more value than all the king's gold, a very fair lady, of whom someone has urgent need.

Give her up now, and go your way with your arms and horses, for you are gallant young men whose blood we do not wish to shed. At this it was the turn of the brethren to laugh, which both of them did together. Give her up, answered Godwin, and go our ways dishonoured. Aye, with our breath but not before,

who then has such urgent need of the Lady Rosamond? Again there was whispering between the pair. My master says was the answer. He thinks that all who sees her will have need of her, since her loveliness is rare. But if you wish a name, well, one comes to mind. The name of the knight, Lizelle. The knight Lausel? Murmere Rosamond, turning even paler than before, as well she might.

For this Lausel was a powerful man and Essex-born. He owned ships of whose doings. upon the seas and in the east, evil tales were told, and once had sought Rosamond's hand in marriage, but being rejected, uttered threats for which Godwin, as the elder of the twins, had fought and wounded him, then he vanished, none knew where. Is Sir Hugh Luzal here then? asked Godwin, masked like you common cowards. If so I desired to meet him, to finish the work I began in the store. snow last Christmas, twelve months.

Find that out if you can, answered the tall man. But Wolf said, speaking low between his clenched teeth, Brother, I see but one chance. We must place Rosamond between us and charge them. The captain of the band seemed to read their thoughts, for again he whispered into the ear of his companion, who called out, My master says that if you try to charge, you will be fools, since we shall stab and hamstring your horses,

which are too good to waste, and take you quite easily as you fall. Come then, yield, as you can do without shame, seeing there is no escape, and that two men, however brave, cannot stand against a crowd. He gives you one minute to surrender. Now Rosamond spoke for the first time. cousins, she said, I pray you not to let me fall living into the hands of Sir Hugh Luzal, or of yonder men, to be taken to what fate I know not.

Let Godwin kill me then to save my honour, as but now he said he would to save my soul, and strive to cut your way through and live to avenge me. The brethren made no answer, only they looked at the water, and then at one another and nodded. It was Godwin who spoke again, for now that it had come to this struggle for life and their lady, Wolf, whose tongue was commonly so ready,

had grown strangely silent and fierce-faced also. Listen, Rosamond, and do not turn your eyes, said Godwin, there is but one chance for you, and poor as it is, you must choose

between it and capture, since we cannot kill you. the grey horse you ride is strong and true turn him now and spur into the water of death creek and swim it it is broad but the incoming tide will help you and perchance you will not drown rosamond listened and moved her head backwards towards the boat then wilf spoke few words and sharp be gone girl we got the boat she heard And her dark eyes filled with tears, and her stately heads sank for a moment, almost to her horse's mane. Oh, my knights, my nights!

And would you die for me? Well, if God wills it, so it must be. But I swear that if you die, that no man shall be ought to me who have your memory, and if you live. And she looked at them confusedly, then stopped. Bless us and be gone. said Godwin.

So she blessed them in words low and holy. Then of a sudden wheeled round the great grey horse and striking the spur into its flank, drove straight at the deep water. A moment the stallion hung, then from the low key ends sprang out wide and clear. Deep it sank, but not for long, for presently its rider's head rose above the water

and regaining the saddle from which she had floated, Rosamond sat firm and headed the horse straight for the distant bank. Now a shout of wonderment went up from the women thieves, for this was a deed that they had never thought a girl would dare. But the brethren laughed as they saw that the grey swam well, and leaping from their saddles, ran forward a few paces, eight or ten, along the mole to where it was narrowest, as they went tearing the cloaks from their shoulders,

and since they had none, throwing them over their left arms to serve as bucklers. The band cursed sullenly, only their captain gave an order to his spokesman who cried aloud. Cut them down, and to the boat! We shall take her before she reaches shore or drowns. For a moment they wavered, for the tall twin warriors who barred the way had eyes that told of wounds and death. Then with a rush they came, scrambling over the rough stones, but here the causeway was so narrow that while their strength lasted, two men were as good as twenty, nor because of the mud and water could they be got at from either side. So after all it was but two to two, and the brethren were the better two. Their long swords flashed and smote, and when Wolfe's was lifted again, once more it shone red as a bit of them. it had been when he tossed it high in the sunlight, and a man fell with a heavy splash into the

waters of the creek, and wallowed there till he died. Godwin's foe was down also, and as it seemed, sped. Then at a muttered word, not waiting to be attacked by others, the brethren sprang forward. The huddled mob in front of them saw them come, and shrank back, but before they had gone a yard, the swords were at work behind. They swore strange oaths. They caught their feet among the rocks and rolled upon their faces. In their confusion three of them were pushed into the water, where two sank in the mud and were drowned.

The third only dragged himself ashore, while the rest made good their escape from the causeway. But two had been cut down, and three had fallen, for whom there was no escape. They strove to rise and fight, but the linen masks flapped about their eyes so that their blows went wide, while the long swords of the brothers smote and smote again upon their helms and harness, as the hammers of Smith smite upon an anvil, until they rolled over silent and sterless. Back, said Godwin, for here the road is wide, and they will get behind us.

So back they moved slowly, with their faces to the foe, stopping just in front of the first man whom Godwin had seemed to kill, and who lay face upwards with arms outstretched. So far we have done well, said Wolf, with a short laugh. Are you hurt? Nay, answered his brother, but do not boast till the battle is over, for many are left and they will come on thus no more. Pray God, they have no spears or bows. Then he turned, and looked behind him, and there, far from the shore now, swam the grey horse steadily,

and there upon its back sat Rosamond. Yes, and she had seen, since the horse must swim somewhat sideways with the tide. For look, she took the kerchief from her throat and waved it to them. Then the brethren knew that she was proud of their great deeds, and thanked the saints, that they had lived to do even so much as this for her dear sake. Godwin was right.

Although their leader commanded them in a stone voice, the band sank from the reach of those awful swords, and instead sought for stones to hurl at them, but here lay more mud than pebbles, and the rocks of which the causeway was built were too heavy for them to lift, so that they found but few, which when thrown either missed the brethren or, did them little hurt.

Now after some while the man called, spoke through his lieutenant, and certain of them ran into the thorn thicket and then disappeared again bearing the long oars of the boat. Their counsel is to batter us down with the oars. What shall we do now, brother?

Asked Godwin. What we can, answered Wolf. It matters little if Rosamund is spared by the waters, for they will scarcely take her now, who must loose the boat and man it after we are dead. As he spoke, Wolf heard a sound behind him, and of a sudden Godwin threw up his arms and sank to his knees. Round he sprang, and there upon his feet stood that man whom they had thought dead,

and in his hand a bloody sword. At him leapt Wolf, and so fierce with a blows he smote, that the first severed his sword-arm, and the second shore through the cloak and mail deep into the thief's side, so that this time he fell never to stir again. Then he looked at his brother and saw that the blood was running down his face and blinding him. Save yourself, Wolf, for I am sped, moment Godwin. Nay, or you could not speak, and he cast his arm around him and kissed him on the brow.

Then a thought came into his mind, and lifting Godwin as though he were a child, he ran back to where the horses stood and heaved him into the saddle. Hold fast, he cried, by mane and pommel, keep your mind and hold fast, and I will save you yet. Passing the reins over his left arm, Wolf leapt upon the back of his own horse and turned it. Ten seconds more, and the pirates who were gathering with the oars, where the paths joined at the root of the causeway, saw the two great horses thundering down upon them. On one a sore wounded man, his bright hair dabbled with blood, his hands gripping mane and saddle, and on the other the warrior wolf, with starting eyes and a face like the face of a flame, shaking his red sword, and for the second time that day, shouting aloud.

Adasi, Adasi, contra Darcy, Contra Marr. They saw, they shouted. They massed themselves together and held up the oars to meet them. But wolf spurred fiercely, and short as was the way, the heavy horses trained to tourney, gathered their speed. Now they were on them. The oars were swept aside like reeds. All round them flashed the swords, and Wolf felt, that he was hurt he knew not where, but his sword flashed also. One blow, there was no time for more,

yet the man beneath it sank like an empty sack. By St. Peter, they were through, and Godwin still swayed upon the saddle, and yonder near the further shore, the grey horse with its burden, still battled in the tide. They were through, they were through, while to Wolf's eyes the air swam red and the earth seemed as though it rose up to meet them, and everywhere was flaming fire. But the shouts had died away behind them, and the only sound was the sound of the galloping of their horses' hooves. Then that also grew faint and died away, and silence and darkness fell upon the mind of wolf. End of chapter one. Chapter two of the brethren. by H. Rider Haggart.

This Libravox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy. Sir Andrew Darcy. Godwin dreamed that he was dead, and that beneath him floated the world, a glowing ball, while he was born to and fro through the blackness, stretched upon a couch of ebony. There were bright watches by his couch also,

watchers twain, and he knew them for his guardian angels given him at birth. Moreover, now and again, presences would come and question the watchers who sat at his head and foot. One asked, has the soul sinned? And the angel at his head answered, it has sinned. Again the voice asked, did it die shriven of its sins? The angel answered, It died unshriven, Red sword aloft,

fighting a good fight. Fighting for the cross of Christ? Nay, fighting for a woman. Alas, poor soul, sinful and unshriven, who died fighting for a woman's love. How shall such a one find mercy? wailed the questioning voice, growing ever fainter, till it was lost far, far away.

Now came another visitor. It was his father, the warrior's sire whom he had never seen, who fell in Syria. Godwin knew him well, for the face was the face carven on the tomb in Stangate Church, and he wore the blood-red cross upon his mail, and the darcy death head was on his shield and in his hand shone a naked sword. Is this the soul of my son? He asked of the white-robed watchers. If so, how died he?

Then the angel at his foot answered, He died, red sword aloft, fighting a good fight. Fighting for the cross of Christ? Nay, fighting for a woman fighting for a woman's love who should have fallen in the holy war alas poor son

alas poor son alas that we must part again forever and his voice too passed away low a glory advanced through the blackness and the angels at head and foot stood up and saluted with their flaming spears.

How died this child of God? Asked a voice, speaking out of the glory, a low and awful voice. He died by the sword, answered the angel. By the sword of the children of the enemy, fighting in the war of heaven, then the angels were silent. What has heaven to do with him if he fought not for heaven? Ask the voice again. Let him be spared, pleaded the guardians,

who was young and brave and knew not, send him back to earth, there to retrieve his sins and be our charge once more. So be. it, said the voice. Night, live on, but live as a knight of heaven, if thou wouldst win heaven. Must he then put the woman from him? asked the angels. It was not said, answered the voice, speaking from the glory, and all that wild vision vanished. Then a space of a And Godwin awoke to hear other voices around him, voices human, well-beloved, remembered,

and to see a face bending over him, a face most human, most well-beloved, most remembered, that of his cousin Rosamond. He babbled some questions, but they brought him food and told him to sleep, so he slept. Thus it went on, waking and sleep, sleep and waking. Till at length one morning he woke up truly in the little room that opened out of the solar or sitting place of the hall of steeple, where he and Wolf had slept since their uncle took them to his home as infants. More on the trestle bed opposite him, his leg and arm bandaged and a crutch by his side, sat wolf himself, somewhat paler and thinner than of yore, but the same jovial, careless, yet at times fierce-faced wolf.

Do I still dream, my brother, or is it you indeed? A happy smile spread upon the face of wolf, for now he knew that Godwin was himself again. Me, sure enough, he answered. Dream folk don't have lame legs They are the gifts of swords and men And Rosamond What of Rosamond Did the grey horse swim the creek

And how came we here Tell me quick I faint for news She shall tell you herself And hobbling to the curtain door He called Rosamond My nay our cousin Rosamond

Godwin is himself again Here you, Godwin is himself again and would speak with you. There was a swift rustle of robes and a sound of quick feet among the rushes that strewed the floor. And then Rosamond herself, lovely as ever, but all her stateliness forgot in joy. She saw him, the gaunt Godwin, sitting up upon the pallet, his grey eyes shining in the white and sunken face. for Godwin's eyes were grey while wolves were blue, the only difference between them which a stranger would note, although in truth wolf's lips were fuller than Godwins

and his chin more marked. Also he was a larger man. She saw him and with a little cry of delight ran and cast her arms about him and kissed him on the brow. Be careful, said Wolf roughly, turning his head aside. Or Rosamond, You will loose the bandages and bring his trouble back again. He has had enough of bloodletting.

Then I will kiss him on the hand, the hand that saved me, she said, and did so. More she pressed that poor pale hand against her heart. Mine had something to do with that business also, but I don't remember that you kissed it, Rosamond. Well, I will kiss him too. And, oh, God be praised. And the Holy Virgin, and the Holy Peter, and the Holy Chad, and all the other holy dead folk whose names I can't recall,

who between them, with the help of Rosamond here, and the prayers of the prior John and brethren at Stangate, and of Matthew, the village priest, have given you back to us, my brother, my most beloved brother. And he hopped to the bedside, and throwing his long sinewy arms about Godwin, embraced him again and again. Be careful, said Rosamond dryly. Or Wolf, you will disturb the bandages,

and he has had enough of bloodletting. Then before he could answer, which he seemed minded to do, there came the sound of a slow step, and swinging the curtain aside, a tall and noble-looking knight entered the little place. The man was old, but looked older than he was, for sorrow and sickness had wasted him.

His snow-white hair hung upon his shoulders, his face was pale, and his features were pinched, but finely chiseled, and notwithstanding the difference of their years, wonderfully alike to those of the daughter Rosamond, for this was her father, the famous lord, Sir Andrew Darcy. Rosamond turned and bent the knee to him with a strange and eastern grace, while Wolf bowed his head, and Godwin, since his neck was too stiff to stir,

held up his hand in greeting. The old man looked at him, and there was pride in his eye. So you live after all, my nephew, he said, and for that I thank the giver of life and death, since by God you are a gallant man, a worthy child of the bloods of the Norman Darcy and of Uli and the Saxon. Yes, one of the best of them. Speak not so, my uncle, said Godwin. Or at least, here is a worthier. And he patted the hand of wolf with his lean fingers. It was wolf who bore me through.

Oh, and I remember as much as that, how he lifted me onto the black horse and bade me to cling fast to Maine and pommel. I, and I remember the charge and his cry of Contra Darcy Contra Moore and the flashing of swords about us, and after that, nothing. Would that I had been there to help in that fight, said Sir Andrew Darcy, tossing his white hair. O my children, it is hard to be sick and old. A log am I, naught but a rotting log. Still had I only known. Father, father, said Rosamond, casting her white arm about his neck. You should not speak thus.

You have done your share. Yes, my share, but I should like to do more. O St. Andrew, ask it for me that I may die with sword aloft, and my grandsires cry upon my lips. Yes, yes, thus, not like a worn-out war-horse in its stall. There, pardon me, but in truth, my children, I am jealous of you. Why, when I found you lying in each other's arms, I could have wet for rage. to think that such a fray had been within a league of my own doors, and I not in it. I know nothing of all that story, said Godwin.

No, in truth, how can you, who have been senseless this month or more? But Rosamond knows, and she shall tell it you. Speak on Rosamond, lay you back, Godwin, and listen. The tale is yours. my cousins and not mine, said Rosamond. You bade me take the water, and into it I spurred the grey horse, and we sank deep, so that the waves closed above my head. Then up we came, I floating from the saddle, but I regained it,

and the horse answered to my voice in bridle, and swam out for the further shore. On it swam, somewhat slantwise with the tide, so that by turning my head I could see all that pass upon the mole. I saw them come at you and men fall before your swords. I saw you charge them and run back again. Lastly, after what seemed a very long while

when I was far away, I saw Wolf lift Godwin into the saddle. I knew it must be Godwin because he set him on the black horse and the pair of you galloped down the key and vanished. By then I was near the home shore, and the grey grew very weary, and sank deep in the water. But I cheered it on with my voice, and although twice its head went beneath the waves, in the end it found a footing, though a soft one.

After resting a while, it plunged forward with short rushes through the mud, and so at length came safe to land, where it stood shaking with fear and weariness. so soon as the horse got its breath again I pressed on for I saw them loosing the boat and came home here as the dark closed in to meet your uncle watching for me at the gate now father do you take up the tail there is little more to tell said Sir Andrew you will remember nephews that I was against this ride of Rosamunds to seek flowers or I know not what at Peter's shrine, nine miles away, but as her maid had set her heart on it, and there were but few pleasures here, why I let her go, with a pair of you for escort. You will mind also that you was starting without your mail, and how foolish you thought me when I called you back, and made you gird it on. Well, my patron saint, or yours, put it into my head to do so, For had it not been for those same shirts of mail, you were both of you dead men today.

But that morning I had been thinking of Sir Hugh Luzel. If such a false pirate rogue can be called a knight, not but that he is start and brave enough, and his threats after he recovered from the wound you gave him Godwin, how that he would come back and take your cousin for, all we could do to stay him. True, we heard that he had sailed for the East, to war against Saladin, or with him,

for he was ever a traitor. But even if this were so, men return from the East. Therefore, I bade you on, having some foresight of what was to come, for doubtless this onslaught must have been planned by him. I think so, said Wolf. For as Rosamond here knows, the tall knave who interpreted for the foreigner whom he called his master, gave us the name of the knight-Lazel, as the man who sought to carry her off.

Was this master a Saracen? asked Sir Andrew anxiously. Nay, uncle, how can I tell, seeing that his face was masked like the rest, and he spoke through an interpreter, but I pray you go on with a story which Godwin has not heard. It is short when Rosamond told her tale of which I could make little, for the girl was crazed with grief and cold and fear, save that you had been attacked upon the old key, and she had escaped by swimming Death Creek,

which seems a thing incredible. I got together what men I could. then bidding her stay behind, with some of them to guard her and nurse herself, which she was loath to do. I set out to find you or your bodies. It was dark, but we rode hard, having lanterns with us, as we went rousing men at every steed, until we came to where the roads join at modes. There we found a black horse, your horse, Godwin, so badly wounded, that he could travel no further and i groaned thinking that you were dead still we went on till we heard another horse whinny and presently found the roan also riderless standing by the pathside with his head down

A man on the ground holds him, cried one, and I sprang from the saddle to see who it might be, to find that it was you, the pair of you, locked in each other's arms and senseless, if not dead, as well you might be from your wounds. I bade the country folk cover you up and carry you home, and others to run to Standgate, and pray the prior and the monk Stefan, who, is a doctor. Come at once to tend you, while we pressed onwards to take vengeance if we could. We reached the key upon the creek, but there we found nothing, save some bloodstains, and this is strange, your sword, Godwin. The hilt set between two stones, and on the point, a writing.

What was the writing? asked Godwin. it is, answered his uncle, drawing a piece of parchment from his robe. Read it one of you, since all of you are scholars, and my eyes are bad. Rosamond took it and read what was written, hurriedly but in a clerkly hand, and in the French tongue, it ran thus. The sword of a brave man, bury it with him if he be dead, and give it back to him if he lives as I hope. My master would wish me to do this honour to a gallant foe whom in that case he still may meet, signed Hugh Lazzell or another. Another then, not Hugh Lazzal, said Godwin,

since he cannot write, and if he could, would never pen words so nightly. The words may be Nike, but the writer's deeds were base enough, replied Sir Andrew, nor in truth do I understand the scroll. The interpreter spoke of the short man as his master, suggested Wolf. I nephew, but him you met. This writing speaks of a master whom Godwin may meet, and who would wish the writer to pay him a certain honour. Perhaps he wrote thus to blind us, perchance, per chance, the matter puzzles me. Moreover, of whom these men were I have been able to learn nothing. A boat was seen passing towards Bradwell. Indeed, it seems that you saw it, and that night a boat was seen sailing southwards down St. Peter's sands towards a ship that had anchored or foulness point.

But what that ship was, whence she came, and whither she went, none no, though the tidings of this fray have made some stir. Well, said Wolf, at the least we have seen the last of her crew of women thieves. Had they meant more mischief, they would have shown themselves again here now. Sir Andrew looked grave as he answered, So I trust. But all the tale is very strange. How come they to know that you and Rosamond were riding that day to St. Peter's on the wall,

and so were able to waylay you? Surely some spy must have warned them, since that they were no common pirates is evident. For they spoke of Lazal, and bade you to be gone unharmed. as it was Rosamond whom they needed. Also, there is the matter of the sword that fell from the hand of Godwin when he was hurt, which was returned in so strange a fashion.

I have known many such deeds of chivalry done in the East by Payneum Men. Well, Rosamond is half an Eastern, broken wolf carelessly, and perhaps that had something to do with it all. So Andrew started, and the colour rose to his pale face. Then in a tone in which he showed he wished to speak no more of this matter, he said, Enough, enough!

Godwin is very weak and grows weary, and before I leave him, I have a word to say that it may please you both to hear. Young men, you are of my blood, the nearest to it. except Rosamond, the sons of that noble knight, my brother, I have ever loved you well, and been proud of you. But if this was so in the past, how much more is it thus today, when you have done such high service to my house? Moreover, that deed was brave and great. Nothing more knightly has been told of in Essex this many a year. and those who wrought it should no longer be simple gentlemen but very knights. This boon it is in my power to grant to you, according to the ancient custom.

Still, that none may question it while you lay sick, but after it was believed that Godwin would live, which at first we scarcely dared to hope. I journeyed to London, and sought audience of our own. our Lord the King, having told him this tale, I prayed him that he would be pleased to grant me his command in writing that I should name you knights. My nephews, he was so pleased, and here I have the brief sealed with a royal signet, commanding that in his name and my own, I should give you the accolade publicly in the Church of the priory at Stangate, at such season as may be convenient.

Therefore, Godwin, the squire, haste you to get well, so that you may become Sir Godwin the knight. For you, Wolf, save for the hurt to your leg, are well enough already. Now Godwin's white face went red with pride, and Wolf dropped his bold eyes and looked modest as a girl. Speak you, he said to his brother, for my tongue is blunt and awkward. So, said Godwin in a weak voice,

we do not know how to thank you for so great an honour that we never thought to win till we had done more famous deeds than the beating off of a band of robbers. So, we have no more to say, save that while we live we will strive to be worthy of our name and of you. Well spoken, said his uncle, adding as though to himself,

this man is courtly as he is brave. Wolf looked up, a flash of merriment upon his open face. I, my uncle, whose speech is our fear me, not courtly, thank you also. I will add that I think our lady cousin here should be knighted too if such a thing were possible for a woman seeing that to swim a horse across Death Creek

was a greater deed than to fight some rascals on its key. Rosamond? answered the old man in the same dreamy voice. Her rank is high enough, too high, far too high for safety. And turning his left the little chamber. Well, cousin, said Wolf, if you cannot be a knight, at least you can

lessen all this dangerous rank of yours by becoming a knight's wife. Where at Rosamond looked at him with indignation, which struggled with a smile in her dark eyes, and murmuring that she must see to the making of Godwin's broth, followed her father from the place. It would have been kinder if She told us that she was glad, said Wolf when she was gone. Perhaps she would, answered his brother, had it not been for your rough jests, Wolf, which might have a meaning in them. Nay, I had no meaning. Why should she not become a knight's wife?

I, but what knights? Would it please either of us, brother, if, as may well chance, he should be some stranger. Now Wolf swore a great oath Then flushed to the roots of his fair hair And was silent Ah said Godwin You do not think before you speak Which it is always well to do

She swore upon the key yonder Broken Wolf Forget what she swore Words uttered in such an hour Should not be remembered against a maid God's truth brother you are right as ever. My tongue runs away with me,

but still I can't put those words out of my mind, though which of us, Wolf, I mean to say that we are in fortune's path today, Godwin. Oh, that was a lucky ride, such fighting as I have never seen or dreamed of. We won it too, and now both of us are alive and a knighthood for each. Yes.

Both of us alive, thanks to you, Wolf. Nay, it is so, though you would never have done less. But as far as fortune's path, it is one that has many rough turns, and perhaps before all is done she may lead us round some of them. You talk like a priest, not like a squire, who is to be knighted at the cost of a scar on his head. For my part, I will kiss fortune while I may, And if she jilts me afterwards,

Wolf, called Rosamond from without the curtain, cease talking of kissing at the top of your voice. I pray you, and leave Godwin to sleep, for he needs it. And she entered the little chamber, bearing a bowl of broth in her hand. Thereon, saying that ladies should not listen to what did not concern them, Wolf seized his crutch and hobbled from the place. End of Chapter 2

Chapter 3 of the Brethren By H. Ryder Haggard This Librevox recording is in the public domain Read by Alroy The Nighting of the Brethren Another month had gone by And though Godwin was still somewhat weak And suffered from a headache at times

The Brethren had recovered from their wounds On the last day of November about two o'clock in the afternoon, a great procession might have been seen wending its way from the old hall at steeple. Inet rode many nights, fully armed, before whom were born their banners. These went first.

Then came old Sir Andrew Darcy, also fully armed, attended by squires and retainers. He was accompanied by his lovely daughter, the Lady Rosamond, clad in beautiful apparel under her cloak of fur, who rode at his right hand on that same horse which had swum Death Creek. Next appeared the brethren, modestly arrayed as simple gentleman,

followed each of them by his squire, sions of the noble houses of selt and of dengue. After them rode yet more knights, squires, tenants of various degree, and servants, surrounded by a great number of peasantry and villayans, who walked and ran with their women-folk and children. Following the road through the village, the procession turned to the left at the great arch, which marked the boundary of the monk's lands, and headed for Stangate Abbey, some two miles away by the path that ran between the arable land and the salt marshes, which are flooded at high tide.

At length they came to the stone gate of the abbey that gave the place its name of Stangate. Here they were met by a company of the Cluniac monks who dwelt in this wild and lonely spot upon the water's edge, headed by their prior John Fitz-Bryan. He was a venerable white-haired man, clad in wide-sleeved black robes, and proceeded by a priest carrying a silver cross. Now the procession separated, Godwin and Wolf, with certain of the knights and their esquires, being led to the priory, while the main body of it entered the church, or stood about outside its door. Arrived in the house, the two knights elect were taken to a room where their hair was cut,

and their chins were shaved by a barber who awaited them. Then under the guidance of two old knights, named Sir Andrews, Anthony de Manderville and Sir Roger de Mersey, they were conducted to baths, surrounded with rich cloths. Into these, having been undressed by the squires, they entered and bathed themselves, while Sir Anthony and Sir Roger spoke to them through the cloths of the high duties of their vocation,

ending by pouring water over them and signing their bare bodies with a sign of the cross. Next, they were dressed again, and proceeded by minstrels, led to the church, at the porch of which they and their esquires were given wine to drink. Here, in the presence of all the company, they were clothed first in white tunics to signify the whiteness of their hearts, next in red robes, symbolical of the blood they might be called upon to shed for Christ. and lastly, in long black cloaks, emblems of the death that must be endured by all.

This done, their armour was brought in and piled before them upon the steps of the altar, and the congregation departed homeward, leaving them with their esquires and the priests to spend the long winter night in orisons and prayers. Long indeed it was, in that lonesome, holy place, lit only by a lamp which swung before the altar. Wolf prayed and prayed until he could pray no more, then fell into a half-dreamful state that was haunted by the face of Rosamond, where even her face should have been forgotten.

Godwin, his elbow resting against the tomb that hid his father's heart, prayed also until even his earnestness was outworn. and he began to wonder about many things. That dream of his, for instance, in his sickness, when he had seemed to be dead, and what might be the true duty of man? To be brave and upright? Surely.

To fight for the cross of Christ against the Saracen? Surely, if the chance came his way. What more? To abandon the world and to spend his life muttering prayers, like those priests in the darkness behind him? Could that be needful or of service to God or man? To man, perhaps, because such folk tended the sick and fed the poor, but to God. Was he not sent into the world to bear his part in the world, to live his full life? This would mean a half-life, one into which no woman might enter, to which no child might be added.

Since to monks and even to certain brotherhoods, all these things which nature decreed and heaven had sanctified were deadly sin. It would mean, for instance, that he must think no more of Rosamond. Could he do this for the sake of the welfare of his soul in some future state? Why, at the thought of it even, in that solemn place and hour of dedication, his spirit reeled, for then and there for the first time it was born in upon him that he loved this woman more than all the world beside, more than his life, more perhaps than his soul. He loved her with all his pure young heart, so much that it would be a joy to him to

die for her, not only in the heat of battle, as lately had almost chanced on the Death Creek key, but in cold blood, of set purpose, if there came need. He loved her with body and with spirit, and after God, here to her he consecrated his body and his spirit. But what value would she put upon the gift? What if some other man? By his side, his elbows resting on the altar rails, his eyes fixed upon the beaming armour that he would wear in battle, Nalt Wolf, his brother. A mighty man, a knight of knights, fearless, noble, open-hearted. Such a one as any woman might well love. And he also loved Rosamond, of this Godwin was sure, and, oh, did not Rosamond love Wolf?

Bitter jealousy seized upon his vitals. Yes, even then and there, black envy got hold of Godwin and rent him so sore, cold as was the place, the sweat poured from his brow and body. Should he abandon hope? Should he fly the battle for fear that he might be defeated? nay he would fight on in all honesty and honour and if he were overcome would meet his fate as a brave knight should without bitterness but without shame let destiny direct the matter it was in the hands of destiny and stretching out his arm he threw it round the neck of his brother who knelt beside him and let it rest there until the head of the weary

wolf sank sleepily upon his shoulder, like the head of an infant upon its mother's breast. Oh, Jesus, Godwin moaned in his poor heart. Give me strength to fight against this sinful passion that would lead me to hate the brother whom I love. Oh, Jesus, give me strength to bear it if he should be preferred before me. make me a perfect night strong to suffer and endure and if need be to rejoice even in the joy of my supplanter at length the grey dawn broke and the sunlight passing through the eastern window like a golden spear pierced the dusk of the long church which was built to the shape of a cross so that only its transepts remained in shadow then

came a sound of chanting, and at the western door entered the prior, wearing all his robes, attended by the monks and acolytes, who swung senses. In the centre of the nave, he halted, and passed to the confessional, calling on Godwin to follow. So he went, and knelt before the holy man, and there poured out all his heart. He confessed his sins. They were but few. He told him of the vision of his sickness, on which the prior pondered long, of his deep love, his hopes, his fears, and his desire to be a warrior who once, as a lad, had wished to be a monk, not that he might shed blood, but to fight for the cross of Christ against the Payneum, ending with a cry of,

Give me counsel, O my father, give me counsel. Your own heart is your best counsellor, was the priest's answer. Go as it guides you, knowing that through it is God who guides, nor fear that you will fail, but if love and the joys of life should leave you, then come back and we will talk again. Go on pure night of Christ, fearing nothing and sure of the reward. and take with you the blessings of Christ and of His Church. What penance must I bear, Father? Such souls as yours inflict their own penance.

The saints forbid that I should add to it, was the gentle answer. Then with a lightened heart, Godwin returned to the altar rails, while his brother Wolf was summoned to take his place in the confessional. Of the sins that he had to tell, we need not speak. They were such as are common to young men, and none of them very grievous. Still before he gave him absolution, the good prior admonished him to think less of his body and more of his spirit, less of the glory of feats of arms, and more of the true ends to which he should enter on them. He bade him moreover to take his brother Godwin as an earthly guide and example, since they lived no better or wise a man of his

years, and finally dismissed him, prophesying that if he would heed these councils, he would come to great glory on earth and in heaven. Father, I will do my best, answered Wolf humbly, but there cannot be two Godwins, and Father, sometimes I fear me that our paths will cross. since two men cannot win one woman. I know the trouble, answered the prior anxiously, and with less noble-natured men it might be grave. But if it should come to this, then must the lady judge,

according to the wishes of her own heart, and he who loses her must be loyal in sorrow as in joy. Be sure that you take no base advantage of your brother in the hour of temptation, and bear him no bitterness should he win the bride. I think I can be sure of that, said Wolf, also that we who have loved each other from birth would die before we betray each other.

I think so also, answered the prior, but Satan is very strong. Then Wolf also returned to the altar rails, and the full mass was sung, and the sacrament received by the two Neuophytes, and the offerings made all in their appointed order. Next they were led back to the priory to rest and eat a little after their long night's vigil in the cold church, and here they abode a while, thinking their own thoughts, seated alone in the priors' chamber. at length Wolf, who seemed to be ill at ease, rose and laid his hand upon his brother's shoulder, saying, I can be silent no more. It was ever thus, that which is in my mind must out of it, I have words to say to you. Speak on, Wolf, said Godwin. Wolf sat himself down again upon his stool, and for a while stayed hard at nothing, for he did not seem to feel. He did not seem to

find it easy to begin this talk. Now Godwin could read his brother's mind like a book, but Wolf could not always read Godwins, although, being twins who had been together from birth, their hearts were for the most part open to each other, without the need of words. It is of our cousin Rosamond, is it not? asked Godwin presently.

I, who else? And you would tell me that you love her. and that now you are a night, almost, and hard on five and twenty years of age, you would ask her to become your affianced wife? Yes, Godwin. It came into my heart when she rode the grey horse into the water, there upon the pier, and I thought that I should never see her anymore. I tell you that it came into my heart that life was not worth living,

nor death worth dying without her. Then, Wolf. answered Godwin slowly. What more is there to say? Ask on and prosper. Why not? We have some lands, if not many, and Rosamond will not lack for them, nor do I think that our uncle would forbid you, if she wills it, seeing that you are the properest man and the bravest in all this countryside. Except my brother Godwin, who is all these things, and good and learner to boot, which I am not. replied Wolf musingly. Then there was silence for a while, which he broke.

Godwin, our ill luck is that you love her also, and that you thought the same thoughts which I did yonder on the key head. Godwin flushed a little, and his long fingers tightened their grip upon his knee. It is so, he said quietly. To my grief, it is so. but Rosamond knows nothing of this, and should never know it if you will keep it watch upon your tongue. Moreover, you need not be jealous of me, before marriage or after. What then would you have me do? asked Wolf hotly.

Seek her heart and perchance, though this are doubt, let her yield it to me, she thinking that you care not for her? Why not? asked Godwin again with a sign. It might save her some pain and you some doubt, and make my own path clearer. Marriage is more to you than to me, Wolf, who think sometimes that my sword should be my spouse, and duty my only aim, who think, having a heart of gold, that even in such a thing as this you will not bar the path of the brother whom you love. Nay, Godwin, as I am a sinful man, and as I desire her above all,

all things on earth. I will play no such cowards game, nor conquer one who will not lift his sword, lest he should hurt me. Sooner would I bid you all farewell, and go to seek fortune or death in the wars without words spoken. Leaving Rosamond to pine perchance, oh, could we be sure that she had no mind towards either of us, that would be best, to be gone to. together. But, Wolf, we cannot be sure, since at times, to be honest, I have thought she loves you. And at times, to be honest, Godwin, I have been sure that she loves you, although I should like to try my luck and hear it from her lips, which on such terms I will not do. What then is your plan, Wolf? My plan is that if our uncle gives us leave, we should both. Both speak to her, you first as the elder, setting out your cases best you can, and asking her

to think of it, and give you your answer within a day. Then, before that day is done, I also should speak, so that she may know all the story and play her part in it with opened eyes, not deeming as otherwise she might, that we know each other's minds and that you ask because I have no will that way. It is very fair, replied Godwin, and worthy of you, who are the most honest of men. Yet, Wolf, I am troubled. See you, my brother, have ever brethren loved each other as we do. And now must the shadow of a woman fall upon and blight that love which is so fair and precious? Why so? asked Wolf.

Come, Godwin, let us make a pact that it shall not be thus, and keep it by the help of heaven. Let us show the world that two men can love one woman and still love each other, not knowing as yet which of them she will choose, if indeed she chooses either. For Godwin, we are not the only gentleman whose eyes have turned, or yet may turn, towards the high-born, rich and lovely Lady Rosamond. Is it your will that we should make such a pact? Godwin thought a little, then answered, Yes, but if so, it must be one so strong

that for her sake and for both our sakes, we cannot break it and live with honour. So be it, said Wolf. This is man's work, not child's make-believe. Then Godwin rose, and going to the door, bade his squire, who watched without, pray the prior John to come to them as they sought his counsel in a matter. So he came, and standing before him with downcast head, Godwin told him all the tale, which indeed, he who knew so much already, was quick to understand, and of their purpose also, while at a question from the prior, Wolf answered that it was well and truly seen. said, nothing having been kept back. Then they asked him if it was lawful that they should take such an oath, to which he replied that he thought it not only lawful, but very good. So in the end,

kneeling together hand in hand before the rude that stood in the chamber, they repeated this oath after him, both of them together. We brethren, Godwin and Wolf Darcy, do swear by the Holy Cross of Christ and by the patron saint of this place, St. Mary Magdalene, and our own patron saints, St. Peter and St. Chad, standing in the presence of God, of our guardian angels, and of you, John, that being both of us enamoured of our cousin Rosamond Darcy, we will ask her to wife in the manner we have agreed and no other, that we will abide by her decision, should she choose either of us, nor seek to alter it by tempting her from her troth, or in any fashion overt or covert, that he of us whom she refuses will henceforth be a brother

to her and no more, however Satan may tempt his heart otherwise. that so far as may be possible to us who are but sinful men, we will suffer neither bitterness nor jealousy to come between our love because of this woman, and that in war or peace we will remain faithful comrades and brethren. Thus we swear with a true heart and purpose, and in token thereof, knowing that he who breaks this oath will be a knight dishonoured, and a vessel fit for the wrath of God. We kiss this rude and one another.

This then these brethren said and did, and with light minds and joyful faces received the blessing of the prior, who had christened them in infancy, and went down to meet the great company that had ridden forth to lead them back to Steeple where their nighting should be done. So to Steeple,

preceded by the squires who rode before them bareheaded, carrying their swords by the scabbarded points, with their gold spurs hanging from the hills, they came at last. Here the hall was set for a great feast, a space having been left between the tables and the dais, to which the brethren were conducted. Then came forth Sir Anthony de Mandeville,

and Sir Roger de Mercy, in full armour, and presented to Sir Andrew Darcy their uncle, who stood upon the edge of the dais, also in his armour, their swords and spurs, of which he gave back to them two of the latter, bidding them affix these upon the candidate's right heels. This done, the prior John blessed the swords,

after which Sir Andrew girded them about the wastes of his nephews, saying, Take ye back the swords that you have used so well. Next, he drew his own silver-hilted blade that had been his fathers and his grandfathers, and whilst they knelt before him, smote each of them three blows upon the right shoulder, crying with a loud voice, In the name of God, St. Michael and St. George, I knight ye. Be ye good-night. knights. Thereafter came forward Rosamond as their nearest kinswoman, and helped by other ladies

clad upon them their hauberks or coats of mail, their helms of steel and their kite-shaped shields, emblazoned with a skull, the cognizance of their race. This done, with the musicians marching before them, they walked to steeple church, a distance of 200 paces from the hall, where they laid their swords upon the altar and took them up again, swearing to be good servants of Christ and defenders of the church. As they left its doors, who should meet them but the cook, carrying his chopper in his hand, and claiming as his fee the value of the spurs they wore, crying aloud at the same time. If either of you, young knights, should you aught in despite of your honour and of the oaths that you have sworn, from which may God and his saints prevent you,

then, with my chopper, will I hack these spurs from off your heels? Thus at last the long ceremony was ended, and after it came a very great feast, for at the high table were entertained many noble knights and ladies, and below in the hall their squires and other gentlemen, and outside all the yeomanry and villagers, whilst the children and the aged had food and drink given to them in the nave of the church itself. When the eating at length was done, the centre of the hall was cleared, and while men drank, the minstrels made music, all were very merry with wine and strong ale,

and talk arose among them as to which of these brethren, Sir Godwin or Sir Wolf, was the most brave, the more handsome, and the more learned and courteous. Now a knight it was Sir Suren de Salkot, seeing that the argument grew hot and might lead to blows, rose and declared that this should be decided by beauty alone, and that none could be more fitted to judge than the fair lady whom the two of them had saved from women thieves at the Death Creek Key. They all called,

I, let her settle it. And it was agreed that she would give the kerchief from her neck to the bravest, a beaker of wine to the handsomest, and a book of honours to the most learned. So, seeing no help for it, since except for her father, the brethren,

the most of the other ladies and herself, who drank but water, gentle and simple alike, had begun to grow heated with wine and were very urgent. Rosamond took the silk kerchief from her neck. Then coming to the edge of the dais, where they were seated in the sight of all, she stood before her cousins,

not knowing poor maid, to which of them she should offer it. But Godwin whispered a word to wolf, and both of them stretching out their right hands, snatched an end of the kerchief, which she held towards them, and, rending it, twisted the severed halves round their sword-hills. The company laughed at their wit, and cried,

The wine for the more handsome! They cannot serve that thus! Rosamond thought a moment, then she lifted a great silver beaker, the largest on the board, and having filled it full of wine, once more came forward and held it before them as though pondering. thereon the brethren, as though by a single movement, bent forward, and each of them touched the beaker with his lips. Again a great laugh went up, and even Rosamond smiled.

The book, the book! cried the guest. They dare not rend the holy book! So for the third time Rosamond advanced, bearing the missile. knights, she said, you have torn my kerchief and drunk my wine. Now I offer this hallowed writing to him who can read it best. Give it to Godwin, said Wolf.

I am a swordsman, not a clerk. Well said, well said, roared the company. The sword for us, not the pen. But Rosamond, turned on them and answered, He who wields sword is brave, and he who wields pen is wise,

but better is he who can handle both sword and pen, like my cousin Godwin, the brave and learned. Hear her, hear her, cried the revelers, knocking their horns upon the board, while in the silence that followed, a woman's voice said. Sir Godwin's luck is, great, but give me Sir Wolf's strong arms. Then the drinking began again,

and Rosamund and the ladies slipped away as well they might, for the times were rough and coarse. On the morrow, after most of the guests were gone, many of them with aching heads, Godwin and Wolfe sought their uncle, Sir Andrew, in the solar where he sat alone, for they knew Rosamond had walked to the church hard by with two of the serving women

to make it ready for the Friday Mass after the feast of the peasants that had been held in the nave. Coming to his oaken chair by the open hearth which had a chimney to it, no common thing in those days. They knelt before him. What is it now, my nephews? Ask the old man smiling.

Do you wish them? that I should knight you afresh? No, sir, answered Godwin. We seek a greater boon. Then you seek in vain, for there is none. Another sort of boon, broken wolf. Sir Andrew pulled his beard and looked at them. Perhaps the prior John had spoken a word to him,

and he guessed what was coming. Speak? he said to Godwin, the gift is great that I would not give to either of you if it be within my power. So, said Godwin, we seek the leave

to ask your daughter's hand in marriage. What? The two of you? Yes, sir, the two of us. Then Sir Andrew, who seldom laughed,

laughed out of you. right. Truly, he said, of all the strange things I have known, this is the strangest, that two knights should ask one wife between them. It seems strange, sir, but when you have heard our tale, you will understand. So he listened while they told him all that had passed between them, and of the solemn oath which they had sworn. Noble in this, as in other things, commented Sir Andrew when they had done, but I fear that one of you may find that vow hard to keep. By all the saints' nephews, you were right when you said that you asked a great boon.

Do you know, although I have told you nothing of it, that, not to speak of the Neville, already two of the greatest men in this land have sought my daughter Rosamond in marriage. It may well be so, said Wolf. It is so, and now I will tell you why one or other of the pair is not her husband, which in some ways I would he were. A simple reason I asked her, and she had no mind till she had no mind till. either. And as her mother married where her heart was, so I have sworn that the daughter should do, or not at all, for better a nunnery than a loveless bridle. Now, let us see what you have to give.

You are of good blood, that of Ullian by your mother, and mine also on one side her own. As squires to your sponsors of yesterday, the knights Sir Anthony de Mandeville and Sir Roger de Mercy, you bore yourselves bravely in the Scottish War. Indeed, your liege King Henry remembered it, and that is why he granted my prayers so readily. Since then, although you loved the life little, because I asked it of you, you have rested here at home with me and done no feats of arms,

save that great one of two months gone, which made you nice, and in truth gives you some claim on Rosamond. For the rest, your father being the youngest son, your lands are small, and you have no other gear. Outside the borders of this shire, you are unknown men, with all your deeds to do. for I will not count those Scottish battles when you were but boys. And she whom you ask is one of the fairest and noblest and most learned ladies in this land,

for I, who have some skill in such things, have taught her myself from childhood. Moreover, as I have no other heir, she will be wealthy. well what more have you to offer for all this ourselves answered wolf boldly we are true knights of whom you know the best and worst and we love her we learned it for once and for all on death creek key for till then she was our sister and no more i added godwin when she swore herself to us and blessed us Then light broke on both. Stand up, said Sir Andrew, and let me look at you. So they stood side by side in the full light of the blazing fire, for little other came through those narrow windows. Proper men, proper men, said the old knight,

and as like to one another as two grains of wheat from the same sample. six feet high each of you and broad-chested, though wolf is larger made and the stronger of the two, brown and waving-haired both, save for that line of white where the sword hit yours, Godwin. Godwin with grey eyes that dream, and wolf with the blue eyes that shine like swords. Ah, your grandsire had eyes like that, wolf,

and I have been told that when he leapt from the tower to the wall at the taking of Jerusalem the Saracens did not love the light which shone in them nor in faith did I his son when he was angry proper men

the pair of you but Sir Wolf most warrior-like and Sir Godwin most courtly now which do you think would please a woman most that so depends upon the woman answered godwin and straight away his eyes began to dream that so we speak to learn before the day is out if you give us leave added wolf though if you would know i think my chance a poor one ah well it is a very pretty riddle but i do not envy her who has its answering for For it might well trouble the maid's mind, neither is it certain when all is done

that she will guess best for her own peace. Would it not be wiser then that I should forbid them to ask this riddle? He added, as though to himself, and fell to thinking while they trembled, seeing that he was minded to refuse their suit. At length he looked up again and said, nay, let it go as God wills, who holds the future in his hand.

Nephews, because you are good knights and true, either of whom would ward her well, and she may need warding, because you are my only brother's sons, whom I have promised him to care for, and most of all, because I love you both with an equal love. Have your wish, and go try your fortunes at the hands of my daughter Rosamond in the fashion you have agreed. Godwin, the elder first, as is his right, then Wolf. Nay, no thanks, but go swiftly, for I whose hours are short wish to learn the answer to this riddle. So they bowed and went, walking side by side. At the door of the hall, Wolf stopped and said,

rosamond is in the church seek her there and oh i would that i could wish you good fortune but godwin i cannot i fear me that this may be the edge of that shadow of woman's love whereof you spoke falling cold upon my heart there is no shadow there is light now and always as we have sworn that it should be answered Godwin. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4 of the Brethren by H. Rider Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Alroy.

The letter of Saladin. It was past three in the afternoon, and snow clouds were fast covering up the last grey gleam of the December day, as Godwin, wishing that his road was longer, walked to steeple churn. across the meadow. At the door of it he met the two serving women coming out with brums in their hands, and bearing between them a great basket, filled with broken meats and foul

rushes. Of them he asked if the Lady Rosamond was still in the church, to which they answered, courtsing. Yes, Sir Godwin, and she bade us desire of you that you would come to lead her to the hall, when she had finished making her prayers before the altar. I wonder, mused Godwin, whether I shall ever lead her from the altar to the hall, or whether I shall bide alone by the altar. Still, he thought it a good omen that she had bitted him thus, though some might have read it otherwise. Godwin entered the church, walking softly on the rushes with which its nave was strewn, and by the light of the lamp that burnt there always saw Rosemond, kneeling before a little shrine, her gracious head bowed upon her hands, praying earnestly.

Of what? he wondered. Of what? Still she did not hear him, so coming into the chancel he stood behind her and waited patiently. At length with a deep sigh, Rosamond rose from her knees and turned, and he noted by the light of the lamp that there were tear-stains upon her face. perhaps she too had spoken with a prior john who was her confessor also who knows at the least when her eyes fell upon godwin standing like a statue before her she started and they broke from her lips the words oh how swift an answer then recovering herself added to my message i meant cousin i met the woman at the door i met the woman at the door he said. It is kind of you to come.

Rosamond went on. But in truth, since that day on Death Creek, I fear to walk a bow-shot-length alone, or in the company of women only. With you, I feel safe. Or with wolf? Yes, or with wolf, she repeated. That is when he is not thinking of wars and adventures far away.

By now they had reached the porch of the church to find that the snow was falling fast. Let us bide here a minute, he said. It is but a passing cloud. So they stayed there in the gloom, and for a while there was silence between them. Then he spoke. Rosamond, my cousin, my lady, I have come to put a question to you, but first, why you will understand afterwards. it is my duty to ask that you will give me no answer to that question until a full day has passed.

Surely, Godwin, that is easy to promise. But what is this wonderful question which may not be answered? One short and simple. Will you give yourself to me in marriage, Rosamond? She leaned back against the wall of the porch. my father she began Rosamond I have his leave How can I answer since you yourself forbid me Till this time tomorrow only

Meanwhile I pray you hear me Rosamond I am your cousin and we were brought up together Indeed except when I was away at the Scottish War We have never been apart Therefore we know each other well as well as any can who are not wedded. Therefore, too, you will know that I have always loved you. First as a brother loves his sister, and now, as a man loves a woman.

Nay, Godwin, I knew it not. Indeed, I thought that, as it used to be, your heart was other way. Otherware? What lady? Nay, no lady, but in your dreams. dreams? Dreams? Dreams? Dreams of what? I cannot say, perchance of things that are not here, things higher than the person of a poor maid. Cousin, in part you are right, for it is not only the maid whom I love, but her spirit also. Oh, in truth, you are to me a dream, a symbol of all that is noble, high and pure. In you and through you, Rosamond, I worship the heaven I hope to share with you.

A dream, a symbol, heaven. Are not these glittering garments to hang about a woman's shape? Why, when the truth came out, you would find her but his skull in a jewelled mask and learn to loathe her for a deceit that was not her own, but yours. Godwin, such trappings as your imagination pictures could only fit an angel's face. They fit a face that will become an angels.

An angels, how know you? I am half an eastern. The blood runs warm in me at times. I too have my thoughts and visions. I think that I love power and imagery and the delights of life, a different life from this. Are you sure, Godwin,

that this poor face will be an angel's? I wish I were as sure of other things. At least I'll risk it. Think of your soul, Godwin. It might be tarnished. You would not risk that for me, would you? He thought, then answered. No, since your soul is a part of mine,

and I would not risk yours, Rosamond. I like you for that answer. she said. Yes, more than for all that you have said before, because I know that it is true. Indeed, you are an honourable knight, and I am proud, very proud, that you should love me, though perhaps it would have been better otherwise, and ever so little she bent the knee to him. Whatever chances in life or death, those words will make me happy, Rosamond. Suddenly she caught his arm. Whatever chances are.

What is about chance? Great things, I think, for you and wolf and me. Remember, I am half an eastern, and we children of the east can feel the shadow of the future before it lays its hands upon us and becomes the present. I fear it, Godwin, I tell you that I fear it. Fear it not, Rosamond.

Why should you fear? On God's knees lies the scroll of our lives and of his purposes. The words we see and the words we guess may be terrible, but he who wrote it knows the end of the scroll, and that it is good. Do not fear, therefore, but read on with an untroubled heart. taking no thought for the morrow she looked at him wonderingly and asked are these the words of a wooer or of a saint in wooers weeds i know not and do you know yourself but you say you love me and that you would wed me and i believe it also that the women who godwin weds will be fortunate since such men are rare but

I am forbid to answer till tomorrow. Well, then I will answer as I am given grace. So till then, be what you were of old, and the snow has ceased. Guide me home, my cousin Godwin. So home they went through the darkness and the cold, moaning wind, speaking no word, and entered the wide hall, where a great fire built in its centre, roared up with. towards an opening in the roof, whence the smoke escaped, looking very pleasant and cheerful

after the winter night was out. There, standing in front of the fire, also pleasant and cheerful to behold, although his brow seemed somewhat puckered, was wolf. At the sight of him, Godwin turned back through the great door, and having, as it were, stood for one moment in the light, vanished again into the darkness. closing the door behind him, but Rosamond walked on towards the fire. You seem cold, cousin, said Wolf studying her. Godwin has kept you too long to pray with him in the church. Well, it is his custom, from which I myself have suffered.

Be seated on the settle and warm yourself. She obeyed without a word, and opening her fur cloak, stretched out her hand towards the flame which played upon her dark and lovely face. Wolf looked around him. The hall was empty. Then he looked at Rosamond. I am glad to find this chance of speaking with you alone, cousin, since I have a question to ask of you, but I must pray of you to give me no answer to it until four and twenty hours have passed. Agreed, she said. said, I have given one such promise, let it serve for both. Now for your question.

Ah, replied Wolf cheerfully, I am glad that Godwin went first, since it saves me words at which he is better than I am. I do not know that, Wolf. At least you have more of them, answered Rosamond, with a little smile. More perhaps, but of a different quality. That is what you mean. Well, happily hear mere words are not in question. What then are in question, Wolf? Hearts. Your heart and my heart. And I suppose Godwin's heart, if he has one in that way. Why should Godwin not have a heart?

Why? Well, you see, just now it is my business to belittle Godwin. therefore I declare which you, who know more about it, can believe it or not as it pleases you, that Godwin's heart is like that of the old saint in the reliquary at Stangate, a thing which may have beaten once and will perhaps beat again in heaven, but now is somewhat dead to this world. Rosamond smiled and thought to herself that this dead heart had shown signs of life not long ago, but aloud, she said.

If you have no more to say to me of Godwin's heart, I will be gone to read with my father who waits for me. Nay, I have much more to say of my own. Then suddenly Wolf became very earnest, so earnest that his great frame shook, and when he strove to speak he could but stammer. At length it all came forth in a flood of burning words. I love you, Rosamond.

I love you, all of you, as I have ever loved you, though I did not know it till the other day, that of the fight and ever shall love you. And I seek you for my wife. I know that I am only a rough soldier man, full of faults, not holy and learned like Godwin. Yet I swear that I would be a true knight to you all my life, and if the saints give me grace and strength do great deeds in your honour and watch you well oh what more is there to say nothing wolf answered rosamond lifting her downcast eyes

you do not wish that i should answer you so i will thank you yes from my heart though in truth i am grieved that we can be no more brother and sister, as we have been this many a year, and be going. Nay, Rosamund, not yet. Although you may not speak, surely you might give me some little sign, who am in torment, and thus must stay until this time tomorrow. For instance, you might let me kiss your hand. The pact said nothing about kissing. I know naught of this pact, wolf, answered Rosamond sternly.

although a smile crept about the corners of her mouth. But I do know that I shall not suffer you to touch my hand. Then I will kiss your robe. And seizing a corner of her cloak, he pressed it to his lips. You are strong. I am weak wolf and cannot wrench my garment from you. But I tell you that this play advantages you nothing. He let the cloak fall.

Your pardon. I should have remembered that Godwin would never have presumed so far. Godwin, she said, tapping her foot upon the ground. If he gave a promise, would keep it in the spirit as well as in the letter. I suppose so. See what it is for an erring man to have a saint for a brother and a rival. Nay, be not angry with me, Rosamond, who cannot tread the path of saints. That I believe, but at least.

East, Wolf, there is no need to mock those who can. I mock him not. I love him as well as you do. And he watched her face. It never changed, for in Rosamond's heart were hid the secret strength and silence of the East, which can throw a mask impenetrable over face and features. I am glad that you love him, Wolf. See to it that you never forget your love and duty. will, yes, even if you reject me for him. Those are honest words, such as I looked to hear you speak, she replied in a gentle voice, and now, dear wolf, farewell, for I am weary. Tomorrow, he broke him. I, she answered in a heavy voice. Tomorrow I must speak and you must listen. The sun had run its course again.

And once more it was near four o'clock in the afternoon. The brethren stood by the great fire in the hall, looking at each other doubtfully, as indeed they had looked through all the long hours of the night, during which neither of them had closed an eye. It is time, said Wolf, and Godwin nodded. As he spoke, a woman was seen descending from the solar, and they knew her errand.

Which? asked Wolf, but Godwin shook his head. So Andrew bids me to say that he would speak with you both, said the woman, and went her way. By the saints, I believe it's neither, exclaimed Wolf with a little laugh. It may be thus, said Godwin, and perhaps that would be best for all. I don't think so, answered Wolf,

as he followed him up the steps of the solar. now they had passed the passage and closed the door and before them was sir andrew seated in his chair by the fire but not alone for at his side her hand resting upon his shoulder stood rosamond they noted that she was clad in her richest robes and a bitter thought came into their minds that this might be to show them how beautiful was the woman whom both of them must lose As they advanced, they bowed first to her and then to their uncle. While, lifting her eyes from the ground, she smiled a little in greeting. Speak Rosamond, said her father. These nights are in doubt and pain. Now for the coup de grace, muttered wolf.

My cousins began Rosamond in a low, quiet voice, as though she was saying a lesson. as to the matter of which you spoke to me yesterday. I have taken counsel with my father and with my own heart. You did me great honour both of you in asking me to be the wife of such worthy nights, with whom I have been brought up and have loved since childhood as a sister loves her brothers. I will be brief as I may. Alas, I can give to neither of you the answer which you wish. Koo de Grah, indeed, muttered Wolf, through Horberg, Gamberson and shirt, right home to the heart.

But Godwin only turned a trifle paler and said nothing. Now there was silence for a little space, while from beneath his bushy eyebrows the old night watched their faces, on which the light of the tapers fell. Then Godwin spoke, We thank you, cousin. Come, Wolf, we have our answer. Let us be going. Not all of it, broken Rosamond hastily, and they seem to breathe again.

Listen, she said, for if it pleases you, I am willing to make a promise which my father has approved. Come to me this time, two years. And if we all three live, should both of you still wish for me to wife that there may be further space of pain or wanting, I will name the man whom I shall choose and marry him at once. And if one of us is dead? asked Godwin. Then, replied Rosamond, if his name be untarnished, and he has done no deed that is not knightly, will forthwith wed the other. Pardon me, broken wolf. She held up her hand and stopped him, saying. You think this is a strange saying, and so perhaps it is, but the matter is also strange.

And for me the case is hard. Remember, all my life is at stake, and I may desire more time wherein to make my choice, that between two such men no maiden would find easy. We are all of us still young for marriage, for which, if God guards our lives, there will be time and to spare. Also, in two years, I may learn which of you is in truth the worthier night, who today both seem so worthy. Then is neither of us more to you than the other? asked Wolf outright. Rosamond turned red, and her bosom heaved as she replied, I will not answer that question. And Wolf should not have asked it, said Godwin.

Brother, I read Rosamond saying thus. Between us, she finds not much to choose, or if she does in her secret heart, out of her kindness, since she is determined not to marry for a while. She will not suffer us to see it, and thereby bring grief on one of us. So she says, go forth, unites, and do deeds worthy of such a lady,

and perchance he who does the highest deeds, shall receive the great reward. For my part, I find this judgment wise and just, and I am content to abide its issue. Nay, I am even glad of it, since it gives us time and opportunity to show our sweet cousin here, and all our fellows,

the metal whereof we are made, and strive to our love. shine each other in the achievement of great feats, which, as always, we shall attempt side by side. Well spoken, said Sir Andrew, and you, Wolf? Then Wolf feeling that Rosamond was watching his face beneath the shadows of her long eyelashes, answered, Before heaven, I am content also, for whatever may be said against it, now at least there will be two years of war in which one or both of us well may fall and for that while at least no woman can come between our brotherhood uncle i crave your leave to go serve my liege in normandy and i also said godwin in the spring in the spring replied sir andrew hastily when king henry moves his power meanwhile bide you here

in all-good fellowship, for who knows, much may happen between now and then, and perhaps your strong arms will be needed as they were not long ago. Moreover, I look to all three of you to hear no more of this talk of love and marriage, which in truth disturbs my mind and house. For good or ill, the matter is now settled for two years to come, by which time it is likely I shall be in my grave and beyond all troubling. I do not say that things have gone altogether as I could have wished, but they are as Rosamond wishes, and that is enough for me,

on which of you she looks with the more favour I do not know, and be you content to remain in ignorance of what her father does not think it wise to seek to learn. A maid's heart is her own and her future lies in the hand of God and his saints. Where let it bide say I. Now we have done with all this business.

Rosamond dismiss your knights and be you all three brothers and sister once more till this time two years when those who live will find an answer to the riddle. So Rosamond came forward and without a word gave her right hand to Godwin and her left to Wolf,

and suffered that they should press their lips upon them. So for a while this was the end of their asking of her in marriage. The brethren left the solar side by side as they had come into it, but changed men in a sense, for now their lives were a fire with a great purpose, which bade them dare and do and do and and win. Yet they were lighter-hearted than when they entered there, since at least neither had been scorned, while both had hope, and all the future which the young so seldom fear lay before them. As they descended the steps, their eyes fell upon the figure of a tall man, clad in a pilgrim's cape, hood and low-crowned hat, of which the front was bent upwards and laced,

who carried in his hand a Palmer's staff, and about his waist the script and water bottle. What do you seek, Holy Palmer? asked Godwin, coming towards him. A night's lodging in my uncle's house? The man bowed, then fixing on him a pair of bead-like brown eyes, which reminded Godwin of some he had seen, he knew not when or where,

answered in the humble voice affected by his class. even so most noble knight shelter for man and beast for my mule is held without also a word with the lord sir andrew darcy for whom i have a message a mule said wolf i thought that palmer's always went her foot true sir knight but as it chances i have baggage nay not my own whose earthly gear is all upon my back but a chest that contains, I know not what, which I am charged to deliver to Sir Andrew Darcy, the owner of this hall, or should he be dead, then to the lady Rosamond, his daughter. Charged? By whom? asked Wolf. That, sir, said the Palmer bowing. I will tell to Sir Andrew, who I understand still lives. have I your leave to bring in the chest, and if so, will one of your servants help me, for it is heavy? We will help you, said Godwin. And they went with him into the courtyard, whereby the scant light of the stars, they saw a fine mule in charge of one of the serving men,

and bound upon its back, a long-shaped package sewn over with sacking. This the Palmer unloosed, and taking one end, while Wolf, after bidding the man's stable the mule, took the other. They bore it into the hall, Godwin going before them to summon his uncle. Presently he came, and the Palmer bowed to him. What is your name, Palmer, and whence is this box? Asked the old knight, looking at him keenly. My name Sir Andrew is Nicholas of Salisbury And as to who sent me

With your leave I will whisper in your ear And leaning forward He did so Sir Andrew heard and staggered back As though a dart had pierced him What? He said Are you a holy palmer

The messenger of And he started he stopped suddenly. I was his prisoner, answered the man. And he, who at least ever keeps his word, gave me my life, for I had been condemned to die at the price that I brought this to you and took back your answer or hers, which I have sworn to do. Answer, to what?

Nay, I know nothing, save that there is a writing in the chest. It's Popet I am not told Who am but a messenger bound by oath to do certain things Open the chest Lord And meanwhile if you have food I have travelled far and fast So Andrew went to a door And called to his men's servants

Whom he bade give meat to the Palmer And stay with him while he ate Then he told Godwin and Wolf To lift the box And bring it to the solar and with it hammer and chisel in case they should be needed, which they did, setting it upon the oaken table. Open, said Sir Andrew. So they ripped off the canvas, two folds of it, revealing within a box of dark, foreign-looking wood, bound with iron bands, at which they laboured long before they could break them.

At length it was done, and there within was another box beautifully made of polished, ebony and sealed at the front and ends with a strange device. This box had a lock of silver, to which was tied a silver key. At least it has not been tampered with, said Wolf, examining the unbroken seals, but Sir Andrew only repeated, Open and be swift. Here, Godwin, take the key, for my hand shakes with cold. The lock turned easily, and the seals being broken, the lid rose upon its hinges, while as it did so a scent of precious odours filled the place.

Beneath, covering the contents of the chest, was an oblong piece of worked silk, and lying on it a parchment. So Andrew broke the thread and seal and unrolled the parchment. Within it was written over in strange characters. Also, there was a second unsealed role written in a clerkly hand in Norman French and headed. Translation of this letter, in case the night Sir Andrew Darcy has forgotten the Arabic tongue, or that his daughter, the Lady Rosamond, has not yet learned the same. Sir Andrew glanced at both headings, then said,

nay, I have not forgotten a rabic who, while my lady lived, spoke little else with her, and who taught it to our daughter. But the light is bad, and Godwin, you are scholarly, read me the French, we can compare them afterwards. At this moment, Rosamond entered the solar from her chamber, and seeing the three of them so strangely employed, said, Is it your will that I go, Father? No, daughter, since you are here, stay here. I think that this matter concerns you as well as me.

Read on, Godwin. So Godwin read, In the name of God, the merciful and compassionate, I Salahidin, Yusuf Ibn Ayub, commander of the faithful, cause these words to be written and seal them with my own hand to the Frankish Lord, Sir Andrew Darcy, husband of my sister by another mother, Sitsubeda, the beautiful and faithless, on whom Allah has taken vengeance for her sin. Or if he be dead also, then to his daughter and hers, my niece, and by

blood a princess of Syria and Egypt, who among the English is named the Lady Rose of the world. You, Sir Andrew, will remember how many years ago, when we were friends, you, by

an evil chance, became acquainted with my sister Zubeda while you were a prisoner and sick in my father's house. How too Satan put it into her, her heart to listen to your words of love, so that she became a cross-worship and was married to you after the Frankish custom and fled with you to England.

You will remember also, although at the time we could not recapture her from your vessel, how I sent a messenger to you, saying that soon or late, I would yet tear her from your arms and deal with her as we deal with faith. woman. But within six years of that time, sure news reached me that Allah had taken her. Therefore, I mourned for my sister and her fate a while, and forgot her and you. Know that a certain knight named Luzel, who dwelt in the part of England where you have your castle, has told me that Sir Bader left a daughter, who is very beautiful. Now my heart which loved her mother goes out towards this niece whom I have never seen,

for although she is your child and a cross-worshipper at least, save in the matter of her mother's theft, you were a brave and noble knight of good blood, as indeed I remember your brother was also he who fell in the fight at Her rank. Learn now that having by the will of Allah come to great esteem. here at Damascus and throughout the east, I desire to lift your daughter up to be a princess of my house. Therefore, I invite her to journey to Damascus, and you with her if you live. Moreover, lest you should fear some trap, on behalf of myself, my successes and counsellors,

I promise in the name of God, and by the word of Salahedin, which never yet was broken, that although I trust the merciful God may change her heart, so that she enters it of her own will, I will not force her to accept the faith, or to bind herself in any marriage which she does not desire. Nor will I take vengeance upon you, Sir Andrew, for what you have done in the past, or suffer others to do so, but will rather raise you to go. great honour and live with you in friendship as of your. But if my messenger returns and tells me that my niece refuses this, my loving offer, then I warn her that my arm is long and I will surely take her

as I can. Therefore, within a year of the day that I receive the answer of the lady, my niece, who is named Rose of the World, my emissaries will appear wherever she may be, married or single, to lead her to me, with honour if she be willing, but still, to lead her to me if she be unwilling. Meanwhile, in token of my love,

I send certain gifts of precious things, and with them my patent of her title as Princess, and Lady of the City of Boulbeck, which title, with its revenue and prerogatives, are registered in the archives of my empire, in favour of her and her lawful heirs, and declared to be binding upon me and my successes forever. The bearer of this letter and of my gifts

is a certain cross-worshipper named Nicholas, to whom let your answer be handed for delivery to me. This divois he is under oath to perform and will perform it, for he knows that if he fails therein, then that he must die. Signed by Salah Gideen, commander of the faithful at Damascus, and sealed with his seal in the spring season of the year of the Hegira, 581. Take note also that this writing having been read to me by my secretary before I set my name and seal there unto, I perceive that you, Sir Andrew, or you, Lady Rose of the World, may think it's strange that I should be at such pains and cost

over a maid who is not of my religion and whom I never saw, and may therefore doubt my honesty. in the matter. No then the true reason. Since I heard that you, Lady Rose of the world, lived, I have thrice been visited by a dream sent from God concerning you, and in it I saw your face. Now this was the dream, that the oath I made as regards your mother is binding as regards you also. further that in some way which is not revealed to me, your presence here will withhold me from the shedding of a sea of blood and save the whole world much misery. Therefore it is decreed that you must come and bide in my house.

That these things are so, Allah and his prophet be my witnesses. End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of the Brethren By H. Ryder Haggard This Librevox recording is in the public domain Read by Elroy The Wine Merchant Godwin laid down the letter

And all of them stared at one another in amazement Surely, said Wolf This is some fool's trick Played off upon our uncle as an evil jest By way of answer, Sir Andrew bade him lift the silk that hid the contents of the coffer and see what lay there. Wolf did so, and the next moment threw back his head like a man whom son's sudden light had blinded, as well he might, for from it came such a flare of gems as Essex had rarely seen before. Red, green and blue they sparkle.

and among them were the dull glow of gold and the white sheen of pearls. Oh, how beautiful! How beautiful! said Rosamond. Aye, muttered Godwin, beautiful enough to maze a woman's mind till she knows not right from wrong. Wolf said nothing, but one by one drew its treasures from the chest. Coronet, necklace of pearls.

breast ornaments of rubies, girdle of sapphires, jeweled anklets, and with them veils, sandals, robes, and other garments of gold-embroidered purple silk. Moreover, among these, also sealed with the seals of Salahedin, his viziers, offices of state, and secretaries, was that patent of which the letters spoke, setting out the full titles of the princess, of Baalbeck, the extent and boundaries of her great estates, and the amount of her annual revenue, which seemed more money than they had ever heard of. I was wrong, said Wolf. Even the Sultan of the East could not afford a jest so costly.

Jest broke in Sir Andrew. It is no jest, as I was sure from the first line of that letter. It breathes the very spirit of Saladin. Though he be a Saracen, the greatest man on all the earth, as I, who was a friend of his youth, know well. I, and he is right. In a sense, I sinned against him as his sister sinned. I'll love compelling us.

Jest? Nay, no jest. But because of vision of the night. which he believes the voice of God, or perhaps some oracle of the magicians, has deeply stirred that great soul of his, and led him onto this wild adventure. He paused a while, then looked up and said, Girl, do you know what Saladin has made of you? Why, there are queens in Europe who would be glad to own that rank,

and those estates in the rich lands above Damascus I know the city and the castle of which he speaks it is a mighty place upon the banks of Latani and Orontes and after its military governor

for that rule he would not give a Christian you will be first in it beneath the seal of Saladin the surest title in all the earth. Say, will you go and queen it there? Rosamond gazed at the gleaming gems and the writings that made her royal, and her eyes flashed, and her breast heaved, as they had done by the church of St. Peter on the Essex coast. Thrice she looked while they watched her, then turned her head as from the bait of some great temptation,

and answered one word only. Nay, well-spoken, said her father, who knew her blood and its longings. At least had the nay been yea, you must have gone alone. Give me ink and parchment, Godwin. They were brought, and he wrote, To the Sultan Saladin,

from Andrew Darcy and his daughter, Rosamond. We have received your letter, and we answer that where we are, there we will bide, in such state as God has given us. Nevertheless, we thank you, Sultan, since we believe you honest, and we wish you well, except in your wars against the cross. As for your threats, we will do our best to bring them to nothing. knowing the customs of the East, we do not send back your gifts to you, since to do so would be to offer insult to one of the greatest men in all the world. But if you choose to ask for them, they are yours, not ours. Of your dream, we say that it was but an empty vision of the night which a wise man should forget. your servant and your niece.

Then he signed, and Rosamond signed after him, and the writing was done up, wrapped in silk and sealed. Now, said to Andrew, hide away this wealth, since were it known that we had such treasures in the place, every thief in England would be our visitor, some of them bearing high names, I think. So they laid the gold-embroidered robes

And the priceless sets of gems back in their coffer And having locked it He'd it away in the great iron-bound chest That stood in Sir Andrew's sleeping chamber When everything was finished, Sir Andrews said Listen now, Rosamond And you also my nephews I have never told you

The true tale of how the sister of Saladin who was known as Zubeda, daughter of Ayub, and afterwards christened into our faith by the name of Mary, came to be my wife. Yet you should learn it, if only to show how evil returns upon a man. After the great Nuruddin took Damascus, Ayub was made its governor. Then some three and twenty years ago came the capture of harank, in which my brother fell. Here I was wounded and taken prisoner. They bore me to Damascus,

where I was lodged in the palace of Ayub and kindly treated. Here too it was, while I lay sick, that I made friends with a young Saladin, and with his sister Zubeda, whom I met secretly in the gardens of the palace. The rest may be guessed. Although she numbered but half my years, she loved me as I loved her, and for my sake offered to change her faith, and fly with me to England if opportunity could be found, which was hard. Now as it chanced, I had a friend, a dark and secret man named Jabal, the young sheikh of a terrible people, whose cruel rights not. Christian understands. They are the subjects of one, Muhammad, in Persia, and live in castles at Masyaf on Lebanon.

This man had been in alliance with the Franks, and once in a battle I saved his life from the Saracens at the risk of my own, whereon he swore that did I summon him from the ends of the earth, he would come to me if I needed help. Moreover, he gave me his signet ring as a token, and, by virtue of it, so he said, power in his dominions equal to his own,

though these I never visited. You know it, and holding up his hand, Sir Andrew showed them a heavy gold ring, in which was set a black stone, with red veins running across. the stone in the exact shape of a dagger, and beneath a dagger words cut in unknown characters. So in my plight I bethought me of Jabal, and found means to send him a letter sealed with his ring, nor did he forget his promise, for within twelve days Zubeda and I were galloping for

way route on two horses so swift that all the cavalry of Ayub could not overtake them. We reached the city and there were married Rosamund. There too your mother was baptized a Christian. Hence, since it was not safe for us to stay in the east, we took ship and came safe home, bearing this ring of Jabal with us, for I would not give it up as he's, servants demanded that I should, except to him alone. But before that vessel sailed, a man disguised as a fisherman, brought me a message from Ayub and his son Saladin, swearing that they would yet recapture Zubeda, the daughter of one

of them and sister of the other. That is the story. and you see that their oath has not been forgotten though when in after years they learned of my wife's death they let the matter lie but since then Saladin who in those days was but a noble youth has become the greatest sultan that the East has ever known and having been told of you Rosamond

by that traitor Lozell he seeks to take you in your mother's place place, and daughter, I tell you that I fear him. At least we have a year or longer in which to prepare ourselves, or to hide, said Rosamond. His palmer must travel back to the east before my uncle Saladin can have our answer. I, said to Andrew, perhaps we have a year. What of the attack on the key? asked Godwin, who had been thinking. king. The knight-la-Zell was named there, yet if Saladin had to do with it, it seems strange that the blow should have come before the word.

So Andrew brooded a while, then said, Bring in this palmer. I will question him. So the man, Nicholas, who was found still eating as though his hunger would never be satisfied, was brought in by wolf. He bowed low, before the old knight and Rosamond, studying them the while with his sharp eyes, and the roof and the floor, and every other detail of the chamber, for those eyes of his seemed to miss nothing. You have brought me a letter, from far away, Sir Palmer, who are named Nicholas, said Sir Andrew. I have brought you a chest from Damascus, Sir Knight, but of its contents, I know nothing. At least you will bear me witness that it has not been tampered with, answered Nicholas. I find it strange, went on the old night, that one in your holy garb should be

chosen as the messenger of Saladin, with whom Christian men have little to do. But Saladin has much to do with Christian men, Sir Andrew. Thus he takes them prisoner, even in times of peace as he did me. Did he then take the Knight-Loselle prisoner? The Knight-Loselle, repeated the Palmer. Was he a big red-faced man with a scar upon his forehead, who always wore a black cloak over his mail? That might be he?

then he was not taken prisoner but he came to visit the sultan at damascus while i lay in bonds there for i saw him twice or thrice though what his business was i do not know afterwards he left and at jaffa i heard that he had sailed for europe three months before i did now the brethren looked at each other solazil was in england but sir andrew made no comment only he said, Tell me your story, and be careful that you speak the truth. Why should I not, who have nothing to hide? answered Nicholas.

I was captured by some Arabs as I journeyed to the Jordan upon a pilgrimage, who when they found that I had no goods to be robbed of, would have killed me. This indeed they were about to do. Had not some of Saladin's soldiers come by, and commanded them to hold their hands and give me over to them they did so and the soldiers took me to damascus there i was imprisoned but not close and then it was that i saw or at least a christian man who had some such name and as he seemed to be in favour with the saracens i begged him to intercede for me afterwards i was brought before the court

of Saladin, and having questioned me, the Sultan himself told me that I must either worship the false prophet or die, to which you can guess my answer. So they led me away as I thought to death, but none offered to do me hurt. Three days later, Saladin sent for me again, and offered to spare my life, if I would swear an oath, which oath was that I should take a certain package and deliver it to you, or to your daughter named the Lady Rosamond, here at your hall of steeple in Essex, and bring back the answer to Damascus. Not wishing to die, I said that I would do this. If the Sultan passed his word, which he never breaks, that I should be set free afterwards.

And now you are safe in England. Do you propose to return to Damascus with the answer? and if so why for two reasons sir andrew first because i have sworn to do so and i do not break my word any more than does saladin secondly because i continue to wish to live and the sultan promised me that if i failed in my mission he would bring about my death wherever i might be which i am sure he has the power to do by magic or otherwise while the rest of the tail is short the chest was handed over to me as you see it and with it money sufficient for my ferrying to and fro and something to spare then i was escorted to jopper where i took passage on a ship bound to italy where i found another ship named the holy mary sailing for calais which we reached after being nearly cast away thence i came to dover in a fishing boat, landing there eight days ago, and having bought a mule, joined some travellers to London, and so on here. And how will you return?

The Palmer shrugged his shoulders. As best I may, and as quickly, is your answer ready, Sir Andrew. Yes, it is here. And he handed in the roll, which Nicholas hid away in the folds of his great cloak. Then Sir Andrew added, You say you know nothing of all the business in which you play this part. Nothing, or rather only this. The officer who escorted me to Jaffa told me that there was a stir among the learned doctors and diviners at the court because of a certain dream which the

Sultan had dreamed three times. It had to do with a lady who was half of the blood of Ayyub and half English and they said that my mission was mixed up with this matter now I see that the noble lady before me has eyes strangely like those of the Sultan Saladin

and he spread out his hands and ceased you seem to see a good deal friend Nicholas Sir Andrew a poor Palmer who wishes to preserve his throat unslit must keep his eyes open

Now I have eaten well and I am weary. Is there any place where I may sleep? I must be gone at daybreak. For those who do Saladin's business, dare not tarry. And I have your letter. There is a place, answered Sir Andrew. Wolf, take him to it, and tomorrow, before he leaves, we will speak again. Till then, farewell, Holy Nicholas.

With one more searching glance, the palmer bowed and went. When the door closed behind him, Sir Andrew beckoned Godwin to him and whispered, Tomorrow, Godwin, you must take some men and follow this Nicholas, to see where he goes and what he does, for I tell you I do not trust him. I, I fear him much. These embassies to and from Saracens are strange, traffic for a Christian man. Also, although he says his life hangs on it, I think that were he honest, once safe in England here, he would stop, since the first priest would absolve him of an oath

forced from him by the infidel. Were he dishonest, would he not have stolen those jewels? asked Godwin. They are worth some risk. What do you? think Rosamond? I? she answered. Oh, I think there is more in this than any of us dream. I think, she added in a voice of distress and with an involuntary ringing motion of her hands. That for this house and those who dwell in it, time is big with death, and that sharp-eyed palmer is its midwife. How strange is the destiny that wraps us all about. And now comes the sword of Saladin to shape it and the hand of Saladin to drag me from my peaceful state to a dignity which I do not seek. And the dreams of Saladin of whose kin I am to interweave my life with the bloody

policies of Syria and the unending war between cross and crescent that are both of them my heritage. Then with a woeful gesture, Rosamond turned and left them. Her father watched her go and said, The maid is right. Great business is a foot in which all of us must bear our parts. for no little thing would Saladin stir thus He who braces himself as I know well For the last struggle In which Christ or Muhammad must go down

Rosamond is right On her brow Shines the crescent diadem of the house of Ayub And at her heart Hangs the black cross of the Christian And round her struggle Crees and nations What wolf

Does the man sleep already? Like a dog, for he seems outworn with travel. Like a dog with one eye open, perhaps. I do not wish that he should give us the slip during the night, as I want more talk with him and other things, of which I have spoken to Godwin. No fear of that, uncle, I have locked the stable door, and a sainted palmer will scarcely leave us the present of such a mule.

not he if i know his tribe answered sir andrew now let us sup and afterwards take counsel together for we shall need it before all is done an hour before the dawn next morning godwin and wolf were up and with them certain trusted men who had been warned that their services would be needed presently wolf bearing a lantern in his hand came to where his brother stood by the fire in the hall "'Where have you been?' Godwin asked. "'To wake the Palmer?' "'No. To place the man to watch the road to steeple hill, "'and another at the creek path, "'also to feed his mule, which is a very fine beast, "'too good for a palmer.

"'Doubtless he will be stirring soon, "'as he said that he must be up early.' "'Godwin nodded, and they sat together on the bench beside the fire, "'for the weather was bitter, and dozed till the dawn began to break. Then Wolf rose and shook himself, saying, He will not think it uncourteous if we arise him now. And walking to the far end of the hall, he drew a curtain and called out,

Awake, holy Nicholas, awake! It is time for you to say your prayers, and breakfast will soon be cooking. But no, Nicholas answered. Of a truth, grumbled Wolf. as he came back for his lantern. That Palmer sleeps as though Saladin had already cut his throat. Then having littered, he returned to the guest place. Godwin, he called presently.

Come here, the man has gone. Gone, said Godwin as he ran to the curtain. Gone where? Back to his friend Saladin, I think, answered Wolf. Look, that is how he was. went, and he pointed to the shutter of the sleeping place that stood wide open, and to an oaken stool beneath, by means of which the sainted Nicholas had climbed up to and through the narrow window slit.

He must be without, grooming the mule which he would never have left, said Godwin. Honest guests do not part from their hosts thus, answered Wolf, but let us go and see. So they ran to the stable and found it locked and the mules safe enough within. Nor, though they looked, could they find any trace of the palmer, not even a footstep, since the ground was frostbound. Only on examining the door of the stable, they discovered that an attempt had been made to lift the lock with some sharp instrument. It seems that he was determined to be gone,

either with or without the beast, said Wolf. well perhaps we can catch him yet and he called to the men to saddle up and ride with him to search the country for three hours they hunted far and wide but nothing did they see of nicholas the knave has slipped away like a night hawk and left us little trace reported wolf now my uncle what does this mean i do not know save that it is of a peace with the rest and that I like it little, answered the old night anxiously. Here the value of the beast was of no account, that is plain. What the man held of account was that he should be gone in such a fashion that none could follow him or know whether he went. The net is about us, my nephews, and I think that Saladin draws its string. still less pleased would Sir Andrew have been

Could he have seen the Palmer, Nicholas, creeping round the hall while all men slept? Here he girded up his long gown and ran like a hare for London. Yet he had done this by the light of the bright stars, Taking note of every window slit in it, more especially of those of the solar, of the plan of the outbuildings also. and of the path that ran to Steeple Creek some 500 yards away.

From that day forward, fear settled on the place, fear of some blow that none were able to foresee, and against which they could not guard. So Andrew even talked of leaving Steeple and of taking up his abode in London, where he thought that they might be safer, but such foul weather set in that it was impossible to travel the roads, and still less to sail the sea.

So it was arranged that if they moved at all, and there were many things against it, not the least of which was Sir Andrew's weak health and the lack of a house to go to, it should not be till after New Year's day. Thus the time went on, and nothing happened to disturb them. the friends of whom the old knight took counsel laughed at his forebodings they said that so long as they did not wonder about unguarded there was little danger of any fresh attack upon them and if one should by chance be made with the aid of the men they had could hold the hall against a company until help was summoned moreover at heart none of them believed that saladon or his emissaries would stir in this business

before the spring, or more probably until another year had passed. Still, they always set guards at night, and besides themselves, kept 20 men sleeping at the hall. Also they arranged that on the lighting of a signal fire upon the tower of steeple church, their neighbours should come to succour them. So the time went on towards Christmas, before which the weather changed and became calm, with sharp frost. It was on the shortest day that Prior John rode up to the hall and told them that he was going to Southminster

to buy some wine for the Christmas feast. Sir Andrew asked what wine there was at Southminster. The prior answered that he had heard that her ship laden amongst other things with wine of Cyprus, of wonderful quality, had come into the river crotch with her rudder broken. He added that as no shipwrights could be found in London to repair it till after Christmas, the chapman, a Cypriot, who was in charge of the wine, was selling as much as he could in Southminster and to the houses about at a cheap rate, and delivering it by means of a wane that he had hired. So Andrew replied that this seemed a fair chance to get fine liquor, which was hard to come by in Essex in those times.

The end of it was that he bade Wolf whose taste in strong drink was nice, to ride with the prior into Southminster, and if he liked this stuff to buy a few casks of it for them to make merry with at Christmas, although he himself, because of his ailments, now drank only water. So Wolf went, nothing lost. In this dark season of the year, when there was no fishing, he grew very dull loitering about the hall. and since he did not read much like godwin sitting for long hours by the fire at night watching rosamond going to and fro upon her tasks but not speaking with her overmuch

for notwithstanding all their pretence of forgetfulness some sort of veil had fallen between the brethren and rosamond and their intercourse was not so open and familiar as of old she could not but remember that they were no more her cousins only but her lovers also and that she must guard herself lest she seemed to show preference to one above the other the brethren for their part must always bear in mind also that they were bound not to show their love and that their cousin rosamond was no longer a simple english lady but also by creation as by blood a princess of the east whom destiny might yet lift beyond the reach of either of them moreover as has been said dread sat upon that roof-tree like a croaking raven, nor could they escape from the shadow of its wing. Far away in the east, a mighty monarch had turned his thoughts towards this English home, and the maid of his royal blood who dwelt there, and who was mingled with his visions of conquest and of the triumph of his faith.

Driven on by no dead oath, by no mere fancy or imperial desire, but by some spiritual hope or need, He had determined to draw her to him by fair means if he could, if not by foul. Already means both foul and fair had failed, for that the attack at Death Creek Key had to do with this matter, they could no longer doubt. It was certain also that others would be tried again and again till his end was one, or Rosamond was dead. For here, even if she would go back upon her, her word, marriage itself could not shield her. So the house was sad, and saddest of all,

seemed the face of the old knight, Sir Andrew, oppressed as he was with sickness, with memories and fears. Therefore, Wolf could find pleasure even in an errand to Southminster, to buy wine, of which, in truth, he would have been glad to drink deeply, if only to drown his thoughts a while. So away he rode up Steeple Hill with a prior, laughing as he used to do, before Rosamond led him to gather flowers at St. Peter's on the wall. Asking where the foreign merchant dwelt who had wine to sell, they were directed to an inn near the Minster. Here in a back room they found a short start man wearing a red cloth cap, who was seated on a pillow between two kegs. In front of him stood a number of folk, gentry and others, who bargained with him for his wine and the silks and embroideries that he had to sell,

giving the latter to be handled and samples of the drink to all who asked for them. Clean cups, he said, speaking in bad French to the drawer who stood beside him, clean cups, for here come a holy man and a gallant knight, who wish to taste my liquor. Nay, fellow, fill them up, for the top of Mount Troidos in winter is not so cold as this cursed place, to say nothing of its damp,

which is that of a dungeon. And he shivered, drawing his costly shawl closer around him. Sir Abbott, which will you taste first, the red wine or the yellow? The red is the strong, But the yellow is the more costly, and a drink for saints in paradise, and abbots upon earth. The yellow from Kyrenia, well, you are wise.

They say it was my patron, St. Helena's favourite vintage, when she visited Cyprus, bringing with her dismas cross. Are you a Christian then? asked the prior. I took you for a Payneum. Were I not a Christian? would I visit this foggy land of yours to trade in wine, the liquor forbidden to the Muslims? answered the man, drawing aside the folds of his shore and revealing a silver crucifix upon his broad breast.

I am a merchant of Famagusta in Cyprus, Georgios by name, and of the Greek church, which you Westerners hold to be heretical. But what do you think of that wine, Holy Abbott? The priors smacked his lips. Friend Georgios, it is indeed a drink for the saints, he answered. Aye, and has been a drink for sinners here now, for this is the very tipple that Lopatra, Queen of Egypt, drank with a Roman lover, Anthony, of whom you, being a learned man, may have heard. And you so not, what say?

you of the black stuff, Mavro, we call it, not the common, but that which has been twenty years in cask. I have tasted worse, said Wolf, holding out his horn to be filled again.

I, and will never taste better if you live as long as the wandering Jew. Well, sirs, may I take your orders? If you are wise, you will make them large, since no such chance. is likely to come your way again, and that wine, yellow or red, will keep a century.

Then the chaffering began, and it was long and keen. Indeed, at one time they nearly left the place without purchasing, but the merchant Georgios called them back and offered to come to their terms if they would take double the quantity, so as to make up a cartload between them, which he said he would deliver before Christmas Day. to this they consented at length and departed homewards made happy by the gifts with which the chapman clinched his bargain after the eastern fashion To the prior he gave a roll of worked silk to be used as an edging to an altar-cloth or banner, and to Wolf a dagger handle, quaintly carved in olive wood to the fashion of a rampant lion. Wolf thanked him and then asked him with a somewhat shamed face if he had more embroidery for sale,

whereat the priors smiled. The quick-eyed Cypriot saw the smile and inquired if it might be needed for a lady's wear, at which some neighbours present in the room laughed outright. Do not laugh at me, gentlemen, said the Eastern, for how can I, a stranger, know this young knight's affairs, and whether he has mother or sisters, or wife or lover? Well, here are broideries fit for any of them. Then bidding his servants bring a bail, he opened it,

and began to show his goods, which indeed was, very beautiful. In the end, Wolf purchased a veil of gauze-like silk, worked with golden stars, as a Christmas gift for Rosamond. Afterwards, remembering that even in such a matter, he must take no advantage of his brother. He added to it a tunic, embroidered with gold and silver flowers, such as he had never seen, for they were eastern tulips and anemones, which Godwin would give her also if he wished. These silks were costly, and Wolf turned to the prior to borrow money, but he had no more upon him.

Georgios said, however, that it mattered nothing, as he would take a guide from the town and bring the wine in person, when he could receive payment for the broodries, of which he hoped to sell more to the ladies of the house. He offered also to go with the prior and wolf, to where his ship lay in the river, and show them many other goods aboard of her, which he explained to them, with the property of a company of Cyprian merchants, who had embarked upon this venture jointly with himself.

This they declined, however, as the darkness was not far off. But Wolf added that he would come after Christmas with his brother to see the vessel that had made so great a voyage. Georgios replied that they would be very welcome, but if he could make shift to finish the repairs to his rudder, he was anxious to sail for London while the weather held calm, for there he looked to sell the bulk of his cargo. He added that he had expected to spend Christmas at that city,

but their helm having gone wrong in the rough weather, they were driven past the mouth of the Thames, and had they not drifted into that of the crouch, would, he thought, have found it. So he bade them farewell for that time. but not before he had asked and received the blessing of the prior thus the pair of them departed well pleased with their purchases and the cypriot georgias whom they found a very pleasant merchant prior john stopped to eat at the hall that night when he and wolfe told of all their dealings with this man sir andrew laughed at the story showing them how they had been persuaded by the eastern to buy a great deal more wine than they needed, so that it was he and not they who had the best of the bargain.

Then he went on to tell tales of the rich island of Cyprus, where he had landed many years before, and stayed a while, and of the gorgeous court of its emperor and of its inhabitants. These were, he said, the cunningest traders in the world, so cunning indeed that no Jew could overmatch them, bold sailors also, which they had from the Phoenicians of Holy Rit, who were the Greeks, were their forefathers, adding that what they told him of this Georgios, accorded well with the character of that people. Thus it came to pass that no suspicion of Georgios or of his ship entered the mind of any one of them, which indeed was scarcely strange, seeing how well his tale held together and how plain were the reasons of his presence and the purpose of his dealings in wines and silks.

End of Chapter 5. Chapter 6 of The Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Elroy The Christmas Feast at Stippoor The fourth day after Wolf's visit to Southminster was Christmas morning, and the weather being bad, Sir Andrew and his household did not riot to Stangate, but attended Mass in Steeple Church. Here, after service, according to his custom on this day,

he gave a large yes to his tenants and Vellans, and with it his good wishes, and a caution that they should not become drunk at their yield. tide feast, as was the common habit of the time. We shall not get the chance, said Wolf, as they walk to the hall, since that merchant Georgios has not delivered the wine, of which I hope to drink a cup tonight. Perhaps he has sold it at a better price to someone else. It would be like a Cypriot, answered Sir Andrew, smiling. Then they went into the hall.

and as had been agreed between them, together the brethren gave their Christmas gifts to Rosamond. She thanked them prettily enough, and much admired the beauty of the work. When they told her that it had not yet been paid for, she laughed and said that, however they were come by, she would wear both tunic and veil at their feast, which was to be held at night four. About two o'clock in the afternoon, a servant came into the hall to say that a wane drawn by three horses and accompanied by two men, one of whom led the horses, was coming down the road from steeple village. Our merchant, and in time after all, said Wolf, and followed by the others he went out to meet them. Georgios it was, sure enough, wrapped in a great sheepskin, cloak, such as Cypriots wear in winter, and seated on the head of one of his own barrels.

Your pardon, knights, he said, as he scrambled nimbly to the ground. The roads in this country are such that although I have left nearly half my load at Standgate, it has taken me for long hours to come from the abbey here, most of which time we spent in mud holes that have wearied, the horses, and, as I fear, strained the wheels of this crazy wagon. Still here we are at last, and noble sir, he added, bowing to Sir Andrew, here too is the wine that your son bought of me. My nephew, interrupted Sir Andrew. Once more your pardon, I thought from their likeness to you that these knights were your sons.

has he bought all that stuff? asked Sir Andrew, for there were five tubs on the wagon, besides one or two smaller kegs, and some packages wrapped in sheepskin. No, alas, answered the Cypriot ruefully, and shrugging his shoulders. Only two of the Mavro, the rest I took to the abbey, for I understood the holy prior to say he would purchase six casks, but it seems that it was. was but three he needed he said three put in wolf did he sir then doubtless the error was mine who speak your tongue but ill so i must drag the rest back again over those accursed roads and he made another grimace yet i will ask of you sir he added to sir andrew to lighten the load a little by accepting the small keg of the old sweet vintage that grows on the slopes of Troidos.

I remember it well, said Sir Andrew with a smile. But, friend, I do not wish to take your wine for nothing. These words the face of Georgios beamed. What noble sir, he exclaimed. Do you know my land of Cyprus? Oh, then indeed I kiss your hands, and surely you will not affront me by refusing this little present. Indeed, to be frank, I can afford to lose its price, who have done a good trade

even here in Essex. As you will, said Sir Andrew, I thank you, and perhaps you have other things to sell. I have indeed. A few embroideries, if this most gracious lady would be pleased to look at them. Some carpets also, such as the Muslims used to pray on, in the name of their false prophet, Muhammad. And turning, he spat upon the ground. I see that you are a Christian, said Sir Andrew. Yet, although I fought against them, I have known many a good Muslim, nor do I think it necessary to spit at the name of Muhammad,

who to my mind was a great man, deceived by the artifice of Satan. Neither do I, said Godwin reflectively. Its true servants should fight the enemies of the cross and pray for their souls, not spit at them. The merchant looked at them curiously, fingering the silver crucifix that hung upon his breast. The captors of the holy city thought otherwise, he said. When they rode into the mosque Al-Axa, up to their horses' knees in blood, and I have been taught otherwise. But the times grow liberal,

and after all what right has a portrayed of whose mind, alas, is set more on gain than on the sufferings of the blessed son of Mary. And he crossed himself to form a judgment upon such high matters. Pardon me, I accept your reproof, who perhaps am bigoted.

Yet had they but known it, this reproof was to save the life of many a man that night may i ask help with these packages he went on as i cannot open them here and to move the casks nay the little keg i will carry myself as i hope that you will taste of it at your christmas feast it must be gently handled though i fear me that these roads of yours will not improve its quality then twisting the tub from the end of the way onto his shoulders, in such a fashion that it remained upright, he walked off lightly towards the open door of the hall. For one, not tall, that man is strangely strong, thought Wolf, who followed with the bale of carpets. Then the other casks of wine were stowed away in the stone cellar beneath the hall. Leaving his servant, a silent, stupid-looking, dark-eyed fellow named Petros to bait the

horses. Georgios entered the hall and began to unpack his carpets and embroideries, with all the skill of one who had been trained in the bazaars of Cairo, Damascus, or Nicassia. Beautiful things they were which he had to show, broodries that dazzled the eye, and rugs of many hues, yet soft and bright as an otter's pelt. As Sir Andrew looked at them, remembering long dead days, his face softened. I will buy that rug, he said. For of a truth it might be one on which I lay sick many a year ago in the house of Ayub at Damascus. Nay I haggle not at the price, I will buy it. Then he fell to thinking how, whilst lying on such a rug, Indeed, although he knew it not, it was the same.

Looking through the rounded beads of the wooden latticework of his window, he had first seen his eastern wife, walking in the orange garden with her father, Ayub. Afterwards, still recalling his youth, he began to talk of Cyprus, and so time went on until the dark was falling. Now Georgios said that he must be going, as he had sent back his guide to Scyprus. where the man desired to eat his Christmas feast. So the reckoning was paid. It was a long one.

And while the horses were harnessed to the wane, the merchant bore holes in the little cask of wine, and set spigots in them, bidding them all be sure to drink of it that night. Then calling down good fortune on them for their kindness and liberality, he made his salams in the eastern fashion and departed, accompanied by wolf. Within five minutes there was a sound of shouting, and Wolf was back again, saying that the wheel of the wane had broken at the first turn, so that now it was lying upon its side in the courtyard.

Sir Andrew and Godwin went out to sea to the matter, and there they found Georgios wringing his hands, as only an eastern merchant can, and cursing in some foreign tongue. Noble knights, he said, what am I to do? already it is nearly dark and how i shall find my way up yonder steep hill i know not as for the priceless broydries i suppose they must stay here for the night since that will cannot be mended till to-morrow as you had best do also said sir andrew kindly come man do not grieve we are used to broken axles here in essex and you and your servant may as well eat your Christmas dinners at steeple as in Southminster. I thank you, Sir Knight, I thank you, but why should I, who am but a merchant, thrust myself upon your noble company? Let me stop outside with my man Petros

and dine with your people in that barn, where I see they are making ready their food. By no means, answered Sir Sir. Andrew, leave your servant with my people, who will look after him, and come you into the hall, and tell me some more of Cyprus, till our food is ready, which will be soon. Do not fear for your goods. They shall be placed under cover. All unworthy as I am I obey, answered the obsequious Georgios.

Petros, do you understand? this noble lord gives us hospitality for the night. His people will show you where to eat and sleep and help you with the horses. This man who he explained was a Cypriot, a fisherman in summer and a muleteer in winter, bowed, and fixing his dark eyes upon those of his master spoke in some foreign language.

You hear what he says the silly fellow, said Georgios. What? You do not understand Greek? Only a rabic? Well, he asks me to give him money, to pay for his dinner and his night's lodging. You must forgive him, for he is but a simple peasant, and cannot believe that anyone may be lodged and fed without payment. I will explain to him the pig. And explain he did. in shrill high notes, of which no one else could understand a word. There, so night, I do not think he will offend you so again. Ah, look, he is walking off, he is sulky. Well, let him alone. He will be back for his dinner, the pig. Oh, the wet and the wind!

The Cypriot does not mind them in his sheepskins, in which he will sleep even in the snow. So Georgius, still declaiming upon the shortcomings of his servant, they went back into the hall. Here the conversation soon turned upon other matters, such as the differences between the creeds of the Greek and Latin churches, a subject upon which he seemed to be an expert, and the fear of the Christians in Cyprus, lest Saladin should attempt to capture that island. At length five o'clock came, and Georgios, having first been taken to the lavatory, it was but a stone trough to wash his hands, was led to the dinner, or rather to the supper table,

which stood upon Adaias in front of the entrance to the solar. Here places were laid for six. Sir Andrew, his nephews, Rosamond, the chaplain Matthew, who celebrated masses in the church, and ate at the hall, on feast days, and the Cypriot merchant, Georgios himself. Below the dais, and between it and the fire, was another table, at which were already gathered twelve guests, being the chief tenants of Sir Andrew, and the reefs of his outlying lands. On most days the servants of the house were the huntsmen, swineherds and others, sat at a third table beyond the fire. But as nothing would stop these from growing,

drunken on the good ale at a feast, and though many ladies thought little of it, there was no sin that Rosamond hated so much as this. Now their lord sent them to eat and drink at their ease in the barn, which stood in the courtyard with its back to the moat. When all had taken their seats, the chaplain said grace, and the meal began. It was rude, but very plentiful. First, born in by the cook on a wooden platter, came a great codfish, whereof he helped portions to each in turn, laying them on their trenches, that is, large slices of bread. Once they ate them were the spoons that were given to each. After the fish appeared the meats, of which there were many sorts served on silver spits.

These included fowls, partridge, duck, and chief of all, a great swan that the tenants greeted by knocking their horn mugs upon the table, after which came the pastries, and with them nuts and apples. For drink, ale was served at the lower table. On the dais, however, they drank some of the black wine which Wolf had bought, that is, except Sir Andrew and Rosamond, the former because he dared not. and the latter because she had always hated any drink but water, a dislike that came to her doubtless with her eastern blood. Thus they grew merry, since their guest proved himself a cheerful fellow, who told them many stories of love and war, for he seemed to know much of loves, and to have been in sundry wars.

At these even Sir Andrew, forgetting his ailments and forebodings, laughed well, while Rosamond, looking more beautiful than ever in the gold-starred veil and the broidered tunic, which the brethren had given her, listened to them, smiling somewhat absently. At last the feast drew towards its end, when suddenly, as though struck by a sudden recollection, Georgios exclaimed, The wine! The liquid amber from Troidos! I had forgotten it! noble knight, have I your leave to draw? I, excellent merchant, answered Sir Andrew, certainly you can draw your own wine.

Sir Georgios rose, and took a large jug and a silver-tankered from the sideboard where such things were displayed. With ease he went to the little keg, which, it will be remembered, had been stood ready upon the trestles, and bending over it while he drew the spigots, filled the vessels to the brim.

Then he beckoned to a reeve, sitting at the lower table, to bring him a leather jack that stood upon the board. Having rinsed it out with wine, he filled that also, handing it with the jug to the reave to drink their lord's health on this yule night. The silver vessel he bore back to the high table,

and with his own hand filled the horn cups of all present. Rosamond alone accepted, for she would touch none, although he pressed her heart and looked vexed at her refusal. Indeed, it was because it seemed to pain the man that Sir Andrew, ever courteous, took a little himself, although when his back was turned, he filled the goblet up with water. At length when all was ready, Georgius'clock, charged, or seemed to charge, his own horn, and lifting it said,

Let us drink every one of us here to the noble knight, Sir Andrew Darcy, to whom I wish, in the phrase of my own people, that he may live forever, drink friends, drink deep, for never will wine such as this, pass your lips again. Then lifting his beaker, he appeared to drain. it in great gulps, an example which all followed, even Sir Andrew, drinking a little from his cup, which was three parts filled with water. There followed a long murmur of satisfaction. Wine, it is nectar, said Wolf. I put in the chaplain Matthew, Adam might have drunk this in the garden. While from the lower table came jovial,

shouts of praise of the smooth, cream-like vintage. Certainly, that wine was both rich and strong. Thus, after his sup of it, a veil, as it were, seemed to fall on the mind of Sir Andrew and to cover it up. It lifted again and low. His brain was full of memories and foresight. Circumstances which he had forgotten for. many years, came back to him altogether, like a crowd of children tumbling out to play.

These passed, and he grew suddenly afraid. Yet what had he to fear that night? The gates across the moat were locked and guarded. Trusty men, a score or more of them, ate in his outbuildings within those gates, while others, still more trusted, sat in his hall. and on his right hand and on his left were those two strong and valiant knights, Sir Godwin and so Wolf. No, there was nothing to fear, and yet he felt afraid. Suddenly he heard a voice speak. It was Rosamond's, and she said,

Why is there such silence, father? A while ago I heard the servants and bondsmen carousing in the barn, Now they are still as death. Oh, and look, are all here drunken, Godwin? But as she spoke, Godwin's head fell forward on the board, while Wolf rose, half drew his sword, then threw his arm about the neck of the priest, and sank with him to the ground. As it was with ease, so it seemed with awe,

for folk rocked to and fro, then sank to sleep, one of them, save the merchant Georgios, who rose to call another toast. Stranger, said Sir Andrew in a heavy voice, Your wine is very strong. It would seem so, Sir Knight, he answered, but I will wake them from their wassal. Springing from the day as lightly as a cat, he ran down the hall crying, air is what they need, air.

Now coming to the door he threw it wide open, and drawing a silver whistle from his robe, blew into it long and loud. What? he laughed. Do they still sleep? Why? Then I must give a toast that will rouse them all. And seizing a horn mug, he waved it and shouted. Arouse you!

ye drunkards and drink to the Lady Rose of the world, Princess of Baalbek, and niece to my royal master, Yusuf Salaridin, who sends me to lead her to him. Our father! Shrieked Rosamund. The wine was drugged, and we are betrayed. As the words passed her lips,

there rose a sound of running feet, and through the open door at the door, far end of the hall burst in a score or over of armed men. Then at last Sir Andrew saw and understood. With the roar of rage, like that of a wounded lion, he seized his daughter and dragged her back with him down the passage into the solar where a fire burned and lights had been lit ready for their retiring, flinging to and bolting the door behind them. Zwift, he said, as he tore his gown from him. There is no escape.

But at least I can die fighting for you. Give me my mail. She snatched his hauberk from the wall, and while they thundered at the door, did it onto him. I, and his steel helm also, and gave him his long sword and his shield. Now, he said, help me. and they thrust the oak table forward and overset it in front of the door,

throwing the chairs and stools on either side that men might stumble on them. There is a bow, he said, and you can use it as I have taught you. Get to one side, and out of reach of the sword sweeps, and shoot past me as they rush. It may stay one of them. Oh, that Godwin and Wolf were here, and we would still teach these Pynum dogs a lesson. Rosamond made no answer, but there came into her mind a vision of the agony of Godwin and of Wolf, should they ever wake again to learn what had chanced to her and them.

She looked round, against the walls stood a little desk, at which Godwin was wont to write, and on it lay pen and parchment. She seized them, and as the door gave slowly inwards, scrawled. Follow me to Saladin, in that hope I live on, Rosamond. Then as the start door at length crashed in, Rosamond turned what she had written face downwards on the desk, and seizing the bow set an arrow to its string. Now it was down, and on rushed the mob up the six feet of narrow passage.

At the end of it, in front of the overturned table, they halted suddenly. For there before them, skull emblazoned, shield on arm, his long sword lifted, and a terrible wrath burning in his eyes, stood the old night like a wolf at bay, and by his side bow in hand the beauteous lady Rosamund clad in all her festal broideries. yield you cried a voice by way of answer the bowstring twanged and an arrow sped home to its feathers through the throat of the speaker so that he went down grabbing at it and spoke no more forever as he fell clattering to the floor so Andrew cried in a great voice we yield not to pagan dogs and poisoners audacie adarcy meet Darcy, meet death. Thus for the last time did old Sir Andrew utter the war cry of his race, which he had feared would never pass his lips again. His prayer had been heard, and he was to die as he had desired. Down with him! seize the princess, said a voice.

It was that of Georgios, no longer humble with the merchant's obsequious wine. line, but speaking in tones of cold command and in Arabic. For a moment the Swahdi mob hung back, as well they might in face of that glittering sword, then with a cry of, Salaridin, Salaridin! On they searched, with flashing spears and scimitars. The overthrown table was in front of them, and one leapt upon its edge, but as he leapt the old night all his years and sickness forgotten now sprang forward and struck downwards so heavier blow that in the darkling mouth of the passage the spark streamed out and where the saracens's head had been appeared his heels back sir andrew stepped again to win space for his sword-play while round the ends of the table broke two fierce-faced men at one of them rosamond shot with her bow and the arrow pierced his thigh

but as he fell he struck with his keen scimitar and shaw the end of the bow so that it was useless the second man caught his foot in the bar of the oak chair which he did not see and went down prone while sir andrew taking no heed of him rushed with a shout at the crowd who followed and catching their blows upon his shield rained down others so desperate that being hampered by their very number they gave before him and staggered back along the passage. God, you're right, father, cried Rosamond. He sprang round to see the Saracen who had fallen on his feet again. At him he went, nor did the man wait the onset, but turned to fly only to find his death, for the great sword caught him between neck and shoulders.

Now a voice cried, We make poor sport with this old lion and lose men, keep clear of his claws and whelm him with spear casts. But Rosamond, who understood their tongue, sprang in front of him and answered in a rabic. I, through my breast, and go, tell their tale to Saladin. Then clear and calm was heard the command of Georgios. He who harms a hair of the princess dies. Take them both living if you may, but lay no hand on her.

"'Stay, let us talk.' So they ceased from the onslaught and began to consult together. Rosamond touched her father and pointed to the man who lay upon the floor with an arrow through his thigh. He was struggling to his knee, raising the heavy scimitar in his hand.

So Andrew lifted his sword as a husbandman lifts a stick to kill a rat, then let it fall again, saying, I fight not with a wounded. Drop that steel, and get you back to your own folk. The fellow obeyed him, yes, and even touched the floor with his forehead in Salam as he crawled away, for he knew that he had been given his life, and that the deed was noble towards him who had planned a coward's stroke. Then Georgios stepped forward, no longer the same Georgios, who had sold poisoned wine and eastern broideries,

but a proud-looking, high-browed Saracen, clad in the mail which he wore beneath his merchant's robe, and in place of the crucifix, wearing on his breast a great star-shaped jewel, the emblem of his house and rank. Sir Andrew, he said, hearken to me, I pray you, noble was that act.

And he pointed to the wounded man being dragged away by his fellows. and noble has been your defence, well worthy of your lineage and your knighthood. It is a tale that my master, and he bowed as he said the word, will love to hear if it pleases Allah that we return to him in safety. Also you will think that I have played a knave's trick upon you,

overcoming the might of those gallant knights, Sir Godwin and Sir Wolf Not with sword blows But with drugged wine And treating all your servants in like fashion Since not one of them can shake off its fumes Before tomorrow's light So indeed it is

A very scurvy trick Which I shall remember with shame To my life's end And that perchance may yet fall back Upon my head in blood and vengeance. Yet bethink you how we stand and forgive us. We are but a little company of men in your great country,

hidden, as it were, in a den of lions, who, if they saw us, would slay us without mercy. That indeed is a small thing for what are our lives, of which your sword has taken tithe, and not only yours, but those of the twin brethren on the key by the water. I thought it, broke in Sir Andrew contemptuously. Indeed, that deed was worthy of you,

twenty or more men against two. Georgius held up his hand. Judge us not harshly, he said, speaking slowly, who for his own ends wished to gain time. You who have read the letter of our Lord, see you, these were my commands. To secure the Lady Rose of the world as best I might, but if possible without bloodshed.

Now I was reconnoitring the country with the troop of the sailors from our ship, who are but poor fighters, and a few of my own men, when my spies brought me word that she had ridden out attended by only two men, and surely I thought that already she was in my hands. But the knights foiled me by strategy and strength, and you know the end of it. So afterwards my messenger presented the letter,

which indeed should have been done at first. The letter failed also, for neither you nor the princess, and he bowed to Rosamond, could be bought. More, the whole country was awakened. You were surrounded with armed men. The knightly brethren kept watch and ward over you, and you were about to fly to London, where it would have been hard to snare you. therefore because I must, I, who am a prince and an emir, who also, although you remember it not, have crossed swords with you in my youth, yes, at Harenk, became a dealer in drugged wine. Now Harkin, yield you, Sir Andrew, who have done enough to make your name a song for generations, and access to you.

the love of Salahredin, whose word you have, the word that, as you know well, cannot be broken, which I, the Lord Al-Has-sun, for no mean a man has been sent upon this errand. Plight to you afresh. Yield you and save your life and live on in honour, clinging to your own faith, till Azrael takes you from the pleasant fields of Baha'o'u'll. back to the waters of paradise. If such there be for infidels, however gallant, for no, this deed must be done. Did we return without the princess rose of the world? We should die every one of us. And did we offer her harm or insult, then more horribly than I can tell you. This is no fancy of a great king.

that drives him onto the stealing of a woman, although she be of his own high blood. The voice of God has spoken to Salahedin by the mouth of his angel sleep. Thrice has Allah spoken in dreams, telling him who is merciful that through your daughter and her nobleness alone can countless lives be saved.

therefore sooner than she would escape him he would lose even the half of all his empire outwit us defeat us now capture us cause us to be tortured and destroyed and other messengers would come to do his bidding indeed they are already on the way moreover it is useless to shed more blood seeing it is written in the books that this lady's Reddy rose of the world must return to the east where she was begot, there to fulfill her destiny and save the lives of men. Then, Imir, al-Hassan, I shall return as a spirit, said Rosamond proudly. Not so, princess, he answered bowing, for Allah alone has power over your life, and it is otherwise decreed. Sir Andrew, the time grows short, and I must fulfill my mission. Will you take the peace of Salahedin, or force his servants to take your life? The old night listened, resting on his redded sword, then he lifted his head and spoke. I am aged and near my death,

wine Salajorgios or Prince Al-Ghassan, whichever you may be. In my youth I swore to make no pact with payonyms, and in my alt I will not break that vow. While I can lift sword, I will defend my daughter, even against the might of Saladin. Get to your coward's work again, and let things go as God has willed them. Then Princess, answered Al-Hassan,

bear me witness throughout the east that I am innocent of your father's blood. On his own head be it, and on yours. And for the second time he blew upon the whistle that hung around his neck. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of The Brethren by H. Rider Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. read by Alroy. The banner of Saladin.

As the echoes of Hassan's whistle died away, there was a crash amongst the wooden shutters of the window behind them, and down into the room leaped a long lith figure, holding an axe aloft. Before Sir Andrew could turn to see whence the sound came, that axe dealt him a fearful blow between the shoulders, which, although the ringed male remained unshorn, shattered his spine beneath. Down he fell, rolled onto his back and lay there, still able to speak and without pain,

but helpless as a child, for he was paralysed and never more would move hand or foot or head. In the silence that followed, he spoke in a heavy voice, letting his eyes rest upon the man who had struck him down. A nightly blow, truly, one worthy of a Christian born, who does murder for pain and pay. Trater to God and man, who have eaten my bread and now slaughter me like an ox on my hearthstone. May your own end be even worse.

and at the hands of those you serve. The Palmer Nicholas, for it was he, although he no longer wore the Palmer's robe, slunk away muttering, and was lost among the crowd in the passage. Then with a sudden and bitter cry, Rosamond swooped forward as a bird swoops, snatched up the sword her sire would never lift again,

and setting its hilt upon the floor, cast herself forward. but its point never touched her breast, for the Emir sprang swiftly and struck the steel aside, then as she fell quarter in his arms. Lady, he said, losing her very gently. Allah does not need you yet. I have told you that it is not fated. Now will you pass me your word, for being of the blood of Salachidin and Darcy, you too cannot lie. that neither now nor afterwards you will attempt to harm yourself.

If not, I must bind you, which I am loath to do. It is a sacrilege to which I pray you will not force me. Promise Rosamond, said the hollow voice of her father, and go to fulfil your fate. Self-murder is a crime, and the man is right, it is decreed, I bid you promise. I obey and promise, said Rosamond. It is your hour, my Lord Hassan.

He bowed deeply and answered, I am satisfied, and henceforth we are your servants. Princess, the night air is bitter. you cannot travel thus, in which chamber are your garments? She pointed with her finger. A man took her taper and accompanied by two others entered the place

to return presently were their arms full of all the apparel they could find. Indeed, they even brought her missile and the silver crucifix which hung above her bed and with it her leathern case of trinkets.

Keep out the warmest cloak, said Hassan, and tie the rest up in those carpets. So the rugs that Sir Andrew had bought that day from the merchant Georgios were made to serve as travelling bags to hold his

daughter's gear. Thus, even in this hour of haste and danger, thought was taken for her comfort. Princess, said Hassan bowing. my master your uncle sent you certain jewels of no mean value is it your wish that they should accompany you without lifting her eyes from her dying father's face rosamond answered heavily where they are there let them bide what have i to do with jewels your will is my law he said and others will be found for you.

Princess, all is ready. We wait your pleasure. My pleasure. Oh God, my pleasure! exclaimed Rosamond, in the same drear voice, still staring at her father who lay before her on the ground. I cannot help it, said Hassan, answering the question in her eyes,

and there was grief in his tone. He would not come. He brought it on himself. Though in truth I wish that a cursed Frank had not struck so shrewdly. If you ask it, we will bear him with you. But lady, it is idle to hide the truth. He is sped. I have studied medicine and I know. Nay, said Sir Andrew from the floor. leave me here daughter we must part a while as I stole his child

from Ayub so Ayub's son steals my child from me daughter cling to the faith that we may meet again

to the death she answered be comforted said her son Has not Salahreddin passed his word That except her own will Or that of Allah Should change her heart

A cross-worshipper she may live and die Lady for your own's sake As well as ours Let the sad farewell be brief Be gone my servants Taking these dead and wounded with you There are things that is not fitting That common eyes should see

see. They obeyed, and the three of them remained alone together. Then Rosamond knelt down beside her father, and they whispered into each other's ears. Her son turned his back upon them, and through the corner of his cloak over his head and eyes, that he might neither see nor hear their voices in this dread and holy hour of parting. It would seem that they found some kind of hope and consolation in it, at least when Rosamond kissed him for the last time. So Andrew smiled and said, Yes, yes, it may all be for the best. God will guard you and his will be done. But I forgot. Tell me, daughter, which. Again she whispered into his ear, and when he had thought a moment he answered, maybe you are right

I think that is wisest for all and now on the three of you I and on your children's children's children let my blessing rest as rest it shall come hither

Imair Qasan heard him through the cloak and uncovering can Say to Saladin, your master, that he has been too strong for me and paid me back in my own coin. Well, had it been otherwise, my daughter and I must soon have parted,

for death drew near to me. At least it is the decree of God to which I bow my head, trusting there may be truth in that dream of his, and that our sorrows in some way unforeseen will bring blessings to our brethren in the east. But to Saladin, say also that whatever his bigot faith may teach

for Christian and for Payneum, there is a meeting place beyond the grave. Say that if ought of wrong or insult is done towards this maiden, I swear by the God who made us both that there I will hold him to account. Now, since it must be so, take her and go your way, knowing that my spirit follows after you and her, yes, and that even in this world she will find avengers.

I hear your words, and I will deliver them, answered Hassan. More, I believe that they are true, and for the rest you have the oath of Salahedin, I, and my oath while she is in my charge. Therefore, Sir Andrew Darcy forgive us, who are but the instruments of Allah, and die in peace. I, who have so much to be for. forgiven. Forgive you, answered the old night slowly. Then his eyes fixed themselves upon his daughter's face with one long searching look and closed. I think that he is dead, said our son. May God the merciful and compassionate rest his soul and taking a white garment from the wall,

he flung it over him, adding, Lady, come. Thrice Rosamond looked at the shrouded figure on the floor. Once she wrung her hands and seemed about to fall. Then as though a thought struck her, she lifted her father's sword from where it lay, and gathering her strength drew herself up and passed like a queen down the blood-stained passage,

and the steps of the solar. In the hall beneath waited the band of Hassan, who bowed as she came, a vision of despairing loveliness that held aloft a red and naked sword. There too lay the drugged men fallen this way and that, and among them wolf across the table, and Godwin on the dais,

Rosamond spoke. Are these dead or sleeping? Have no fear, answered his son. By my hope of paradise, they do but sleep and will awake ere morning. Rosamond pointed to the renegade Nicholas. He that had struck down her father from behind, who, an evil look upon his face, stood apart from the Saracens,

holding in his hand a lighted torch. What does this make? man with a torch, she asked. If you would know, lady, Nicholas answered with a sneer. I wait till you are out of it to fire the hall. Prince Hassan, said Rosamond. Is this a deed that great Saladin would wish to burn drugged men beneath their own roof? Now, as you shall answer to him, in the name of Saladin, I,

a daughter of his house, command you, strike the fire from that man's hand, and in my hearing give your order that none should even think of such an act of shame. What? Broken Nicholas. And leave knights like these, whose quality you know? And he pointed to the brethren, to follow in our path and take our lives in vengeance. why it is madness. Are you master here, traitor, or am I? asked Hassan in cold contempt.

Let them follow if they will, and I for one shall rejoice to meet foes so brave in open battle, and there give them their revenge. Ali, he added, addressing the man who had been disguised as a merchant's underling, and who had drugged the men in the barn, as his master had drugged those in the hall, and opened the moat gate to the band. Ali, stamp upon the torch, and guard that frank, till we reached the boat, lest the fool should raise the country on us with his fires.

Now, princess, are you satisfied? I, having your word, she answered. it. One moment, I pray you, I would leave a token to my nights. Then while they watched her with wondering eyes, she unfastened the gold cross and chain that hung upon her bosom, and slipping the cross from the chain went to where Godwin lay and placed it on his breast. Next, with a swift movement, she wound the chain about the silver hilt of Sir Andrew's sword, and passing to wolf, with one strong thrust, drove the point between the oak boards of the table, so that it stood before him, at once across a brand of battle and a lady's token. His grandson bore it, she said in Arabic, when he leapt onto the walls of Jim,

Jerusalem, it is my last gift to him. But the Saracens muttered and turned pale at these words of evil omen. Then taking the hand of Hassan, who stood searching her white, inscrutable face, with never a word or a backward look, she swept down the length of the long hall and out into the night beyond. It would have been well to take my counsel and fire the place, or at least to cut the throats of all within it, said the man Nicholas to his guard, Ali, as they followed with a rest. If I know ought of these brethren, cross and sword will soon be hard upon our track,

and men's lives must pay the price of such soft folly, and he shivered as though in fear. It may be so, spy. answered the Saracen, looking at him with sombre contemptuous eyes. It may be that your life will pay the price. Wolf was dreaming, dreaming that he stood on his head upon a wooden plank, as once he had seen a juggler do, which turned round one way while he turned round the other, till at length someone shouted at him and he tumbled off the board and hurt himself.

then he awoke to hear a voice shouting surely enough, the voice of Matthew, the chaplain of Steeple Church. Awake, said the voice. In God's name, I conjure you, awake! What is it? He asked, lifting his head sleepily and becoming conscious of a dull pain across his forehead. It is that death and the devil have been here, Sir Wolf.

Well, they are often near to. together, but I thirst, give me water. A serving woman, pallid, disheveled, heavy-eyed, who was stumbling to and fro, lighting torches and tapers, for it was still dark, brought it to him in a leathern jack from which he drank deeply. That is better, he said. Then his eye fell upon the bloody sword,

set point downwards in the wood of the tapir. before him, and he exclaimed, Mother of God! What is that? My uncle's silver-hilted sword, red with blood, and Rosamond's gold chain upon the hilt. Priest, where is the Lady Rosamond? Gone, answered the chaplain, in a voice that sounded like a groan. The woman woke and found her gone,

and Sir Andrew Lies dead or dying in the solar. But now I have shriven him. And, oh, we have all been drugged. Look at them. And he waved his hand towards the recumbent forms. I say that the devil has been here. Wolf sprang to his feet with an oath. The devil.

Ah, I have it now. You mean the Cyprian chapman, Georgios. He who sold wine. He who sold drugged wine, echoed the chaplain, and has stolen away the lady Rosamond. Then we'll seem to go mad. Stolen Rosamond, over our sleeping carcasses, stolen Rosamond, with never a blow struck by us to save her. Oh Christ, that such a thing should be! Oh Christ, that I should live to hear it!

and he the mighty man, the night of skill and strength, broke down and wept like a very child, but not for long, for presently he shouted in a voice of thunder. Awake, you drunkards, awake, and learn what is chance to us. Your lady Rosamond has been raped away while we were lost in sleep. At the sound of that great voice, A tall form arose from the floor

And staggered towards him Holding a gold cross in its hand What awful words are those my brother Asked Godwin Who pale and dull-eyed Rocked to and fro before him Then he too saw the red sword And stared

First at it and next at the gold cross in his hand My uncle's sword Rosamund's chain Rosamond's cross Where then is Rosamond Gone, gone, gone, cried Wolf Tell him priest

So the chaplain told him all he knew Thus we have kept our oaths Went on Wolf What can we do now Save die for very shame Nay, answered Godwin dreamily We can live on to say

her. See these are her tokens. The cross for me, the bloodstained sword for you, and about its hilt the chain, a symbol of her slavery. Now both of us must bear the cross. Both of us must wield the sword, and both of us must cut the chain, or if we fail, then die. You rave, said Wolf, and little wonder, here drink water. Would that we had never touched aught else as she did, and desired that we should do. What said you of my uncle, priest? Dead or only dying? No, answer not. Let us see, come, brother. Now together they ran, or rather reeled, torch in hand along the passage. Wolf saw the bloodstains on the floor and laughed savagely. The old man made a good fight.

He said, While like drunken brutes we slept, They were there, And before them beneath a white shroud-like cloak Lay Sir Andrew, the steel helm on his head, And his face beneath it, Even whiter than the cloak. At the sound of their footsteps, he opened his eyes.

At length, at length, he muttered. Oh, how many years have I waited for you? Nay, be silent, for I do not know how long my strength will last, but listen. Kneel down and listen. So they knelt on either side of him, and in quick fierce words he told them all, of the drugging, of the fight, of the long parley carried on to give the parmenave time to climb to the window, of his cowardly blow, and of what chanced afterwards. Then his strength seemed to fail him, but they poured drink down his throat, and it came back again.

Take horse swiftly, he gasped, pausing now and again to rest, and rouse the countryside. There is still a chance. Nay, seven hours have gone by. There is no chance. Their plans were too well laid. By now they will be at sea. So hear me, go to Palestine. There is money for your fairing in my chest, but go alone with no company,

for in time of peace these would betray you. Godwin draw off this ring from our finger, and with it as a token, find out Jabal, the black shake of the mountain tribe at Masyaf on Lebanon, bid him remember the vow he made to Andrew Darcy the English knight. If any can aid you, it will be Jabal, who hates the houses of Nuriddin and of Ayub. So I charge you. Let nothing, I say nothing, turn you aside from seeking him. afterwards act as God shall guide you.

If they still live, kill that traitor Nicholas and Hugh Lazzal. But save in open war, spare the Emir Hassan, who did but his duty as an Eastern reeditred and showed some mercy, for he could have slain or burnt us all. This riddle has been hard for me, yet Now, in my dying hour, I seem to see its answer. That Saladin did not dream in vain. Keep brave hearts.

For I think also that at Masyaf you will find friends, and that things will yet go well, and our sorrows bear good fruit. What is that, you said? She left you my father's sword wolf, then wield it bravely, winning honour for our name. She left you the cross, Godwin. Wear it worthily, winning glory for the Lord and salvation to your soul.

Remember what you have sworn. What ere before, bear no bitterness to one another, be true to one another and to her. your lady, so that when at the last you make your report to me before high heaven, I may have no cause to be ashamed of you, my nephews, Godwin and Wolf. For a moment the dying man was silent, until his face lit up, as with a great gladness, and he cried in a loud clear voice, beloved, wife, I hear you.

Oh God, I come. Then though his eyes stayed open, and the smile still rested on his face, his jaw fell. Thus died, Sir Andrew Darcy. Still kneeling on either side of him, the brethren watched the end, and as his spirit passed, bowed their heads in prayer.

We have seen a great death, said Godwin presently. Let us learn a lesson from it, that when our time comes we may die like him. I, answered Wolf, springing to his feet. But first let us take vengeance for it. Why, what is this? Rosamond's writing. Read it, Godwin.

Godwin took the parchment and read, Follow me to Saladin. In that hope, I am. live on. Surely we will follow you, Rosamond, he cried aloud, follow you through life to death or victory. Then he threw down the paper and calling for the chaplain to come to watch the body. They ran into the hall. By this time about half of the folk were awake from their drugged sleep, whilst others who had been doctored by the man Ali in the barn staggered into the hall, wild-eyed, white-faced, and holding their hands to their heads and hearts.

They were so sick and bewildered indeed, that it was difficult to make them understand what had chanced. When they learned the truth, most of them could only groan. Still a few were found strong enough in wit and body to grope their way through the darkness and the falling snow, to Stangate Abbey, to Southminster, and to the houses of their neighbours. Although of these there were none near,

praying that every true man would arm and ride to help them in the hunt. Also, Wolf, cursing the priest Matthew and himself that he had not thought of it before, called him from his prayers by their dead uncle, and charged him to climb the church tower as swiftly as he could, and set light to the beacon that was laid already there. Away he went, taking flint, steel and tinder with him, and ten minutes later the blaze was flaring furiously above the roof of steeple church, warning all men of the need for help.

Then they armed, saddled such horses as they had, amongst them the three that had been left there by the merchant Georgios, and gathered all of them who were not too sick to ride or run in the courtyard of the hall. But as yet, their haste availed them little, for the moon was down, snow fell also and the night was still black as death so black that a man could scarcely see the hand he held before his face so they must wait and wait they did eating their hearts out with grief and rage and bathing their aching brows in icy water at length the dawn began to break and by its first grey light they saw men mounted and afoot feeling their way through the snow, shouting at each other as they came to know what dreadful thing had happened at steeple. Quickly the tidings spread among them that Sir Andrew was slain and the Lady Rosamund snatched away by Payneans,

while all who feasted in the place had been drugged with poisoned wine by a man whom they believed to be a merchant. So soon as a band was got together, perhaps thirty men in all, and there was light to stir by, they set out and began to search, though where to look they knew not, for the snow had covered up all traces of their foes. One thing is certain, said Godwin, they must have come by water. I, answered Wolf, and landed nearby. Since, had they far to go, they would have taken the horses, and must run the risk also of losing their path. in the darkness. To the stath, let us try steeple stath. So on they went across the meadow to the creek.

It lay but three bow shots distant. At first they could see nothing, for the snow covered the stones of the little pier. But presently a man cried out that the lock of the waterhouse, in which the brethren kept their fishing boat, was broken, and next minute that the boat was gone. she was small she would hold but six men cried a voice so great a company could never have crowded into her fool one answered there may have been other boats so they looked again and beneath a thin coating of rhyme found a mark in the mud by the stath made by the prow of a large boat and not far from it a hole in the earth into which a peg had been driven to make her fast. Now the thing seemed clear enough, but it was to be made yet clearer. For presently, even through the driving snow, the quick eye of wolf caught sight of some glittering thing which hung to the edge of a clump of dead reeds. A man with a lance lifted it out at his command and gave it to him. I thought so, he said in a heavy voice. It is a fragment of that

star-wrought veil, which was my Christmas gift to Rosamond, and she has torn it off and left it here to show us her road. To St. Peter's on the wall, to St. Peter's, I say, for there the boats or ship must pass, and maybe that in the darkness they have not yet won out to sea. So they turned their horse's heads, and those of them that were mounted rode for St. Peter's by the inland path that runs through steeple St. Lawrence and Bradwell Town, while those who were not started to search along the saltings and the river bank. On they gallop through the falling snow, Godwin and Wolf leading the way, whilst behind them thundered an ever-gathering train of knights, squires, and yeoman,

who had seen the beacon flare on Steeple Tower, or learned the tale from messengers. Yes, and even of monks, from Stangate and traders from Southminster. Hard they rode, but the lanes were heavy with fallen snow and mud beneath, and the way was far, so that an hour had gone by before Bradwell was left behind, and the shrine of St Chad lay but half a mile in front. Now of a sudden the snow ceased, and a strong northerly wind springing up drove the thick mist before it and left the sky hard and blue behind. Still riding in this mist, they pressed on to where the old tower loomed in front of them, then drew rain and waited.

What is that? said Godwin presently, pointing to a great dim thing upon the vapour-hidden sea. as he spoke a strong gust of wind tore away the last veils of mist revealing the red face of the risen sun and not a hundred yards away from them for the tide was high the tall masts of a galley creeping out to sea beneath her banks of oars as they stared the wind caught her and on the main mast rose her belling sail while a shout of laughter told them that they themselves were seen. They shook their swords in the madness of their rage, knowing well who was aboard that galley, while to the fore-peak ran up the yellow flag of Saladin, streaming there like gold in the golden sunlight.

Nor was this all, for on the high poop appeared the tall shape of Rosamond herself, and on one side of her, clad now in coat of mail and turban, the Emir Hassan, whom they had known as the merchant Georgios, and on the other a stout man, also clad in male, who at that distance looked like a Christian knight. Rosamond stretched out her arms towards them. Then suddenly she sprang forward as though she would throw herself into the sea, had not Gassan caught her by the arm and held her back, whilst the other man who was watching slipped between her and the bulwark. In his fury and despair, Wolf drove his horse into the water

till the waves broke about his middle, and there, since he could go no further, sat shaking his sword and shouting, Fear not! We follow! We follow! So in such a voice of thunder that even through the wind and across the ever-widening space of foam, his words may have reached the ship. At least Rosamond seemed to hear them, for she tossed up her arms as though in token. But her son, one hand pressed upon his heart and the other on his forehead, only bowed thrice in courteous farewell. Then the great sail filled, the oars were drawn in, and the vessel swept away swiftly across the dancing waves, till at length she vanished. And they could only see the sunlight playing on the golden banner of Saladin, which floated from her truck.

End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of the Brethren by H. Rider Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy. The widow, Masuda. Many months had gone by since the brethren sat upon their horses that winter morning, and from the shrine of St. Peter's on the wall, at the mouth of the Blackwater in Essex, watched with anguished hearts the galley of Saladin sailing southwards, their love and cousin, Rosamond, standing a prisoner on the deck, having no ship in which to follow her, and this indeed it would have been,

to late to do, they thanked those who had come to aid them, and returned home to steeple, where they had matters to arrange. As they went, they gathered from this man and that, tidings which made the whole tale clear to them. They learned, for instance, then and afterwards, that the galley which had been thought to be a merchantman, put into the river crouch by design, feigning an injury to her rudder, and that on Christmas Eve, she had moved up with the tide and anchored in the black water about three miles from its mouth. Thence a great boat which she towed behind her and which was afterwards found abandoned, had rowed in the dusk, keeping along the further shore to avoid observation,

to the mouth of Steeple Creek, which she descended at dark, making fast to the stave, unseen of any. Her crew of 30 men or more, guided by the false Palmer Nicholas, next hid themselves in the grove of trees, about 50 yards from the house, where traces of them were found afterwards, waiting for the signal, and, if that were necessary, ready to attack and burn the hall, while all men feasted there. But it was not necessary, since the cunning scheme of the drugged wine

which only an eastern could have devised, succeeded. So it happened that the one man they had to meet in arms was an old knight, of which doubtless they were glad. As their numbers being few, they wish to avoid a desperate battle wherein many must fall, and if help came, they might be all destroyed. When it was over, they led Rosamond to the boat, felt their way down the creek,

towing behind them the little skiff which they had taken from the waterhouse, laden were they dead and wounded. This indeed proved the most perilous part of the adventures, since it was very dark and came on to snow. Also twice they grounded upon mud banks. Still guided by Nicholas, who had studied the river, they reached the galley before dawn, and with a first light weighed anchor,

and very cautiously rode out to sea. The rest is known. Two days later, since there was no time to spare, Sir Andrew was buried with great pomp at Staingate Abbey, in the same tomb where lay the heart of his brother, the father of the brethren, who had fallen in the Eastern Wars. After he had been laid to rest amidst much lamentation, and in the presence of a great concourse of people,

for the fame of these strange happenings that travelled far and wide, his will was opened. Then it was found that with the exception of certain sums of money left to his nephews, a legacy to Staingate Abbey, and another to be devoted to masses for the repose of his soul, with some gifts to his servants and the poor, all his estate was devised to his daughter Rosamond.

The brethren or the survivor of them, however, held it in trust on her behalf, with the charge that they should keep watch and ward over her and manage her lands till she took a husband. These lands, together with their own, the brethren placed in the hands of prior John of Standgate, in the presence of witnesses, to administer for them subject to the provisions of the will, taking a tithe of the rents and profits for his pains.

The priceless jewels, also that had been sent by Saladin, were given into his keeping, and a receipt with a list of the same signed in duplicate, deposited with a clerk at Southminster. This indeed was necessary, seeing that none save the brethren and the prior knew of these. jewels, of which, being of so great a value, it was not safe to speak. Their affairs arranged, having first made their wills in favour of each other, with remainder

to their heirs at law, since it was scarcely to be hoped that both of them would return alive from such a quest, they received the communion, and with it his blessing, from the hands of the prior John. Then early one morning, before any were a stir, they rode quietly away to London. On the top of steeple hill, sending forward the servant who led the mule laden with a baggage, that same mule which had been left by the spy, Nicholas, the brethren turned their horses' heads to look in farewell on their home. There to the north of them lay the blackwater, and to the west the parish.

of Mayland, towards which the laden barges crept along the stream of Steeple Creek. Below was the wide flat plain, outlined with trees, and in it marked by the plantation where the Saracens had hid, the hall and the church of Steeple, the home in which they had grown from childhood to youth, and from youth to man's estate in the company of the fair, lost Rosamond, who was the love of both and whom both went forth to seek. That past was all behind them, and in front a dark and troublous future of which they could not read the mystery nor guess the end.

Would they ever look on Steeple Hall again? Were they who stood there about to match their strength and courage against all the might of Saladin, doomed to fail or gloriously to succeed, Indeed, through the darkness that shrouded their forward path, shone one bright star of love. But for which of them did that star shine, or was it perchance for neither? They knew not. How could they know, ought save, that the ventures seemed very desperate?

Indeed, the few to whom they had spoken of it thought them mad. Yet they remembered the last words of Sir Andrew, bidding them to keep a high heart, since he believed that things would go yet well. It seemed to them in truth that they were not quite alone, as though his brave spirit companioned them on their search, guiding their feet with ghostly counsel which they could not hear. They remembered also their oaths to him, to one another and to Rosamond,

and in silent token that they would keep them to the death, pressed each other's hands. Then turning their horses southwards, they rode forward, with light hearts, not caring what befell, if only at the last, living or dead, Rosamond and her father should, in his own words,

find no cause to be ashamed of them. Through the hot haze of a July morning, a droman, as certain merchant vessels of that time were called, might have been seen drifting before a light breeze into St. George's Bay at Beirut, on the coast of Syria. Cyprus, whence she had sailed last, was not a hundred miles away, yet she had taken six days to do the journey, not on account of storms, of which there were none at this time of Yur, but through lack of wind to move her. Still her captain and the motley crowd of

passengers, for the most part Eastern merchants and their servants, together with a number of pilgrims of all nations, thanked God for so prosperous a voyage, for in those times, he who crossed the seas without shipwreck was very fortunate. Among these passengers were Godwin and Wolf, travelling as their uncle had bidden them, unattended by squires or by servants. Upon the ship they passed themselves off as brothers named Peter and John of Lincoln, a town of which they knew something, having stayed there on their way to the Scottish wars. Simple gentlemen of small estate, making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land,

in penitence for their sins, and for the repose of the souls of their father and mother. At this tale their fellow passengers, with whom they had sailed from Genoa, to which place they travelled overland shrugged their shoulders for these brethren looked what they were knights of high degree and considering their great stature long swords and the coats of mail they always wore beneath their gambesons none believed them but plain gentle folk bent on a pious errand indeed they nicknamed them sir peter and sir john and as such they were known throughout the voyage the brethren was seated together in a little place apart in the bow of the ship and engaged godwin in reading from an arabic translation of the gospels made by some egyptian monk and wolf in following it with little ease in the latin version of the former tongue indeed they had acquired much in their youth since they learned it from sir andrew with rosamond although they could not talk it as she did who had been taught to lisb it as an infant by her mother knowing too that much might hang upon a knowledge of this tongue they occupied their long journey in studying it from such books as they could get also in speaking it with a priest, who had spent many years in the east, and instructed them for a fee,

and with certain Syrian merchants and sailors. Shut the book, brother, said Wolf. There is Lebanon at last, and he pointed to the great line of mountains, revealing themselves dimly through the wrappings of mist. Glad I am to see them, who have had enough of these crooked scrolls, and learnings. I, said Godwin, the promised land.

And the land of promise for us, answered his brother. Well, thank God that the time has come to act, though how we are to set about it is more than I can say. Doubtless time will show, as our uncle bade,

we will seek out the Sheikh Jabal. Hush, said Wolf, for just then some merchants, and with them a number of pilgrims, their travel-worn faces full of rapture at the thought that the terrors of their voyage were done, and that they were about to set foot upon the ground their lord had trodden, crowded forward toward the bough to obtain their first view of it, and they burst into prayers and songs of Thanksgiving.

Indeed one of these men, a trader known as Thomas, of the first of, Ipswich was they found, standing close to them and seemed as though he listened to their talk. The brethren mingled with them while the same Thomas of Ipswich, who had visited the place before, or so it seemed, pointed out the beauties of the city, of the fertile country by which it was surrounded, and of the distant cedar-clad mountains, where, as he said, Hiram, king of tyre, had come. cut the timber for Solomon's temple. Have you been on them? asked Wolf. I, following my business, he answered, so far.

And he showed them a great snow-capped peak to the north. Few ever go further. Why not? asked Godwin. Because there begins the territory of Sheikh al-Jabal. And he looked at them meaningly. Whom, he added. neither Christian nor Saracen visit without an invitation which is seldom given. Again they inquired why not?

Because, answered the trader still watching them. Most men love their lives and that man is the lord of death and magic. Strange things are to be seen in his castle and about it lie wonderful gardens inhabited by lovely women that are evil spirit. who bring the souls of men to ruin. Also this old man of the mountain is a great murderer, of whom even all the princes of the east are terrified. For he speaks a word to his fedais or servants, who are initiated,

and they go forth and bring to death any whom he hates. Young men, I like you well, and I say to you be warned. In this Syria there are many one-dhistory, there are many one-dhast. us to be seen. Leave those of Masia and its fearful Lord alone if you desire to look again upon the towers of Lincoln. Fear not we will, answered Godwin, who come to seek holy places, not haunts of devils. Of course we will, added Wilf. Still that country must be worth travelling in. Then boats came out to greet them from the shore, for at that time, route was in the hands of the Franks, and in the shouting and confusion which followed, they saw no

more of this merchant, Thomas, nor did they seek him out again, since they thought it unwise to show themselves too curious about the Sheikh al-Jabal. Indeed, it would have been useless, since that trader was ashore two full hours before they were suffered to leave the ship, from which he departed alone in a private boat. At length they stood in the motley eastern crowd upon the key, wondering where they could find an inn that was quiet and of cheap charges, since they did not wish to be considered persons of wealth or importance. As they lingered here somewhat bewildered,

a tall, veiled woman whom they had noted watching them, drew near, accompanied by a porter who led a donkey. this man without more ado seized their baggage and helped by other porters began to fasten it upon the back of the donkey with great rapidity and when they would have forbidden him pointed to the veiled woman your pardon said godwin to her at length and speaking in french but this man loads up your baggage to take it to my inn it is cheap quiet and comfortable things which I heard you say you require just now, did I not? She answered in a sweet voice, also speaking in good French. Godwin looked at Wolf and Wolf at Godwin, and they began to discuss together what they should do.

When they had agreed that it seemed not wise to trust themselves to the care of a strange woman in this fashion, they looked up to see the donkey laden with their trunks, being led away by the porter. too late to say no i fear me said the woman with a laugh so you must be my guests awhile if you would not lose your baggage come after so long a journey you need to wash and eat follow me sirs i pray you then she walked through the crowd which they noted parted for her as she went to a post where a fine mule was tied loosing it she leapt to the saddle without help and began to ride away looking back from time to time to see that they were following her, as indeed they must. "'Wether go we, I wonder,' said Godwin, as they trudge through the sands of Beirut,

with a hot sun striking on their heads. "'Who can tell when a strange woman leads?' replied Wolf, with a laugh. At last the woman on the mule turned through a doorway in a wall of unburnt brick, and they found themselves before a porch of a white rambling house which stood in a large garden planted with mulberries, oranges, and other fruit trees that were strange to them and was situated on the borders of the city. Here the woman dismounted and gave the mule to a Nubian who was waiting.

Then with a quick movement she unveiled herself and turned towards them as though to show her beauty. Beautiful she was. of that there could be no doubt with her graceful swaying shape her dark and liquid eyes her rounded features and strangely impassive countenance she was young also perhaps twenty-five no more and very fair-skinned for an eastern my poor house is for pilgrims and merchants not for famous knights yet sirs i welcome you to it she said presently scaning them out of the corners of her eyes. We are but squires in our own country, who make the pilgrimage,

replied Godwin. For what some each day will you give us bored and a good room to sleep in? These strangers, she said in a rabic to the porter, do not speak the truth. What is that to you? He answered, as he busied himself

in loosening the baggage. They will pay their score, and all sorts of mad folk come to this country. pretending to be what they are not. Also you sought them. Why, I know not. Not they you. Mad or sane, they are proper men, said the impassive woman,

as though to herself, then added in French, Sirs, I repeat, this is but a humble place. Scarce fit for nights like you. But if you will honour it, the charge is so much. We are satisfied, said Godwin. especially he added with a bow and removing the cap from his head as having brought us here without leave asked we are sure that you will treat us who are strangers kindly as kindly as you wish i mean as you can pay for said the woman nay i will settle with a porter he would cheat you then following a wrangle five minutes long between this curious handsome still-faced woman and the porter who, after the eastern fashion, lashed himself into a frenzy over the sum she offered,

and at length began to call her by ill names. She stood looking at him quite unmoved, although Godwin, who understood all but pretended to understand nothing, wondered at her patience. Presently, however, in a perfect foam of passion, he said, or rather spat out. No wonder, Masuda, the spy, after high, me to do your evil work. You take the part of these Christian dogs against a true believer, you child of Al-Jabal. Instantly the woman seemed to stiffen like a snake about to strike. Who is he? She said coldly. Do you mean the Lord who kills? And she looked at him, a terrible look.

At that glance all the anger seemed to go out of the man. Your pardon, O Masuda, he said, I forgot that you are a Christian, and naturally sighed with Christians. The money will not pay for the wear of my asses' hooves, but give it me, and let me go to pilgrims who will reward me better. She gave him the sum, adding in her quiet voice,

Go, and if you love life, keep better watch over your words. Then the porter went, and now so humble was his mean, that in his dirty turban and long-tattered robe, he looked, wolf thought, more like a bundle of rags than a man mounted on the donkey's back. Also it kept into his mind that their strange hostess had powers not possessed by innkeepers in England. When they had watched him through the gate, Musuda turned to them and said in French, forgive me, but here in Beirut these Saracen porters are extortionate, especially towards us Christians. He was deceived by your appearance. He thought that you were knights, not simple pilgrims as you avow yourselves, who happened to be dressed and armed like knights beneath your gambesons.

And, she added, fixing her eyes upon the line of white hair on Godwin's head, where the sword had struck him in the fray on Death Creek Key. show the wounds of nights though it is true that a man might come by such in any brawl in a tavern well you are to pay me a good price and you shall have my best room while it pleases you to honour me with your company ah your baggage you do not wish to leave it slave come here with startling suddenness the nubian who had led away the mule appeared and took up some of the packages then she led them down a passage into her. a large sparsely furnished room with high windows, in which were two beds laid on the cement floor, and asked them if it pleased them. They said, Yes, it will serve. Greeding would pass in their minds, she added. Have no fear for your baggage. Were you as rich as you say you are poor, and as noble as you say you are humble, both it and you are safe

in the inn of the widow Massouda. Oh, my guests, but how are you named? Peter and John. Oh, my guests, Peter and John, who have come to visit the land of Peter and John, and are the holy founders of our faith, and have been so fortunate as to be captured on its shore by the widow Massouda, answered Godwin, bowing again. wait to speak of the fortune until you have done with her, sir. Is it Peter or John?

She replied, with something like a smile upon her handsome face. Peter, answered Godwin. Remember the pilgrim with a line of white hair is Peter. You needed to distinguish you apart, who I suppose are twins. Let me see. Peter has a line of white hair and grey eyes. John has blue eyes. John also is the greater warrior.

If a pilgrim can be a warrior, look at his muscles. But Peter thinks the more. It would be hard for a woman to choose between Peter and John, who must both of them be hungry. So I go to prepare their food. A strange hostess, said Wolf laughing, when she had left the room.

But I like her, though she netted us so finely. I wonder why. what is more brother godwin she likes you which is as well since she may be useful but friend peter do not let it go too far since like that porter i think also that she may be dangerous remember he called her a spy and probably she is one godwin turned to reprove him when the voice of the widow masuda was heard without saying brothers peter and john i forgot to caution you to speak low in the s'ioteau's word in the same brothers peter and john i forgot to caution you to speak low in the same house, as there is latticework over the doors to let in the air. Do not be afraid. I only heard the voice of John, not what he said. I hope not, muttered Wolf, and this time he spoke very low indeed. Then they undid their baggage, and having taken from clean garments, washed themselves after their long journey with a water that had been placed ready for them in great jars. This indeed they

needed, for on that crowded Droman there was little chance of washing. By the time they had clothed themselves afresh, putting on their shirts of mail beneath their tunics, the Nubian came and led them to another room, large and lighted, with high-set lattices, where cushions were piled upon the floor round a rug that also was laid upon the floor. Motioning them to be seated on the cushions, he went away, to return again presently, accompanied by Masuda, bearing dishes upon brass platters. These she placed before them, bidding them eat. What that food was they did not know, because of the sources with which it had been covered, until she told them that it was fish. After the fish came flesh, and after the flesh fowls, and after the fowls cakes and sweetmeats and fruit,

until ravenous as they were, who for days had fed upon salted pork and biscuits full of worms, washed down with bad water, they were forced to beg her to bring no more. Drink another cup of wine at least, she said, smiling and filling their mugs with a sweet vintage of Lebanon, for it seemed to please her to see them eat so heartily of her fare. They obeyed mixing the wine with water. While they drank, she asked them suddenly, what were their plans, and how long they wished to stay in Beirut? They answered that for the next few days they had none, as they needed to rest, to see the town and its neighbourhood, and to buy good horses, a matter in which perhaps she could help them. Musuda nodded again, and asked whether they wished to ride on horses. out yonder said wolf waving his hand towards the mountains we desire to look upon the cedars of lebanon and its great hills before we go on towards jerusalem cedars of lebanon she replied that is scarcely safe for two men alone for in those mountains are many wild beasts and wilder people who rob and kill moreover the lord of those mountains has just now a quarrel were the Christians, and would take any whom he found prisoners.

How is that Lord named? asked Godwin. Sinan, she answered, and they noted that she looked around quickly, and she spoke the word. Oh, he said, we thought the name was Jabal. Now she stared at him with wide, wandering eyes, and replied, He is so called also, but Sir Pilgrims, what note? you of the dread lord al-Jabal? Only that he lives at a place called Masyaf, which we wish

to visit. Again she stared. Are you mad? She queried. Then checked herself and clapped her hands for the slave to remove the dishes. While this was being done, they said they would like to walk abroad.

Good, answered Masuda. The man shall accompany you. Nay, it is best that you do not go alone, as you might lose your way. Also, the place is not always safe for strangers, however humble they may seem, she added with meaning. Would you wish to visit the governor at the castle, where there are a few English knights, also some priests who give advice to pilgrims? We think not, answered Godwin. We are not worthy of such high company. But, lady, why do you look at us so strange?

I am wondering, Sir Peter and Sir John, why you think it worthwhile to tell lies to a poor widow. Say, in your own country, did you ever hear of a certain twin brethren named? Oh, how were they named, Sir Godwin and Sir Wolf, of the house of Darcy, which has been told of in this land? Now Godwin's jaw dropped, but Wolf laughed out loud, and seeing that they were were alone in the room, for the slave had departed, asked in his turn. Surely those twins would be pleased to find themselves so famous, but how did you chance to hear of them, O widow, hostess, of a Syrian inn? I, oh, from a man on the Droman who called here while I made ready your food, and told me a strange story that he had learnt in England, of a band set by Salahedin, may his name be a common. May his name be

cursed, to capture a certain lady, of how the brethren named Godwin and Wolf, fought all that band also, aye, and held them off. A very knightly deed, he said it was, while the lady escaped, and of how afterwards they were taken in a snare, as those are apt to be who deal with a sultan, and this time the lady was snatched away. A wild tale truly, said Godwin. but did this man tell you further whether that lady has chanced to come to Palestine? She shook her head. Of that he told me nothing, and I have heard nothing. Now listen, my guests, you think it's strange that I should know so much,

but it is not strange, since here in Syria knowledge is the business of some of us. Did you then believe, O foolish children, that two nights like you, you, who have played a part in a very great story, whereof already whispers run throughout the east, could travel by land and sea and not be known? Did you then think that none were left behind to watch your movements, and to make report of them to that mighty one who sent out the ship of war, charged with a certain mission? Well, what he knows, I know. Have I not said it is my business to know. Now, why do I tell you this? Well, perhaps because I like such knights as you are, and I like that tale of two men who stood side by side upon a pier, while a woman swam the

stream behind them, and afterwards saw wounded, charged their way through a host of foes. In the east we love such deeds of chivalry, perhaps also because I would warn you not to throw away life so gallant by attempting to win through the guarded gates of Damascus upon the maddest of all quests. What you still stare at me and doubt? Good, I have been telling you lies. I was not awaiting you upon the keep, and that porter with whom I seemed to quarrel was not charged to seize your baggage and bring it to my house. No spies watched your movements from England to Beirut. Only since you have been at dinner, I've visited your room and read some writings which, foolishly, you and John have left among your baggage, and opened some books in which other names than Peter and John were written, and drew a great sword from its scabbard on which was engraved a motto, meet Darcy, meet death, and heard Peter called John Wolf, and John called Peter Godwin, and so forth. it seems, said Wolf in English, that we are flies in a web, and that the spider is called

the widow Massouda, though of what use we are to her, I know not. Now, brother, what is to be done? Make friends with a spider? An ill ally, answered Godwin. Then looking her straight in the face, he asked. Hostess, who knows so much, tell me why, amongst other names, did that donkey driver call you daughter of El Jabal? She started and answered, So you understand Arabic, I thought it. Why do you ask, what does it matter to you?

Not much, except that as we are going to visit El Jabal, of course we think ourselves fortunate to have met his daughter. Going to visit Al Jabil? Yes, you hint. entered as much upon the ship, did you not? Perhaps that is why I came to meet you. Well, your throats will be cut before ever you reach the first of his castles. I think not, said Godwin, and putting his hand into his breast, he drew thence a ring, with which he began to play carelessly. whence that ring she said with fear and wonder in her eyes it is and she ceased from one to whom it was given and who has charged us with a message now hostess let us be plain with one another you know a great deal about us but although it has suited us to call ourselves the pilgrims peter and john in all this there is nothing of which we know we know a great deal about us but although it has suited us to call ourselves the pilgrims peter and john in all this there is nothing of which we

need to be ashamed, especially as you say that our secret is no secret, which I can well believe. Now this secret being out, I propose that we remove ourselves from your roof and go to stay with our own people at the castle, where I doubt not, we shall be welcome, telling them that we would bide no longer with one who is called a spy, whom we have discovered also to be a daughter of Al-Jabbar. after which perhaps you will bide no longer in Beirut, where as we gather spies and the daughters of El Jabal are not welcome. She listened with an impassive face and answered, Doubtless you have heard that one of us who was so named was burnt here recently as a witch.

Yes, Broken Wolf, who now learned this fact for the first time. we heard that. And think to bring a like fate upon me. Why, foolish men, I can lay you both dead before ever those words pass your lips. You think you can, said Godwin. But for my part, I am sure that this is not fated. I am sure also that you do not wish to harm us any more than we wish to harm you.

to be plain then it is necessary for us to visit Al Jabil as chance has brought us together if it be chance will you aid us in this as I think you can or must we seek other help

I do not know I will tell you after four days if you are not satisfied with that go denounce me do your worst and I will do mine for which I should be sorry where is the security that you will not do it if we are satisfied? asked Wolf bluntly. You must take the word of a daughter of Al-Jabal. I have none other to offer, she replied.

That may mean death, said Wolf. You said just now that it was not fated, and although I have sought your company for my own reasons, I have no quarrel with you, as yet. Choose your own path. Still, I tell you. I tell you. I tell you that if you go, who, chancing to know Arabic, have learned my secret, you die, and that if you stay, you are safe. At least while you are in this house, I swear it on the token of Al-Jabal. And bending forward, she touched the ring in Godwin's hand. But remember that for the future I cannot answer. Godwin and Wolf looked at each other, then Godwin replied, I think that we will trust you and stay.

Words at which she smiled a little as though she were pleased, then said, Now if you wish to walk abroad guests Peter and John, I will summon the slave to guide you, and in four days we will talk more of this matter of your journey, which until then had best be forgotten. So the man came, armed with his sword, and led them out. clad in their pilgrim's robes through the streets of this eastern town

where everything was so strange that for a while they forgot their troubles in studying the new life about them. They noted, moreover, that though they went into quarters where no franks were to be seen and where fierce-looking servants of the prophet stared at them sourly,

the presence of this slave of Messouda seemed to be sufficient to protect them from affront, since on seeing him even the turbaned Saracens nudged each other and turned aside. In due course they came to the inn again, having met no one whom they knew, except two pilgrims who had been their fellow passengers on the Drumon. These men were astonished when they said that they had been through the Saracen quarter of the city, where, although this town was in the hands of the Christians, it was scarcely thought safe for Franks to very without a strong guard.

When the brethren were back in their chamber, seated at the far end of it, and speaking very low, lest they should be overheard, they consulted together long and earnestly as to what they should do. This was clear. They and something of their mission were known, and doubtless notice of their coming would soon be given to the Sultan's Saladin. From the king and great Christian lords in Jerusalem,

they could expect little help, since to give it might be to bring about an open rupture with Saladin, such as the Franks dreaded, and for which they were ill-prepared. Indeed, if they went to them, it seemed likely that they would be prevented from stirring in this dangerous search for a woman who was the niece of Saladin, and for aught they knew thrown into prison,

or shipped back to Europe. True, they might try to find their way to Damascus alone. But if the Sultan was warned of their coming, would he not cause them to be killed upon the road, or cast into some dungeon where they would languish out their lives? The more they spoke of these matters, the more they were perplexed. Till at length Godwin said, Brother, our uncle bade us earnestly to seek out this al-Jabal, and though it seems to do so is very dangerous, I think that we at best obey him.

who may have been given foresight at the last when all paths are full of thorns what matter which you tread a good saying answered wolf i am weary of doubts and troublings let us follow our uncle's will and visit this old man of the mountains to do which i think the widow masuda is the woman to help us if we die on that journey well at least we shall have done are best. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of the Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy. The horses flame and smoke. On the following morning, when they came into the eating room of the inn, Godwin and Wolf found they were no longer alone in the house, for sundry other guests sat there partaking of their morning meal. A Among them were a grave merchant of Damascus, another from Alexandria in Egypt, a man who seemed to be an Arab chief, a Jew of Jerusalem, and none other than the English trader Thomas of Ipswich, their fellow passenger, who greeted them warmly. Truly they seemed a strange and motley set of men, considering them as the young and stately widow, Massouda moved from one to the other, talking to each in turn.

while she attended to their wants. It came into Godwin's mind that they might be spies, meeting there to gain or exchange information, or even to make report to their hostess, in whose pay perhaps they were. Still, if so, of this they showed no sign. Indeed, for the most part, they spoke in French, which all of them understood, on general matters,

such as the heat of the weather, the price of transport animals or merchandise, and the cities whither they purpose to travel. The trader Thomas, it appeared, had intended to start for Jerusalem that morning with his goods, but the riding-mule he had bought proved to be lame from a prick in the hoof, nor were all his hired camels come down from the mountains, so that he must wait a few days, or so he said. under these circumstances he offered the brethren his company in their ramblings about the town. This they thought it wise not to refuse, although they felt little confidence in the man,

believing that it was he who had found out their story and true names, and revealed them to Masuda, either through talkativeness or with a purpose. However these things might be, this Thomas proved of service to them, since although he was but just landed, he seemed to know all that had passed in Syria since he left it, and all that was passing then. Thus he told them how Guy of Lucignor had just made himself king in Jerusalem

on the death of the child Baldwin, and how Raymond of Tripoli refused to acknowledge him and was about to be besieged in Tiberius. How Saladin also was gathering a great host at Damascus to make war upon the Christians, and many other things false and true. In his company then, and sometimes in that of the other guests, none of whom showed any curiosity concerning them, though whether this was from good manners or for other reasons they could not be sure,

the brethren passed the hours profitably enough. It was on the third morning of their stay that their hostess Masuda, with whom as yet they had no further private talk, asked them if they had not said that they wished to buy horses. On their answering, yes, she added that she had told a certain man to bring two for them to look at, which were now in the stable beyond the garden. Thither they went, accompanied by Masuda, to find a grave Arab wrapped in a garment of camel's hair and carrying a spear in his hand, standing at the door of the cave, which served the purpose of a stable, as is common in the east where the heat is so great.

As they advanced towards him, Masuda said, If you like the horses, leave me to bargain, and seem to understand nothing of my talk. The Arab who took no notice of them, saluted Masuda, and said to her in Arabic, Is it then for Franks that I've been ordered to bring the two priceless ones? What is that to you, my uncle, son of the sand? she asked. Let them be led forth that I may know whether they are those for which I sent? The man turned and called into the door of the cave. Flame come hither.

As he spoke there was a sound of hooves, and through the low archway leapt the most beautiful horse that ever their eyes had seen. It was grey in colour, with flowing mane and tail, and on its forehead was the black star, not over tall, but with a barrel-like shape of great strength, small-headed, large-eyed, wide nostrils, big-boned, but fine beneath the knee, and round hoofed. out it sprang snorting then seeing its master the arab checked itself and stood still by him as though it had been turned to stone come hither smoke called the arab again and another horse appeared and ranged itself by the first in size and shape it was the same but the colour was coal-black and the star upon its forehead white also the eye was more fiery These are the horses, said the Arab, Masuda, translating.

They are twins, seven years old and never backed until they were rising six, cast at a birth by the swiftest may in Syria and of a pedigree that can be counted for a hundred years. Horses indeed, said Wolf. Horses indeed. But what is the price? of them. Masuda repeated the question in Arabic, whereon the man replied in the same tongue with a slight shrug of the shoulders.

Be not foolish. You know this is no question of price, for they are beyond price. Say what you will. He says, said Musuda, that it is a hundred gold pieces for the pair. Can you pay as much? the brethren looked at each other the sum was large such horses have saved men's lives ere now added musuda and i do not think that i can ask him to take less seeing that did he but know it in jerusalem they could be sold for thrice as much but if you wish i could lend you the money since doubtless you have jewels or other articles of value you could give a security that ring in your breast for instance, Peter, we have the gold itself, answered Wolf, who would have paid to his last

peace for those horses. They buy, said Masuda. They buy, but can they ride? Ask the Arab. These horses are not for children or pilgrims. Unless they can ride well, they shall not have them. No, not even if you ask it of me. Godwin said that he thought so, at least they would try.

Then the Arab, leaving the horses standing there, went into the stable, and with the help of two of the inservants brought out bridles and saddles, unlike any they had seen. They were but thickly quilted pads, stretching far back upon the horse's loyens, with strong-hired girths strapped with wool, and chased stirrups fashioned like half-hoves. The bits also were only snaffles without curbs. When all was ready and the stirrups had been let down to the length they desired, the Arab motioned to them to mount.

As they prepared to do so, however, he spoke some word, and suddenly those meek, quiet horses were turned into two devils, which reared up on their hind legs and threatened them with their teeth and their front hooves that was shodd with thin plates of iron. Godwin stood wondering, but Wolf, who was angry at the trick, got behind the horses, and watching his chance, put his hands upon the flanks of the stallion named Smoke, and with one spring leapt into the saddle.

Masuda smiled, and even the Arab muttered, Good. While Smoke, feeling himself backed, came to the ground again and became quiet as a sheep. Then the Arab spoke to the horse flame, and Godwin was allowed to vault into the saddle also. Where shall we go? he asked. Masuda said they would show them,

and accompanied by her and the Arab, they walked the horses until they were quite clear of the town, to find themselves on a road that had the sea to the left and to the right a stretch of flat land, some of it cultivated, above which rose the steep and stony sides of hills. Here on this road, the brethren trotted and cantered the horses to and fro, till they began to be at home in their strange saddles, who from childhood had ridden bare-backed in the Essex marshes,

and to learn what pressure on the bit was needed to check or turn them. When they came back to where the pair stood, Masuda said that if they were not afraid, the cellar wished to show them that the horses were both strong and swift. We fear no ride that he dares to take himself, answered Wolf angrily, whereon the Arab smiled grimly, and said something in a low voice to Masuda. Then placing his hand upon Smoke's flank,

he leapt up behind Wolf, the horse never stirring. say, Peter, are you minded to take a companion for this ride? asked Massouda, and as she spoke, a strange look came into her eyes, a wild look that was new to the brethren. Surely, answered Godwin, but where is the companion? Her reply was to do as the Arab had done, and seating herself straddle-legged behind Godwin to clasp him around the middle. truly you look a pretty pilgrim now brother said wolf laughing aloud while even the grave arabs smiled and godwin muttered between his teeth the old proverb woman on croup devil on bow but aloud he said i am indeed honoured yet friend masuda if harm should come of this do not blame me no harm will come to you friend Peter, and I have been so long cooped in and in that I, who am desert-born, wish for a gallop on the mountains, with a good horse beneath me and a brave knight in front. Listen, you brethren, you say you do not fear.

Then leave your bridles loose, and where ere we go, and what ere we meet, seek not to check or turn the horses flame and smoke. now son of the sand we will test these nags of which you sing so loud a song away and let the ride be fast and far on your head it be then daughter answered the old arab pray allah that these franks can sit a horse then his sombre eyes seemed to take fire and gripping the encircling saddle girth he uttered some word of command, at which the stallions threw up their heads and began to move at a long, swinging gallop towards the mountains a mile away. At first they went over cultivated land, of which the crops had been already cut, taking two or three ditches and a low wall in their stride, so smoothly that the brethren felt as though they were seated upon swallows. Then came a space of sandy's sword, half a mile or more, where their pace quickened, after which they began to breast the long slope of a hill,

picking their way among its stones like cats. Ever steeper it grew, till in places it was so sheer that Godwin must clutch the mane of flame, and Musudamus cling close to Godwin's middle to save themselves from slipping off behind. Yet notwithstanding the double weights they bore, those gallant steeds never seemed to falter or to tire. At one spot they plunged through a mountain stream.

Godwin noted that not 50 yards to their right, this stream fell over a little precipice, cutting its way between cliffs, which were full 18 feet from bank to bank, and thought to himself that had they struck it lower down, that ride must have ended. beyond the stream lay a hundred yards or so of level ground and above it still steeper country up which they pushed their way through bushes till at length they came to the top of the mountain and saw the plain they had left lying two miles or more below them these horses climb hills like goats wolf said but one thing is certain we must lead them down now on top of the mountain was a stretch of land almost flat and stoneless

over which they cantered forward gathering speed as the horses recovered their wind till the pace grew fast suddenly the stallions threw themselves on to their haunches and stopped as well they might for they were on the verge of a chasm, at whose far foot a river brawled in foam. For a moment they stood, then at some word from the Arab, wheeled around, and bearing to the left, began to gallop back across the table-land, until they approached the edge of the mountainside, where the brethren thought that they would stop. But Masuda cried to the Arab, and the Arab cried to the horses, and wolf cried to Godwin in the English time. young. Show no fear, brother. Where they go, we can go. Pray God that the girths may hold, answered Godwin, leaning back against the breast of Masuda behind him. As he spoke, they began to

descend the hill, slowly at first, afterwards faster, and yet more fast, till they rushed downwards like a whirlwind. How did those horses keep their footing? They never knew, and certainly none that were bred in England could have done so. Yet never falling, never stumbling even, on they sped, taking great rocks in their stride. Till at length they reached the level piece of land above the stream, or rather above the cleft full 18 feet in width, at the foot of which that stream ran.

Godwin saw and turned cold. Were these folk mad that they would put double-laden horses at such a jump. If they hung back, if they missed their stride, or if they caught hoof or sprang short, swift death was their portion. But the old Arab, seated behind Wolf, only shouted aloud, and Musuda only tightened her round arms about Godwin's middle

and laughed in his ear. The horses heard the shout, and seeming to see what was before them, stretched out their long necks and rushed forward over the flat ground. Now they were on the edge of the terrible place, and like a man in a dream, God were noted the sharp, sheer lips of the cliff, the gulf between them, and the white foam of the stream a score of yards beneath. Then he felt the brave horse flame gather itself together,

and next instant fly into the air like a bird. also, and was this dream indeed, or even as they sped over that horrible pit, did he feel a woman's lips pressed upon his cheek? He was not sure. Who could have been at such a time with death beneath them? Perchance it was the wind that kissed him, or a lock of her loose hair which struck across his face. Indeed at the moment he thought of other things than women's lips, those of the black and yawning

golf, for instance. They swept through the air. The white foam vanished. They were safe. No, the hind feet of flame had missed their footing. They fell. They were lost. A struggle. How tight those arms clung about him. How close that face was pressed against his own. Lo, it was over. They were speeding down the hill, and alongside of the grey horse flame raced the black horse smoke. Wolf on its back, with eyes that seemed to be starting from his head, was shouting,

Adasi! Adasi! And behind him, turban gone and white burnous floating like a pennon on the air, the grim visaged Arab who also shouted. Swifter and yet swifter did ever horses gallop so fast. Swifter and yet swifter

till the air sang past them and the ground seemed to fly away beneath. The slope was done. They were on the flat. The flat was passed. They were in the fields. The fields were left behind and behold, side by side, with hanging heads and panting flanks. The horses' smoke and flame stood still upon the road.

Their sweating hides died red in the light of the sinking sun. the grip loosened from about godwin's middle it had been close on masuda's round and naked arms with a prince of the steel shirt beneath his tunic for she slipped to the ground and stood looking at them then she smiled one of her slow thrilling smiles gasped and said you ride well pilgrim peter and pilgrim john rides well also and these are good horses and ah that ride was worth the riding, even though death had been its end. Son of the sand, my uncle, what say you? That I grow old for such gallops, two-on-one horse with nothing to win. Nothing to win, said Miss Suda. I'm not so sure, and she looked at Godwin.

Well, you have sold your horses to pilgrims who can ride, and they have proved them, and I have had a doubt. change from my cooking in the inn, to which I must now get me back again. Wolf wiped the sweat from his brow, shook his head, and muttered. I always heard the east was full of madmen and devils. Now I know that it is true. But Godwin said nothing. They led the horses back to the inn, where the brethren groomed them down under the

direction of the Arab, that the gallant beasts might get used to them. which, after carrying them upon that fearful ride, they did readily enough. Then they fed them with chopped barley, ear and straw together, and gave them water to drink that had stood in the sun all day to warm, in which the Arab mixed flour and some white wine. Next morning at the dawn, they rose to see how flame and smoke fared after that journey. entering the stable they heard the sound of a man weeping and hidden in the shadow saw by the low light of the morning that it was the old Arab who stood with his back to them an arm around the neck of each horse which he kissed from time to time. Moreover, he talked aloud in his own tongue to them, calling them his children and saying that rather would he sell his wife and his sisters to the Franks.

but he added she has spoken why i know not and i must obey while at least they are gallant men and worthy of such steeds half i hoped that you and the three of us and my niece masuda the woman with a secret face and eyes that have looked on fear might perish in the cleft of the stream but it was not willed by allah So farewell flame, and farewell smoke, children of the desert, who are swifter than arrows, for never more shall I ride you in battle. Well, at least, I have others of your matchless blood. Then Godwin touched Wolf on the shoulder, and they crept away from the stable, without the Arab knowing that they had been there, for it seemed shameful to pry upon his grief. When they reached their room again, Godwin asked Wolf,

Why does this man sell us those noble steeds? Because his niece, Miss Souter, has bid him to do so, he answered. And why has she bitten him? Ah, replied Wolf. He called her the woman with a secret face and eyes that have looked on fear, didn't he? Well, for reasons that have to do with his family, perhaps, or with her secret. or us, with whom she plays some game of which we know neither the beginning nor the end. But, Brother Godwin, you are wiser than I. Why do you ask me these riddles? For my part, I do not

wish to trouble my head about them. All I know is that the game is a brave one, and I mean to go through with it, especially as I believe that this playing will lead us to Rosamond. May it lead us nowhere worse, answered Godwin, with something that. like a groan, for he remembered that dream of his, which he dreamed in mid-air between the edges of black rock with a bubbling foam beneath. But to Wolf he said nothing of this dream. When the sun was fully up, they prepared to go out again, taking with them the gold to pay the Arab, but on opening the door of their room they met Masuda, apparently about to knock on it. "'Wither go you, friends Peter and John, and so early?' she asked,

looking at them with a smile upon her beautiful face, that was so thrilling and seemed to hide so much mystery. Godwin thought to himself that it was like another smile, that on the face of the woman-headed stone sphinx, which they had seen set up in the marketplace of Beirut. to visit our horses and pay your uncle, the Arab, his money, answered Wolf. Indeed, I thought I saw you do the first an hour ago, and as for the second, it is useless. Son of the sand has gone. Gone? With the horses?

No, he has left them behind. Did you pay him then, lady? asked Godwin. It was easy to see that Masuda was. pleased at this courteous word, for her voice, which in general seemed a little hard, softened as she answered, for the first time giving him his own title. Why do you call me lady, Sir Godwin Darcy, who am but an innkeeper, for whom sometimes men find hard names? Well, perhaps I was a lady once before I became an innkeeper, but now I am the widow Massouda, as you are the pilgrim Peter.

Still, I thank you for this, bad guess of yours. Then stepping back a foot or two towards the door, which she had closed behind her, she made him a courtesy so full of dignity and grace that any who saw it must be sure that wherever she might dwell, Masuda was not bred in ends. when returned the boughed, doffing his cap, their eyes met, and in hers, he learned that he had no

treachery to fear from this woman, whatever else he might have to fear. Indeed, from that moment, however black and doubtful seemed the road, he would have trusted his life to her, for this was the message written there, a message which she meant that he should read. Yet at his heart, He felt terribly afraid. Wolf, who saw something of all this and guessed more, was also afraid. He wondered what Rosamond would have thought of it, if she had seen that strange and turbulent look in the eyes of this woman, who had been a lady and was an innkeeper,

of one who men call spy, and daughter of Satan, and child of Aljabal. to his fancy that look was like a flash of lightning upon a dark night which for a second illumines some magical unguessed landscape after which comes the night again blacker than before now the woulda masuda was saying in a usual somewhat hard voice no i did not pay him at the last he would take no money but having passed it neither would he break his word to knights who rides so well and boldly so i made a bargain with him on behalf of both of you which i expect that you will keep since my good faith is pledged and this arab is a chief and my kinsman It is this, that if you and these horses should live, and the time comes when you have no more need of them, you will cause it to be cried in the marketplace of whatever town is nearest to you, by the voice of the public crier, that for six days they stand to be returned to him who lent them. then if he comes not they can be sold which must not be sold or given away to anyone without this proclamation do you consent i answered both of them but wolf added only we should like to know why the arab son of the sand who is your kinsman trusts his glorious horses to us in this fashion your breakfast is served my guests, answered Masuda, in tones that rang like the clash of metal, so steely were

they, whereon Wolf shook his head and followed her into the eating room, which was now empty again, as it had been on the afternoon of their arrival. Most of that day they spent with their horses. In the evening, this time unaccompanied by Masuda, they rode out for a little way, though rather doubtfully, since they were not sure that these beasts, which seemed to be almost human, would not take the bits between their teeth and rush with them

back to the desert whence they came. But although from time to time they looked about them for their master, the Arab, winning as they looked, this they did not do, or show vice of any kind. Indeed, two ladies' palfries

could not have been more quiet. So the brethren brought them home again, groomed, fed, and fondled them, while they pricked their ears, sniffing them all over, as though they knew that these were their new lords, and wished to make friends of them. The morrow was as Sunday, and attended by Masuda's slave, without whom she would not suffer them to walk in the town, the brethren went to Mass in the big church, which once had been a mosque, wearing pilgrim's robes over their mail. Do you not accompany us who are of the faith? asked Wolf. Nay, answered Masuda, I'm in no mood to make confession. This day I count my beads at home.

So they went alone, and mingling with a crowd of humble persons at the back of the church, which was large and dim, watched the knights and priests of various nations. struggling for precedence of place beneath the dome. Also they heard the bishop of the town preach a sermon from which they learnt much. He spoke at length of the Great Coming War with Saladin, whom he named Antichrist. Moreover, he prayed them all to compose their differences and prepare for that awful struggle, lest in the end the cross of their master should be trampled underfoot of the Saracen. His soldiers slain, his fains desecrated, and his people slaughtered or driven into the sea.

Words of warning that were received in heavy silence. Four full days have gone by. Let us ask our hostess if she has any news for us, said Wolf as they walk back to the inn. Aye, we will ask her, answered Godwin. As it chanced there was no need. for when they entered their chamber, they found Masuda standing in the centre of it, apparently lost in thought. I have come to speak with you, she said, looking up.

Do you still wish to visit the Sheikh al-Jabal? They answered, yes. Good. I have leave for you to go, but I counsel you not to go, since it is dangerous. Let us be open with one another. I know your object. I knew it an hour before ever you set foot upon the shore, and that is why you were brought to my house. You would seek the help of the Lord Sinan against Salahedin,

for whom you hoped to rescue a certain great lady of his blood, who is your kinswoman, and whom both of you desire in marriage. You see, I have learnt that also, well, this land is full of spies, who travel to and from Europe and make report of all things to those who pay them enough. For instance, I can say it,

as you will not see him again, the trader Thomas, with whom you stayed in this house, is such a spy. To him your story has been passed on by other spies in England, and he passed it on to me. Are then you a spy also,

as the porter called you? asked Wolf outright. I am what I am, she answered coldly. Perhaps I also have sworn oaths and serve as you serve. Who my master is or why I do so is naught to you, but I like you well, and we have ridden together, a wild ride. Therefore I warn you, though perhaps I should not say so much, that the Lord Aljabal is one who takes payment for what he gives,

and that this business may cost you your lives. You warned us against Saladin also, said Godwin. So what is left to us if we may dare a visit to neither? She shrugged her shoulders. To take service under one of the great Frankish lords and wait a chance that will never come, or better still, to sow some cockle-shells into your hats, go home as holy men who have made the pilgrimage,

marry the richest wives that you can find. and forget masuda the widow and aljabal and salarhidin and the lady about whom he has dreamed a dream only then she added in a changed voice remember you must leave the horse's flame and smoke behind you we wish to ride those horses said wolf likely and godwin turned on her with anger in his eyes you seem to know our story he said and the mission to which we are sworn. What sort of knights do you think us, then, that you offer us counsel which is fitter for those spies from which you learned your tidings? You talk of our lives. Well, we hold our lives in trust,

and when they are asked of us we will yield them up, having done all that we may do. Well spoken, answered Masuda. ill should I have thought of you had you said otherwise. But why would you go to Al Jabil? Because our uncle at his death bade us to do so without fail and having no other counsel we will take that of his spirit

let come what may. Well spoken again. Then to Al Jabil you shall go and let come what may to all three of us. To all three of us, said Wolf, what then is your part in this matter? I do not know, but perhaps more than you think. At least I must be your guide. Do you mean to betray us? asked Wolf bluntly. She drew herself up and looked him in the eyes till he grew red, then said,

Ask your brother if he thinks that I mean to betray you. No, I mean to save you, if I can. And it comes into my mind that before all is done you will need saving, who speak so roughly to those who would befriend you. Nay, answer not. It is not strange that you should doubt. Pilgrims to the fearful shrine of Aljabal, if it pleases you, we will ride at.

nightfall. Do not trouble about food and such matters, I will make the preparation, but we go alone and secretly. Take only your arms and what garments you may need. The rest I will store, and for it give you my receipt. Now I go to make things ready. See, I pray of you that the horses flame and smoke are saddled by sunset. At sun down, accordingly, the brethren stood waiting in their room. They were fully armed beneath their rough pilgrim's robes, even to the butlers which had been hidden in their baggage. Also the saddlebags of carpet, which Masuda had given them,

were packed with such things as they must take, the rest having been handed over to her keeping. Presently the door opened, and a young man stood before them, clothed in the rough camel-hair garment or burnous, which is common in the east. What do you want? asked Godwin. I want you, brothers Peter and John, was the reply, and they saw that the slim young man was Missuda. What, you English innocence?

Do you not know a woman through a camel-hair cloak? She added, as she led the way to the stable. Well, so much the better, for it shows that my disguise is. good. Henceforth, be pleased to forget the widow Masuda, and, until we reach the land of Al-Jabal, to remember that I am your servant, a half-breed from Jaffa named David, of no religion, or of all. In this stable the horses stood saddled, and near to them another, a good Arab, and two laden supreme mules, but no attendant was to be seen. They brought them out and mounted. Musuda riding like a man and leading the mules, of which the head of one was tied to the tail of the other.

Five minutes later they were clear of Beirut, and through the solemn twilight hush, followed the road whereon they had tried the horses, towards the dog river, three leagues away, which Masuda said they would reach by Munraise. Soon it grew very dark, and she rode alongside of them to show them the path, but they did not talk to. much. Wolf asked her who would take care of the inn while she was absent, to which she answered sharply that the inn would take care of itself and no more. Picking their way along the stony road, at a slow amble, they crossed the bed of two streams, then almost dry, till at length they heard running water, sounding above that of the slow wash of the sea to their left, and Masuda bade them halt. So they waited, until presently the moon rose in a clear sky, revealing a wide river in front, the pale ocean a hundred feet beneath them to the left, and to the right great mountains,

along the face of which their path was cut. So bright was it that Godwin could see strange shapes, carven on the sheer face of the rock, and beneath them writing which he could not read. What are these? he asked Masuda. The tablets of kings, she answered, whose names are written in your holy book, who ruled Syria and Egypt thousands of years ago. They were great in their day when they took this land, greater even than Salaridin, and now those seals which they set upon this rock are all that is left of them.

Godwin and Wolf stared at the weather-worn sculptures, and in the silence of that moonlit place there arose in their minds of their minds of vision of the mighty armies, of different tongues and peoples who had stood in their pride on this road, and looked upon yonder river and the great stone wolf that guarded it, which wolf, so said the legend, howled at the approach of foes, but now he howled no more, for he lay headless beneath the waters, and there he lies to this day. While they were dead, every one of them, and even their deeds were forgotten. And, oh, how small the thought of it made them feel,

these two young men bent upon a desperate quest in a strange and dangerous land. Masuda read what was passing in their hearts, and as they came to the brink of the river, pointed to the bubbles that chased each other towards the sea, bursting and forming again before their eyes. Such are we, she said briefly. But the ocean is always yonder, and the river is always here, and of fresh bubbles there will always be a plenty.

So dance on life's water while you may, in the sunlight, in the moonlight, beneath the storm, beneath the stars, for ocean calls and bubbles burst. Now follow me, for I know the ford. And at this season the stream is not deep. Pilgrim Peter, ride you at my side in the side, and case I should be washed from the saddle, and pilgrim John, come you behind, and if they hang back, prick the mules with your sword point. Thus then they entered the river, which many might have feared to do at night, and although one saw twice the water rose to their saddles, and the mules were stubborn in the swift stream, in the end gained the further bank in safety. thence they pursued their path through the mountains till at length the sun rose and they found

themselves in a lonely land where no one was to be seen. Here they halted in a grove of oaks, off-saddled their animals, tethered and fed them with barley which they had brought upon a mule and ate of the food that Masuda had provided. Then having secured the beasts they lay down to sleep, all three of them, since Masuda said that here there was nothing to fear, and being wary, slept on till the heat of noon was past, when once more they fed the horses and mules, and having dined themselves, set forward upon their way. Now they rode, if road it could be called, for they could see none, ran ever upwards through rough mountainous country, where seemed to dwell neither man nor beast. At sunset they

haltered again, and at moonrise went forward till the night turned towards morning, when they came to a place where was a little cave. Before they reached this spot, of a sudden the silence of those lonely hills was broken by a sound of roaring, not very near to them, but so loud and so long that it echoed and re-echoed from the cliff. At it the horse's flame and smoke pricked their ears and trembled. while the mules strove to break away and run back. What is that? asked Wolf, who had never heard it's like. Lions, answered Masuda.

We draw near the country where there are many of them, and therefore shall do well to halt presently, since it is best to pass through that land in daylight. So when they came to the cave, having heard no more of the lion or lions, they unsaddled there, proposing to put the horses into it, where they would be safe from the attack of any such ravening beast. But when they tried to do this, smoke and flames spread out their nostrils, and setting their feet firm before them, refused to enter the place, about which there was an evil smell. Perhaps jackals have been here, said Masuda.

Let us tether them all in the open. This then they did, building a fire in front of them with dry wood that lay about plenty, for here grew somber cedar trees. The brethren sat by this fire, but the night being hot, Masuda laid herself down about fifteen paces away under a cedar tree, which grew almost in front of the mouth of the cave, and slept, being tired with long riding. Wolf slept also, since Godwin had agreed to keep watch for the first,

part of the night. For an hour or more he sat close by the horses and noted that they fed uneasily and would not lie down. Soon however he was lost in his own thoughts and as he heard no more of the lions fell to wandering over the strangeness of their journey and of what the end of it might be. He wondered also about Masuda who she was, how she came to know so much, why she befriended them if she really was a friend of them if she really was a friend, and other things, for instance, of that leap over the sunken stream. And whether, no, surely he had been mistaken, her eyes had never looked at him like that. Why, he was sleeping at his post, and the eyes in the darkness yonder were not those of a woman.

Women's eyes were not green and gold. They did not grow large, then lessen and vanish away. Godwin sprang to his feet, as he thought there were no eyes. He had dreamed that was all. So he took cedar boughs and threw them onto the fire, where soon they flared gloriously, which done he sat himself down again close to Wolf, who was lost in heavy slumber.

The night was very still, and the silence so deep that it pressed upon him like a weight. He could bear it no longer, and rising began to walk up and down in front of the cave, drawing his sword and holding it in his hand as centuries do. Masuda lay upon the ground, with her head pillowed on a saddlebag, and the moonlight fell through the cedar boughs upon her face. Godwin stopped to look at it and wondered that he had never noted before how beautiful she was.

Perhaps it was but the soft and silvery light which clothed those delicate features with so much mystery and charm. She might be dead, not sleeping. But even as he thought this, life came into her face. Colours stole up beneath the pale olive-hued skin, the red lips opened, seeming to mutter some words,

and she stretched out her rounded arms as though to clasp a vision of her dream. Godwin turned aside. It seemed not right to watch her thus. although in truth he had only come to know that she was safe. He went back to the fire, and lifting a cedar bough, which blazed like a torch in his left hand, was about to lay it down again on the centre of the flame, when suddenly he heard the sharp and terrible cry of a woman in an agony of pain or fear,

and at the same moment the horses and mules began to plunge and snort. In an instant, the blazing bough still in his hand, he was back by the cave, and lo there before him, the form of Masuda hanging from its jaws, stood a great yellow beast, which, although he had never seen its like, he knew must be a lioness. It was heading for the cave, then catching sight of him, turned, and bounded away in the direction of the fire, purposing to re-enter the wood beyond. But the woman in its mouth cumbered it and running swiftly. Godwin came face to face with a brute just opposite the fire.

He hurled the burning bar at it, whereon it dropped Masuda, and rearing itself straight upon its hind legs, stretched out its claws, and seemed about to fall on him. For this Godwin did not wait. He was afraid, indeed, who had never before fought lions, but he knew that he must do or die. Therefore he charged straight at it, and with all the strength of his strong arm drove his long sword into the yellow beast, till it seemed to him that the steel vanished, and he could see nothing but the hilt.

Then a shock, a sound of furious snarling, and down he went to earth, beneath a soft and heavy weight, and there his senses left him. When they came back again, something soft was still upon. his face, but this proved to be only the hand of Masuda, who bathed his brow with a cloth dipped in water, while wolf chafed his hands. Godwin sat up and in the light of the new risen sun, saw a dead lioness lying before him, its breasts still transfixed with his own sword. So I saved you, he said faintly. Yes, you saved me, answered Masuda.

and kneeling down she kissed his feet, then rising again, with her long soft hair, wiped away the blood that was running from a wound in his arm. End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 of The Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. The Slibervox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy. On board the galley, Rosamond was led from the hall of steeple across the meadow, down to the key at Steeple Creek, where a great boat waited, that of which the brethren had found

the impress in the mud. In this the band embarked, placing their dead and wounded, with one or two to tend them, in the fishing skiff that had belonged to her father. This skiff, having been made fast to the stern of the boat, they pushed off, and in utter silence rode down the creek till they reached the tidal stream of the black water, where they turned their bow seawwards. Through the thick night and the falling snow, slowly they felt their way along, sometimes rowing, sometimes drifting, while the false Palmer Nicholas steered them. The journey proved dangerous, for they could scarcely see the shore, although they kept as close to it as they dared. The end of it was that they grounded on a mudbank and, do what they would, could not thrust themselves free.

Now hope rose in the heart of Rosamond, who sat still as a statue in the middle of the boat, the Prince Hassan at her side, and the armed men, 20 or 30 of them, all about her. Perhaps she thought they would remain fast there till daybreak and be seen and rescued when the brethren woke from their drugged sleep. But Hassan read her mind and said to her gently enough, Be not deceived, lady, for I must tell you that if the worst comes to the worst, we shall place you in the little skiff and go on, leaving the rest to take their chance. As it happened, at the full tide, they floated off the bank and drifted with the ebb down towards the sea. At the first break of dawn, looked up, and there looming large in the mist lay a galley, anchored in the mouth of the river.

Giving thanks to Allah for their safe arrival, the band brought her aboard and led her towards the cabin. On the poop stood a tall man, who was commanding the sailors that they should get up the anchor. As she came, he advanced to her, bowing and saying, Lady Rosamond, thus you find me once more. Who doubtless you never thought to see again. She looked at him in the faint light, and her blood went cold. It was the night, Lauselle. You here, Sir Hugh, she gasped.

Where you are, there I am, he answered with a sneer upon his coarse, handsome face. did I not swear that it should be so, beauteous Rosamund, after your saintly cousin worsted me in the fray? You here? She repeated. You, a Christian knight, and in the pay of Saladin.

In the pay of anyone who leads me to you, Rosamond. Then seeing the Emerha-Gasan approach, he turned to give some orders to the sailors, and she passed on to the cabin and in her agony fell upon her knees. When Rosamond rose from them, she felt that the ship was moving and desiring to look her last on Essex land went out again upon the poop, where her son and Sir Hugh placed themselves one upon either side of her. Then it was that she saw the tower of St. Peter's on the wall,

and her cousins seated on horseback in front of him. the light of the risen sun shining upon their mail. Also she saw Wolf spur his horse into the sea and faintly heard his great cry of, Fear not, we follow, we follow! A thought came to her, and she sprang towards the bulwark, but they were watching and held her, so that all that she could do was to throw up her arms in token.

Now the wind caught the sail and the ship went forward swiftly, so that soon she lost sight of them then in her grief and rage rosamond turned upon sir hulazel and beat him with bitter words till he shrank before her coward and traitor she said so it was you who planned this knowing every secret of our home where often you were a guest you who for payne and gold have murdered my father not dare to show your face before he soared, but hanging like a thief upon the coast, ready to receive what braver men had stolen. Oh, may God avenge his blood and me on you, false knight, false to him and me, and faith and honour. As avenge he will. He heard you not what my kinsman call to me? We follow, we follow. Yes, they follow, and there's a vengeance he will. And there's a venge he will. Heard you not what my kinsman call to me. We follow. We follow. We follow. We follow. Yes, we follow. Yes, and there's swords, those swords you feared to look on, shall yet pierce your heart and give up your soul to your master, Satan.

And she paused, trembling with her righteous wrath, while her son stared at her and muttered, By Allah, a princess indeed. So have I seen Salaheddin look in his rage. Yes, and she has his very eyes. But Sir Hugh answered in a thick voice, Let them follow, one or both. I fear them not, and out there my foot will not slip in the snow. Then I say that it shall slip in the sand or on a rock, she answered,

and turning, fled to the cabin, and cast herself down and wept, till she thought that her heart would break. Well might Rosamond weep, whose bed. beloved sire was slain, who was torn from her home, to find herself in the power of a man she hated. Yet there was hope for her, Gassan. Eastern trickster, as he might be, was her friend, and her uncle Saladin, at least, would never wish that she should be shamed. Most like he knew nothing of this man, Lazzal, except as one of those Christian traitors who were ever ready to betray the cross for gold. But Saladin was far away, and her home lay behind her, and her cousins and lovers were eating out their hearts upon that faded shore, and she, one woman alone, was on this ship with the evil man Liselle, who thus had kept his promise, and there were none save Eastons to protect her, none save them, and God, who had permitted that such things should be.

The ship swayed. She grew sick and faint. Hassan brought her food with his own hands, but she loathed it who only desired to die. The day turned tonight, the night turned to day again, and always Hassan brought her food and strove to comfort her, till at length she remembered no more. Then came a long, long sleep, and in the sleep dreams of her father, standing with his face to the foe, and sweeping them down with his long sword as a sickle sweeps corn, of her father, felled by the pilgrim knave, dying upon the floor of his own house, and saying,

God will guard you, his will be done. Dreams of Godwin and Wolf, also fighting to save her, plighting their troths and swearing their oaths, and between the dreams, blackness, Rosamond awoke to feel the sun streaming warmly through the shutter of her cabin and to see a woman who held a cup in her hand watching her a start woman of middle age with a not unkindly face she looked about her and remembered all so she was still in the ship

whence come you she asked the woman from France lady this ship put in at Marseille and there i was hired to nurse one who lay sick which suited me very well as i wished to go to jerusalem to seek my husband and good money was offered me still had i known that they were all saracen on this ship i am not sure that i should have come that is except the captain sir hugh and the palmer nicholas though what they or you either are doing in such company i cannot guess what is your name asked rosamond idly marie marie beauchet my husband is a fishmonger or was until one of those crusading priests got hold of him and took him off to kill panems and save his soul much against my will well i promised him that if he did not return in five years i would come to look for him so here i am but where he may be is another matter it is brave of you to go said rosamond then added by an afterthought how long is it since we left marseille marie counted on her fat fingers and answered five nearly six weeks you have been wondering in your mind all that time, talking of many strange things, and we have called at three ports. I forget their names,

but the last one was an island with a beautiful harbour. Now in about 20 days, if all goes well, we should reach another island called Cyprus. But you must not talk so much, you must sleep. The Saracen called Hassan, who is a clever doctor, told me so. Sir Rosamond slept And from that time forward Floating on the calm Mediterranean Sea Her strength began to come back again rapidly Who was young and strong in body and constitution

Three days later she was helped to the deck Where the first man she saw was Hassan Who came forward to greet her with many eastern salutations And joy written on his dark wrinkled face I give thanks to Allah for your sake and my own, he said, for yours that you still live, whom I thought would die, and for myself that had you died, your life would have been required at my hands by Salaheddin, my master.

If so, he should have blamed Azrael, not you, answered Rosamund smiling, then suddenly turned cold, for before her was Sir Hugh Lazzal, who also. thanked heaven that she had recovered. She listened to him coldly, and presently he went away, but soon was at her side again. Indeed, she could never be free of him, for whenever she appeared on deck he was there, nor could he be repelled, since neither silence nor rebuff would stow him. Always he sat near, talking in his false, hateful voice, and devouring her with the greedy eyes which she could feel fixed upon her face. With him often was his jackal,

the false palmer Nicholas, who crawled about her like a snake and strove to flatter her, but to this man she would never speak a word. At last she could bear it no longer, and when her health had returned to her, summoned Hassan to her cabin. Tell me, prince, she said,

who rules upon this vessel? three people he answered bowing the knight sir hulazel who as a skilled navigator is the captain and rules the sailors i who rule the fighting men and you princess who rule us all then i command that the rogue named nicholas shall not be allowed to approach me is it to be born that i must associate with my father's murderer i fear that in that business we all had a hand nevertheless your order shall be obeyed to tell you the truth lady i hate the fellow who is but a common spy i desire also went on rosamond to speak no more with sir hulazel that is more difficult said chasanne since he is the captain whom my master ordered me to obey in all things that have to do with the ship. I have nothing to do with the ship, on Sir Droseman. And surely the princess of Baalbeck,

if so I am, may choose her own companions. I wish to see more of you and less of Sir Hugh Luzel. I am honoured, replied Gassan, and will do my best. For some days after this, although he was always watching her, Luzal approached Rosamond, but seldom, and whenever he did so, he found her son at her side, or rather standing behind her like a guard. At length as it chanced, the prince was taken with a sickness from drinking bad water, which held him to his bed for some days, and then Lazel found his opportunity.

Rosamond strove to keep her cabin, to avoid him, but the heat of the summer's sun in the Mediterranean, drove her out of it to a place beneath an awning on the poop, where she sat with a woman Marie. Here La Zelle approached her, pretending to bring her food or to inquire after her comfort, but she would answer him nothing. At length, since Marie could understand what he said in French, he addressed her in Arabic, which he spoke well, but she feigned not to understand him. Then he used the English tongue as it was talked among the common people in Essex and said, Lady, how sorely you must judge me. What is my crime against you?

I am an Essex man of good lineage who met you in Essex and learned to love you there. Is that a crime in one who is not poor, who, moreover, was knighted for he. his deeds by no mean hand. Your father said me nay, and you said me nay, and stung by my disappointment and his words, for he called me sea thief and raked up old tales that are not true against me. I talked as I should not have done, swearing that I would wed you yet in spite of all. for this I was called to account with justice And your cousin, the young knight Godwin, Who was then a squire, struck me in the face

Well, he worsted and wounded me, fortune favouring him And I departed with my vessel to the east For that is my business to trade between Syria and England. Now as it chanced, there being peace at that time between the Sultan and the Christians. I visited Damascus to buy merchandise. Whilst I was there, Saladin sent for me and asked if it were true that I belonged to a part of England called Essex. When I answered yes, he asked if I knew Sir Andrew Darcy and his daughter. Again I said yes. Whereon he told me that strange tale of you.

your kinship with him, of which I had heard already, also a still stranger tale, of some dream that he had dreamed concerning you, which made it necessary that you should be brought to his court, where he was minded to raise you to great honour. In the end, he offered to hire my finest ship for a large sum, if i would sail it to england and fetch you but he did not tell me that any force was to be used and i on my part said that i would lift no hand against you or your father nor indeed have i done so who remembered the swords of godwin and wolf broken rosamond scornfully and preferred that braver men should face them lady on said Liselle colouring. Hitherto none have accused me of a lack of courage.

Of your courtesy, listen, I pray you. I did wrong to enter on this business. But lady, it was love for you that drove me to it. For the thought of this long voyage in your company was a bait I could not withstand. Payneum gold was the bait you could not withstand. That is what you mean. Be brief, I pray you, I weary. Lady, you are harsh and misjudge me as I will show.

And he looked about him cautiously. Within a week from now, if all goes well, we cast anchor at Limazole in Cyprus to take in food and water before we run to a secret port near Antioch. whence you are to be taken over land to Damascus, avoiding all cities of the Franks. Now the Emperor Isaac of Cyprus is my friend, and over him Saladin has no power. Once in his court you would be safe until such time as you found opportunity to return to England. This then is my plan that you should be safe.

escape from the ship at night, as I can arrange. And what is your payment? She asked. Who are a merchant knight? My payment lady is yourself. In Cyprus we will be wed. Oh, think before you answer. At Damascus many dangers await you.

With me you will find safety, and a Christian husband who loves you well, so well that for your sake he is willing to lose his ship and what is more to break faith with Saladin whose arm is long have done she said coldly sooner will i trust myself to an honest Saracen than to you so Hugh who spurs if you met your dessert should be hacked from your heels by Scullions yes sooner would i take death for my Lord than you, who for your own base ends devised the plot that brought my father to his murder, and me to slavery, have done, I say, and never dare again to speak of love to me. And rising she walked past him to her cabin. But Lazel, looking after her muttered to himself, Nay, fair lady, I have but begun, nor will I.

forget your bitter words for which you shall pay the merchant night in kisses. From her cabin Rosamond sent a message to Hassan, saying that she would speak with him. He came, still pale with illness, and asked her will, whereon she told him what had passed between Lizal and herself, demanding his protection against this man. Hassan's eyes flashed. yonder he stands he said alone will you come with me and speak to him she bowed her head and giving her his hand he led her to the poop sir captain he began addressing lazal the princess here tells me a strange story that you have dared to offer your love to her by allah to her a niece of salaridin What of it, Sir Saracen? Answered Liselle insolently.

Is not a Christian knight fit mate for the blood of an Eastern chief? Had I offered her less than marriage, you might have spoken. You, answered Hassan with rage in his low voice, you, huckstering thief and renegade, who swear by Muhammad in Damascus, and by your prophet Jesus in England. I deny it not, I have heard you. As I have heard that rogue Nicholas, your servant,

you, her fit mate. Why were it not that you must guide this ship and that my master bade me not to quarrel with you till your task was done? I would behead you now, and cut from your throat the tongue that dared to speak such words. And as he spoke he spoke, gripped the handle of his scimitar.

Lizal quailed before his fierce eyes, for well he knew, Hassan, and knew also that if it came to fighting, his sailors were no match for the Emir, and his picked Saracens. When our duty is done, you shall answer for those words, he said, trying to look brave.

By Allah, I hold you to the promise, replied Hassan, before Salaridin, I will answer for them, when and where you will, as you shall answer to him for your treachery. Of what then am I accused? asked LaZal. Of loving the Lady Rosamond, as do all men, perhaps yourself, old and withered as you are among them. A, and for that crime I will repay you, old and with it as I am, Sir Renegade. But with Salachidin you have another score to settle, that by promising her escape you tried to seduce her from the ship, where you were sworn to guard her, saying that you would find her refuge among the Greeks of Cyprus.

Were this true, replied Luzel, the Sultan might be able to. have cause of complaint against me, but it is not true. Harken, since speak, I must. The Lady Rosamond prayed me to do this deed, and I told her that for my honour's sake, it is not possible, although it was true that I loved her now as always, and would dare much for her. Then she said that if I did but save her from you Saracens, I should not go without my reward, since she would wed me. Again, although it cost me sore, I answered that it might not be, but when once I had brought my ship to land, I was her true knight, and being freed of my oath would do my best to save her. Princess, you here, said Hassan, turning to Rosamund.

What say you? I say, she answered coldly, that this man lies to save himself. I say moreover that I answered to him, that sooner would I die than that he should lay a finger on me. I hold also that he lies, said Hassan. nay, unclasp that dagger if you would live to see another son. Here, I will not fight with you, but Salachidin shall learn all this case when we reach his court, and judge between the word of the princess of Balbeck and of his hired servant, the false Frank and pirate, Sir Hugh Luzel.

Let him learn it when we reach his court, answered Loselle with meaning, then added, have you ought else to say to me prince hassan because if not i must be attending to the business of my ship which you suppose that i was about to abandon to win a lady's smile only this that the ship is the sultans and not yours for he bought it from you and that henceforth this lady will be guarded day and night and doubly guarded when we come to the shores of cyprus where it seems that you have friends understand and remember i understand and certainly i will remember replied lazal and so they parted i think said rosamond when he had gone that we shall be fortunate if we land safe in syria that was in my mind also lady i think too that i have forgot my wisdom but my heart rose against this man, and being still weak from sickness, I lost my judgment,

and spoke what was in my heart, who would have done better to wait. Now perhaps it will be best to kill him, if it were not that he alone has the skill to navigate the ship, which is a trade that he has followed from his youth. Nay, let it go as Allah wills. He is just, and will bring the matter to judgment in due time.

Yes, but to what judgment? asked Rosamond. I hope to that of the sword, answered Hassan, as he bowed and left her. From that time onward, armed men watched all the night through before Rosamond's cabin, and when she walked the deck, armed men walked after her. Nor was she troubled by Lausel, who sought to speak with her no more, or to Hassan either. Only with a man Nicholas, he spoke much. at length upon one golden evening for lazal was a skilful pilot one of the best indeed who sailed those seas they came to the shores of cyprus and cast anchor before them stretched along the beach lay the white town of limousal with palm trees standing up amidst its gardens while beyond the fertile plain rose the mighty mountain range of trojdos sick and weary of the endless ocean

rosamond gazed with rapture at this green and beauteous shore the home of so much history and sighed to think that on it she might set no foot lazal saw her look and heard her sigh and as he climbed into the boat which had come out to row him into the harbour mocked her saying will you not change your mind lady and come with me to visit my friend the emperor isaac i swear that his court is gay not packed full of sour saracens or pilgrims thinking of their souls in cyprus they only make pilgrimages to pephos yonder where venus was born from outly foam and has reigned since the beginning of the world ay and will rain until its end rosamond made no answer and lazal descending into the boat was rode shorewards through the breakers by the dark-skinned Cyprian oarsmen, who wore flowers in their hair and sang as they laboured at the oars. For ten whole days they rolled off Limousal, although the weather was fair and the wind blew straight for Syria. When Rosamund asked why they bided there

so long, Hassan stamped his foot and said it was because the emperor refused to supply them with more food or water than was sufficient for their daily need, unless he, Hassan, would land and travel to an inland town called Nicosia, where his court lay, and they do homage to him. This, senting a trap, he feared to do, nor could they put out his sea without provisions. Can not Sir Hugh Lazzal see to it? asked Rosamond. doubtless if he will, answered Hassan, grinding his teeth, but he swears that he is powerless. So there they bowed day after day,

baked by the sweltering summer sun, and rocked to and fro on the long ocean rollers, till their hearts grew sick within them, and their bodies also, for some of them were seized with a fever common to the shores of Cyprus, of which two died. Now and again some officer would come off from the shore with Luzal and a little food and water, and bargain with them, saying that before they once was supplied,

the Prince Hassan must visit the emperor and bring with him the fair lady who was his passenger, whom he desired to see. Hassan would answer no and double the guard about Rosamund, for at nights boats appeared that cruised round them. In the daytime also bands of men, fantastically dressed in silks, and with them women, could be seen riding to and fro upon the shore and staring at them, as though they were striving to make up their minds to attack the ship. Then Hassan armed his grim Saracens and bade them stand in line upon the bulwarks,

drawn scimitar in hand, a sight that seemed to frighten the Cypriots. At least they always rode away towards the great square tower of Colossi. At length, Hassan could bear it no more. One morning, the Zal came off from Limousal, where he slept at night, bringing with him three Cyprian lords

who visited the ship, not to bargain as they pretended, but to obtain sight of the beauteous princess Rosamond. Thereon the common talk began of homage that must be paid before food was granted, failing which the emperor would bid his seamen

capture the ship. Hassan listened a while, then suddenly issued an order that the lords should be seized. Now, he said to Lazzal, bid your sailors haul up the anchor and let us be gone for Syria. But, answered the night, we have neither food nor water for more than one day.

I cannot, answered her son, as well die of thirst and starvation on the sea as rot here with fever. What we can bear these Sipran gallants can bear also. But the sailors lift the anchor and hoist the sail, or I lose my scimitars among them. now Lausel stamped and foamed but without a veil So he turned to the three lords who were pale with fear and said Which will you do find water and food for this ship or put it to sea without them which is but to die They answered that they would go ashore and supply all that was needful Nay said his son

you bide here until it comes. In the end then, this happened, for one of the Lord's chance to be a nephew of the Emperor, who, when he learned that he was captive, sent supplies in plenty. Thus it came about that the Cyprian lords, having been sent back with the last empty boat, within two days they were at sea again.

Now Rosamond missed the hated face of the spy, Nicholas and told Hassan, who made inquiry, to find, or so said La Zelle, that he went to shore and vanished there on the first day of their landing in Cyprus, though whether he had been killed in some brawl or fallen sick or hidden himself away, he did not know. Hassan shrugged his shoulders and Rosamund was glad enough to be rid of him, but in her heart she wondered for what evil purpose Nicholas had left the ship. When the galley was one day out from Cyprus, staring for the coast of Syria, they fell into a calm, such as is common in those seas in summer. This calm lasted eight whole days, during which they

made but little progress. At length when all were weary of staring at the oil-like sea, a wind sprang up that grew gradually to a gale blowing towards Syria, and before it they fled along swiftly. Worse and stronger grew that gale, till on the evening of the second day, when they seemed in no little danger of being pooped, they saw a great mountain far away, at the sight of which Lazel thanked God aloud. Are those the mountains near Antioch? asked her son. he answered. They are more than 50 miles south of them, between Ladiqia and Jabela. There, by the mercy of heaven,

is a good haven, for I have visited it, where we can lie till the storm is past. But we are steering for Darbesac, not for a haven near Jabela, which is a Frankish port, answered Hassan angrily. Then put the ship about,

and steer there yourself, said LaZal. And I promise you this, that within two hours every one of you will be dead at the bottom of the sea. Hassan considered, it was true, for then the waves would strike them broadside on, and they must fill and sink. On your head it be, he answered shortly. The dark fell. and by the light of the great lantern at their prow, they saw the white seas hissed past as they drove shorewards beneath bare masts,

for their dead hoist no sail. All that night they pitched and rolled till the startest of them fell sick, praying God and Allah that they might have light by which to enter the harbour. At length they saw the top of the loftiest mountain grow luminous with a coming door, although the land itself was still lost in shadow, and saw also that it seemed to be towering almost over them.

Take courage, cried Luzal. I think that we are saved, and he hoisted a second lantern at his masthead. Why they did not know. After this, the sea began to fall, only to grow rough again for a while as they crossed some bar, to find themselves in calm water, and on either side of them which appeared in the dim, uncertain light, to be the bush-clad banks of a river.

For a while they ran on, till the zeal called in a loud voice to the sailors to let the anchor go, and sent a messenger to say that all might rest now, as they were safe. So they laid them down and tried to sleep. But Rosamond could not see,

sleep. Presently she rose, and throwing on her cloak went to the door of the cabin and looked at the beauty of the mountains, rosy with a newborn light, and at the misty surface of the harbour. It was a lonely place, at least she could see no town or house, although they were lying not fifty yards from the tree-hidden shore. as she stood thus she heard the sound of boats being rowed through the mist and perceived three or four of these approaching the ship in silence perceived also that lazal who stood alone upon the deck was watching their approach now the first boat made fast and a man in the prow rose up and began to speak to lazal in a low voice as he did so the hood fell back from his head his head and Rosamond saw the face. It was that of the spy Nicholas. For a moment she stood amazed, for they had left this man in Cyprus. Then understanding came to her and she cried aloud. Treachery! Princess Son! There is treachery! As the words left her lips, fierce, wild-looking men, began to scramble aboard at the low waist of the galley, to which boat after boat made fast. The Saracens also tumbled from the benches where they slept, and ran aft to the deck where Rosamond was,

all except one of them, who was cut off in the prow of the ship. Prince Hussein appeared too, scimitar in hand, clad in his jeweled turban and coat of mail, but without his cloak, shouting orders as he could. came, while the hired crew of the ship flung themselves upon their knees and begged for mercy. To him Rosamond cried out that they were betrayed, and by Nicholas whom she had seen. Then a great man, wearing a white burnoose, and holding a naked sword in his hand, stepped forward and said in Arabic, yield you now, for you are outnumbered, and your captain is captured. And he pointed to Lausel, who was being held by two men while his arms were bound behind him.

In whose name do you bid me yield? asked the prince, glaring about him like a lion in a trap. In the dread name of Sinan, in the name of the Lord Al-Jabal, O servant of Salahedin. At these words a groan of fear went up even from the brave Saracens. for now they learned that they had to do with the terrible chief of the assassins. Is there then war between the Sultan and Sinan? asked Hassan. A, there is always war. Moreover, you have won with you, and he pointed to Rosamond, who is dear to Salarhetin, whom therefore my master desires as a hostage. how knew you that said Hassan to gain time while his men formed up how does the Lord Sinan know all things was the answer come yield and perhaps he will show you mercy

through spies is Hassan such spies as Nicholas who has come from Cyprus before us and that Frankish dog who is called a knight. And he pointed to Lausel. Nay, we yield not, and hear assassins. You have to do not with poisons and the knife, but with bare swords and brave men. I, and I warn you and your lord, that Salariddin will take vengeance for this deed.

Let him try it if he wishes to die. who hitherto has been spared, answered the tall man quietly. Then he said to his followers, cut them down, all save the woman. For the French woman Marie was now clinging to the arm of Rosamond. And Emir Ghassan, whom I am commanded to bring living to Masyaf. Back to your cabin, lady, said Hassan. And remember that what ear befalls we have done our best. best to save you. I, and tell it to my Lord that my honour may be clean in his eyes.

Now soldiers of Salaridin fight and die as he has taught you how. The gates of paradise stand open and no coward will enter there. They answered with a fierce, guttural cry. Then as Rosamond fled to the cabin, the fray began. a hideous fray on came the assassins with sword and dagger striving to storm the deck again and again they were beaten back till the waste seemed full of their corpses as man by man they fell beneath the curved cimitars and again and again they charged these men who when their master ordered knew neither fear nor pity but more boat-loads came from the shore and the Saracens were but few, worn also with storm and sickness, so at last Rosamond, peeping beneath her hand, saw that the poop was gained. Here and there a man fought on, until he fell beneath the cruel knives in the midst of the circle of the dead, among them the warrior prince, Hassan.

Watching him with fascinated eyes, as he strove alone against a host, Rosamond, was put in mind of another scene when her father, also alone, had striven thus against that Emir and his soldiers. And even then she bethought her of the justice of God.

See, his foot slipped on the blood-stained deck. He was down, and ere he could rise again, they had thrown cloaks over him, these fierce, silent men, who even were their lives at stake, remembered the command of their captain to take him living.

So living they took him, with not a wound upon his skin, who when he struck them down had never struck back at him, lest the command of Sinan should be broken. Rosamond noted it, and remembering that his command was also that she should be brought to him unharmed, knew that she had no violence to fear at the hands of these cruders. cruel murderers. From this thought, and because

her son still lived, she took some comfort as she might. It is finished, said the tall man in his cold voice. Cast these dogs into the sea who have dared to disobey the command of Al-Jabal.

So they took them up, dead and living together, and threw them into the water where they sank. nor did one of the wounded saracens pray them for mercy then they served their own dead likewise but those that were only wounded they took ashore this done the tall man advanced to the cabin and said lady come we are ready to start upon our journey having no choice rosamond obeyed him remembering as she went how from a scene of battle and bloodshed she had been from a scene of battle and bloodshed she had been brought aboard that ship to be carried she knew not with her which now she left in a scene of battle and bloodshed to be carried she knew not with her oh she cried aloud pointing to the corpses they hurled into the deep ill has it gone with these who stole me and ill may it go with you also servant of al jabal but the tall man

answered nothing, as followed by the weeping Marie and the Prince Hassan, he led her to the boat. Soon they reached the shore, and here they tore Marie from her, nor did Rosamond ever learn what became of her, or whether or no, this poor woman found her husband, whom she had dared so much to seek. End of Chapter 10. Chapter 11 of the Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Elroy. The City of Al-Jabal.

I pray that you have done, said Godwin. It is but a scratch from the beast's claws. I am ashamed that you should put your hair to such vile uses. Give me a little water. He asked it of Wolf. But Masuda rose without a word and fetched the water in which he mingled wine. Godwin drank of it and his faintness left him, so that he was able to stand up and move his arms and legs. Why, he said, it is nothing. I was only shaken.

That lioness did not hurt me at all. But you hurt the lioness, said Wolf with a laugh. By St. Chad, a good thrust. and he pointed to the long sword, driven up to the hilt in the brute's breast. Why, I swear I could not have made a better myself. I think it was the lion that thrust, answered Godwin. I only held the sword straight. Drag it out, brother, I am still too weak.

So Wolf set his foot upon the breast of the lion and tugged and tugged, until at length he loosened the sword, saying as he strained at a sword, saying as he strained at it. Oh, what an Essex hog am I, who slept through it all. Never waking until Masuda seized me by the hair, and I opened my eyes to see you upon the ground, with this yellow beast crouched on the top of you, like a hen on a nest egg. I thought that it was alive and smote it with my sword, which, had I been fully awake, I doubt if I should have found the courage to do. Look, and he pushed the lioness's head with his foot, whereon it twisted round in such a fashion that they perceived for the first time that it only hung to the shoulders by a thread of skin.

I am glad you did not strike a little harder, said Godwin, or I should now be in two pieces and drowned in my own blood, instead of in that of this dead brute, and he looked ruefully at his burnoose and Horburg that was soaked with gore. Yes, said Wolf, I never thought he. of that? Who would in such a hurry? Lady Masuda, asked Godwin, when last I saw you, you were hanging from those jaws. Say, are you hurt? Nay, she answered, for I wear male like you, and the teeth glanced on it so that she held me by

the cloak only. Come, let us skin the beast, and take its pelt as a present to the Lord Al-Jabal. Good, said Godwin, and I give you the claws for a necklace. Be sure that I will wear them, she answered, and helped Wolf to flay the lioness while he sat by resting. When it was done, Wolf went to the little cave and walked into it to come out again with a bound. Why, he said, there are more of them in there. I saw their eyes and heard them snarl. Now give me a burning branch and I will show you, brother, that you are not the only one who can fight a lion. Let be, you foolish man, broke in Masuda. Doubtless those are her cups, and if you kill

them, her mate will follow us for miles. But if they are left safe, he will stay to feed them. Come, let us be gone from this place as swiftly as we can. So, how? How? How are left safe? He will stay to feed them. Come, having shown them the skin of the lion, that they might know it was but a dead thing, at the sight of which they snorted and trembled, they packed it upon one of the mules, and rode off slowly into a valley some five miles away, where was water but no trees. Here, since God were needed rest, they stopped all that day and the night which followed, seeing no more of lions, though they watched for them sharply enough. The next morning, having slept well, he was himself again,

and they started forward through a broken country towards a deep cleft on either side of which stood a tall mountain. This is Aljabal's gateway, said Massouda, and tonight we should sleep in the gate, whence one day's riding brings us to his city. So on their road till at length perched upon the sides of the cleft, they saw a castle, a great building with high walls, to which they came at sunset. It seemed that they were expected in this place, for men hastened to meet them,

who greeted Masuda and eyed the brethren curiously, especially after they had heard of the adventure with a lion. These took them not into the castle, but to a kind of hostelry at its back, where they were furnished with food and slept the night. next morning they went on again to a hilly country with beautiful and fertile valleys. Through this they rode for two hours, passing on their way several villages where somber-eyed people were laboring in the fields. From each village, as they drew near to it, horsemen would gallop out and challenge them, whereon Masuda rode forward and spoke with a leader alone. Then he would touch his forehead with his hand and bow his head,

and they rode on unmolested. See, she said, when they had thus been stopped for a fourth time, what chance you had of winning through to Masyaf unguarded? Why, I tell you, brethren, that you would have been dead before ever you passed the gates of the first castle. Now they rode up a long slope, and at its crest paused to look upon a marvellous scene. Below them stretched a vast plain, full of villages, cornfields, olive groves and vineyards.

In the centre of this plain, some 15 miles away, rose a great mountain which seemed to be walled all about. Within the wall was a city of which the white, flat-roved houses climbed the slopes of the mountain, and on its crest a level space of land, covered with trees and a great many-towered castle surrounded by more houses. Behold the home of Al-Jabal, Lord of the Mountain, said Nasuda.

We must sleep tonight. Now, brethren, listen to me. Few strangers who enter that castle come thence living. There is still time. I can pass you back as I passed you hither. Will you go on? We will go on, they answered with one breath. Why?

what have you to gain? You seek a certain maiden. Why seek her here, whom you say has been taken to Salaheddin? Because the Aljabal in bygone days swore to befriend one of your blood? But that Algebra is dead, and another of his line rules who took no such oath. How do you know that he will befriend you? How that he will not enslave or kill you? I have power in this land.

Why or how does not matter. And I can protect you against all the dwell in it, as I swear I will. For did not one of you save my life? And she glanced at Godwin. Except my Lord Sinan, against whom I have no power, for I am his slave.

He is the enemy of Saladin and may help us for his hate's sake. Yes, he is the enemy of Salahedin, now more than ever. He may help you or he may not. Also, she added with meaning, you may not wish the help he offers. Oh, and there was a note of entreaty in her voice. Think, think! For the last time, I pray you, think!

We have thought, answered God when solemnly, and whatever chances we will obey the command of the dead. She heard and bowed her head in assent, then said, looking up again, So be it. You are not easily turned from your purpose, and I like that spirit well, but hear my counsel. While you are in the city, speak no Arabic, and pretend to understand none. also drink nothing but water, which is good here, for the Lord Sinan set strange wines before his guests,

that, if they pass the lips, produce visions and a kind of waking madness, of which you might do deeds whereof you are afterwards ashamed, or you might swear oaths that would sit heavy on your souls, and yet could not be broken except at the cost of life. Fear not, answered Wolf. water shall be our drink, who have had enough of drugged wines, for he remembered the Christmas feast in the hall at steeple. You, Sir Godwin, went on Masuda, have about your neck a certain ring which you were mad enough to show me a stranger, a ring with writing on it which none can read, save the great men that in this land are called the dais. Well, as it chances, the secret is safe with me, but be wise. Say nothing of that ring and let no eyes see it. Why not? asked Godwin.

It is the token of our dead uncle to the Aljabal. She looked around her cautiously and replied, Because it is, or was once, the great signet, and a day may come when it will save your lives. Doubtless, when the Lord who is dead thought it gone forever, he caused another to be fashioned. So like that, I who have had both in my hand could not tell the two apart. To him who holds that ring, all gates are open. But to let it be known that you have its double means death.

Do you understand? They nodded, and Masuda continued. Lastly, though you may think that this seems much to ask, Trust me always, even if I seem to play you false, who for your sakes, and she sighed, have broken oaths and spoken words for which the punishment is to die by torment. Nay, thank me not, for I do only what I must who am a slave. A slave. A slave to whom? asked God when staring at her.

To the Lord of all the mountains. she answered, with a smile that was sweet yet very sad, and without another word spurred on her horse. What does she mean? asked Godwin of Wolf when she was out of hearing, seeing that if she speaks truth for our sakes in warning us against him, Masuda is breaking her fealty to this lord. I do not know, brother, and I do not seek to know. all her talk may be a part of a plot to blind us, or it may not.

Let well alone and trust in fortune, say I. A good counsel, answered Godwin, and they rode forward in silence. They crossed the plain, and towards evening came to the wall of the outer city, halting in front of its great gateway. Here, as at the first castle, a band of solemn-looking mounted-mountain, men came out to meet them, and having spoken a few words with Masuda, led them over the drawbridge that spanned the first rock-cut moat, and threw triple gates of iron into the city. Then they passed up a street, very steep and narrow, from the roofs and windows of the houses on either side, of which hundreds of people, many of whom seemed to be engaged at their evening prayer,

watched them go by. At the head of this street, street, they reached another fortified gateway, on the turrets of which, so motionless that at first they took them to be statues cut in stone, stood guards wrapped in long white robes. After Pali, this was also opened to them, and again they rode through triple doors. Then they saw all the wonder of that place, for between the outer city where they stood and the castle, with its inner town which was built around and beneath it, yawned a vast gulf over 90 feet in depth. Across this gulf, built of blocks of stone, quite unrailed,

and not more than three paces wide, ran a causeway some 200 yards in length, which causeway was supported upon archers, reared up at intervals from the bottom of the gulf. ride on and have no fear, said Masuda. Your horses are trained to heights, and the mules and mine will follow. Sir Godwin, showing nothing in his face of the doubt that he felt in his heart, patted flame upon the neck, and after hanging back a little, the horse started lifting its hooves high and glancing from side to side at the terrible gulf beneath.

Where flame went, smoke knew that it could go. and came on bravely, but snorting a little, while the mules that did not fear heights, so long as the ground was firm beneath their feet, followed. Only Masuda's horse was terrified, backed, and strove to wheel around, till she drove the spur into it, when of a sudden it started and came over at a gallop. At length they were across, and passing under another gateway, which had broad terraces on either side of it, rode up the long street beyond and entered a great courtyard,

around which stood a castle, a vast and frowning fortress. Here a white-robed officer came forward, greeting them with a low bow and with him servants who assisted them to dismount. These men took the horses to a range of stables on one side of the courtyard, whither the brethren followed to see their beasts groomed and fed. Then the officer, who had stood patiently by the while, conducted them through doorways and down passages to the guest chambers, large stone-roofed rooms, where they found their baggage ready for them.

Here Masuda said that she would see them again on the following morning and departed in company with the officer. Wolf looked round the great vaulted chamber, which, now that the dark had fallen, was lit by flickering lamps, set in iron brackets upon the wall, and said, well, for my part,

I had rather passed the night in a desert among the lions than in this dismal place. Scarcely were the words out of his lips, when curtains swung aside, and beautiful woman entered, clad in gauzy veils and bearing dishes of food. These they placed upon the ground, before them, inviting them to eat with nods and smiles, while others brought basins of scented water,

which they poured over their hands. Then they sat down and ate the food that was strange to them, but very pleasant to the taste, and while they ate, women whom they could not see sang sweet songs and played upon harps and lutes. Wine was offered to them also, but of this remembering Masuda's words they would not drink, asking by signs for water, which was brought after a little pause. When the meal was done, the beautiful woman bore away the dishes, and black slaves appeared. These men led them to baths, such as they had never seen, where they washed first in hot water, then in cold. Afterwards they were rubbed with spicy smelling oils, and having being wrapped in white robes, conducted back to their chamber where they found beds spread for them on these being very weary they lay down when a strange sweet music broke out afresh and to the sound of it they fell asleep

when they awoke it was to see the light streaming through the high latticed windows did you sleep well godwin asked wolf well enough answered his brother Only I dreamed that throughout the night people came and looked at me. I dreamed that also, said Wolf. Moreover, I think that it was not all a dream, since there is a coverlet on my bed which was not there when I went to sleep. Godwin looked at his own, where also was another coverlet added, doubtless as the night grew colder in that high place. I have heard of enchanted castles, he said. now I think that we have found one. A, replied Wolf, and it is well enough while it lasts.

They rose and dressed themselves, putting on clean garments and their best cloaks, that they had brought with them on the mules, after which the veiled woman entered the room with breakfast and they ate. When this was finished, having nothing else to do, they made signs to one of the women that they wished for cloths, wherewith to clean their armour, for, as they had been bidden, they pretended to understand no word of arabic. She nodded, and presently returned with a companion, carrying leathers and paste in a jar. Nor did they leave them, but sitting upon the ground, whether the brethren willed it or no,

took the shirts of mail and rubbed them till they shone like silver, while Godwin and Wolf polished their helms, spurs and bucklers, cleansing their swords and daggers also, and sharpening them with a stone which they carried for that purpose. Now as the woman worked, they began to talk to each other in a low voice, and some of their talk, though not all, the brethren understood. A handsome pair truly, said the first, we should be fortunate if we had such men for husbands, although they are franks and infidels.

"'A,' answered the other, "'and from their likeness they must be twins. "'Now which of them would you choose?' "'Then for a long while they discussed them, "'comparing them feature by feature and limb by limb, "'until the brethren felt their faces grow red beneath a sunburn "'and scrubbed furiously at their armour to show a reason for it. "'At length one of the women said,

"'It was cruel of the Lady Missouda "'to bring these birds into the master, is net. She might have warned them. Masuda was ever cruel, answered the other, who hates all men, which is unnatural. Yet I think if she loved a man she would love him well, and perhaps that might be worse for him than her hate. Are these not spies? Asked the first.

I suppose so, was the answer. Silly fellows who think that they can spy upon a nation of spies, they would have done better to keep to fighting at which, doubtless they are good enough, what will happen to them? What always happens, I suppose, a pleasant time at first, then, if they can be put to no other use, a choice between the faith and the cup, or perhaps as they see men of rank, they may be imprisoned in the dungeon tower and held to ransom. Yes, yes, it was cruel of Masuda to trick them so, who may be but travellers after all, desiring to see our city. Just then the curtain was drawn, and through it entered Masuda herself.

She was dressed in a white robe that had a dagger, worked in red over the left breast, and her long black hair fell upon her shoulders, although it was half hit by the veil, open in front, which hung from her head. Never had they seen her look so beautiful as she seemed thus. greetings brothers peter and john is this fit work for pilgrims she said in french pointing to the long swords which they were sharpening eh answered wolfe as they rose and bowed to her for pilgrims to this holy city the women who were cleaning the male bowed also for it seemed that hyamassoud was a person of importance she took the hauberks from their hands ill cleansed she said it sharply. I think that you girls talk better than you work. Nay, they must serve. Help these lords to don them. Fools, that is the shirt of the grey-eyed knight. Give it me. I will be his

squire. And she snatched the hauberk from their hands. Whereat, when her back was turned, they glanced at one another. Now, she said, when they were fully armed and had donned their mantles. You brethren look as pilgrims should. Listen, I have a message for you, the master, and she bowed her head, as did the woman, guessing of whom she spoke. We'll receive you in an hour's time, till when, if it pleases you, we can walk in the gardens which are worth your sea. So they went out with her, and as they passed towards the curtain, she whispered, for your life's sake remember all that i have told you above everything about the wine and the ring for if you dream the drink dream you will be searched speak no word to me save of common matters in the passage beyond the curtain white-robed guards were standing armed with spears who turned and followed them without a word first they went to the stables to visit flame and smoke which winnied as a-aubed as they were standing armed with spears who turned and followed them without a word first they went to the stables to visit flame and smoke which winnied as

they drew near. These they found well-fed and tended, indeed, a company of grooms were gathered round them, discussing their points and beauty, who saluted as the owners of such steeds approached. Leaving the stable they passed through an archway into the famous gardens, which was said to be the most beautiful in all the east. Beautiful they were indeed, planted with trees, shrubs and flowers, such as are seldom seen, while between fern-clad rocks flowed rills which fell over deep cliffs in waterfalls of foam. In places the shade of cedars lay so dense that the brightness of day was changed into twilight. But in others the ground was open and carpeted, with flowers which filled the air with perfume. Everywhere grew roses, myrtles and trees laden with rich fruits, while the ground.

from all sides came the sound of cooing doves and the voices of many bright-winged birds which flashed from palm to palm. On they walked down the sand-strewn paths for a mile or more, accompanied by Masuda and the guard. At length passing through a break of whispering reed-like plants, of a sudden they came to a low wall and saw, yawning black and wide at their very feet, that vast cleft which they had crossed before they entered the castle. It encircles the inner city, the fortress, and its grounds, said Masuda. And who lives today that could throw a bridge across it? Now come back.

So following the gulf round, they returned to the castle by another path and were ushered into an ante-room, where stood a watch of twelve men. Himasuda left them in the midst of the men who stared at them with stony eyes. Presently she returned and beckoned to them to follow her. Walking down a long passage they came to curtains in front of which were two sentries

who drew these curtains as they approached. Then side by side they entered a great hall long as Stangate Abbey Church and passed through a number of people all crouched upon the ground. Beyond these the hall narrowed as a chancel does. Here sat and stood more people, fierce-eyed, turbaned men, who wore great knives in their girdles. These, as they learned afterwards, were called their Fidai,

the sworn assassins, who lived but to do the command of their lord the great assassin. At the end of this chancel were more curtains, beyond which was a guarded door. It opened, and on its further side they found themselves in full sunlight, on an unwalled terrace, surrounded by the mighty gulf into which it was built out. On the right and left edges of this terrace sat old and bearded men, twelve in number. Their heads bowed humbly, and their eyes fixed upon the ground. these were the dyes or counsellors at the head of the terrace under an open and beautifully carved pavilion of wood stood two gigantic soldiers having the red dagger blazened on their white robes between them was a black cushion and on the cushion a black heap at first staring out of the bright sunlight at this heap in the shadow the brethren wondered what it might be

Then they caught sight of the glitter of eyes and knew that the heap was a man who wore a black turban on his head and a black bell-shaped robe clasped at the breast with a red jewel. The weight of the man had sunk him down deep into the soft cushion so that there was nothing of him to be seen save the folds of the bell-shaped cloak, the red jewel and the head. He looked like a coiled up snake, the dark and little. eye also were those of a snake. Of his features in the deep shade of the canopy and of the wide black turban, they could see nothing. The aspect of this figure was so terrible and inhuman

that the brethren trembled at the sight of him. They were men and he was a man, but between that huddle, beady-eyed heap, and those two tall Western warriors clad in the gleaming male and coloured cloaks, helm on brow, buckler on arm and long sword at side. The contrast was that of death and life. End of Chapter 11.

Chapter 12 of The Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Al Roy. The Lord of Death Masuda ran forward and prostrated herself at full length, but Godwin and Wolf stared at the heap, and the heap stared at them. Then at some motion of his chin, Masuda arose and said, Strangers, you stand in the presence of the master, Sinan,

Lord of death, kneel, and do homage to the master. But the brethren stiffened their backs and would. not kneel. They lifted their hands to their brows in salute, but no more. Then from between the black turban and the black cloak came a hollow voice speaking in Arabic and saying, Are these the men who brought me the lion's skin? Well, what seek ye franks? They stood silent. Dread Lord, said Medusa. These knights are but now come from England. oversee, and do not understand our tongue. Set out their story and their request, said Al-Jabal, that we may judge of them.

Dread Lord, answered Masuda, as I sent you word, they say that they are the king of a certain knight, who in battle saved the life of him who ruled before you, but is now an inhabitant of paradise. heard that there was such a knight, said the voice. He was named Darcy, and he bore the same cognizance on his shield, the sign of a skull. Lord, these brethren are also named Darcy, and now they come to ask your help against Salachidin. At that name, the heap stirred as a snake stirs when it hears danger, and the head erected itself a little beneath a great turban. What help and why? asked the voice.

Lord Salachiddin has stolen a woman of their house, who is his niece, and these nights her brothers ask you to aid them to recover her. The beady eyes instantly became interested. Report has been made to me of that story, said the voice. But what sign do these Franks show? He who went before me gave a ring, and with its certain rights in this land, to the knight Darcy who befriended him in danger. Where is that sacred ring, with which he parted in his foolishness? Masuda translated, and seeing the warning in her eyes and remembering her words, the brethren shook their heads, while Wolf answered.

Our uncle, the knight Sir Andrew, was cut to him. down by the soldiers of Salahedin, and as he died, bade us seek you out. What time had he to tell us of any ring? The head sank upon the breast. I hoped, said Sinan to Masuda, that they had the ring, and it was for this reason, woman, that I allowed you to lead these nights hither, after you had reported of them and their quest to me from Beirut. It is not well that there should be two holy signets in the world. And he who went before me when he lay dying

charged me to recover his if that were possible. Let them go back to their own land and return to me with the ancient ring and I will help them. Masuda translated the last sentence only and again the brethren shook their heads. This time it was Godwin who spoke. Our land is far away, O Lord, and where shall we find this long-lost ring? Let not our journey be in vain.

O mighty one, give us justice against Salachidin. All my years have I sought justice on Salachidin, answered Sinan. And yet he prevails against me. Now I make you an offer, go, Franks, and bring me his head. or at least put him to death, as I shall show you how, and we will talk again. When they heard this saying, Wolf said to Godwin in English, I think that we at best go, I do not like this company. But Godwin made no answer.

As they stood silent thus, not knowing what to say, a man entered through the door, and throwing himself on his hands and knees, crawled towards the cushion through the double line of counsellors, or dais. Your report, said Sinan in Arabic. Lord, answered the man, I acquaint you that your will has been done in the matter of the vessel. Then he went on speaking in a low voice, so rapidly that the brethren could scarcely hear and much less understand him.

Sinan listened, then said, let the Fidai enter and make his own report bringing with him his prisoners. Now one of the dais, he who sat near as the canopy, rose and pointing towards the brethren, said, Touching these Franks, what is your will? The beady eyes which seemed to search out their souls, fixed themselves upon them, and for a long while sin unconsidered. They trembled. knowing that he was passing some judgment concerning them in his heart,

and that on his next words much might hang, even their lives. Let them stay here, he said at length. I may have questions to ask them. For a time there was silence, Sinan, Lord of Death, seemed to be lost in thought under the black shade of his canopy. The double line of Daise stared at nothingness across the passageway. The giant guards stood still as statues. Masuda watched the brethren from beneath her long eyelashes,

while the brethren watched the sharp edge of the shadow of the canopy on the marble floor. They strove to seem unconcerned, but their hearts were beating fast within them, who felt that great things were about to happen, Though what these might be they knew not. So intense was the silence, so dreadful seemed that inhuman snake-like man, so strange his aged, passionless counsellors, and the place of counsel surrounded by a dizzy gulf,

that fear took hold of them like the fear of an evil dream. Godwin wondered if Sinan could see the ring upon his breast, and what would happen to him if he did see it. while wolf longed to shout out loud to do anything that would break this deathly sunlit quiet to them those minutes seemed like ours indeed for aught they knew they might have been ours at length there was a stir behind the brethren and at a word from a suda they separated falling apart a pace or two and stood opposite each other and sideways to sinan standing thus they saw the curtains drawn through them came four men carrying a stretcher covered with the cloth beneath which they could see the outline of a form that lay their stirless the four men brought the stretcher to the front of the canopy set it on the ground prostrated themselves and retired walking backwards down the length of the terrace again there was silence while the brethren wondered whose corpse it was that lay beneath a cloth, for a corpse it must surely be, though neither the lord of the

mountain nor his dais and guards seemed to concern themselves in the matter. Again the curtains parted, and a procession advanced up the terrace. First came a great man clad in a white robe, blasened with a bleeding dagger, after whom walked a tall woman, shrouded in a long veil, who was followed by a thick-set knight, cloud in Frankish armour, and wearing a cape of which the cowl covered his head, as though to keep the rays of the sun from beating on his helm. Lastly walked four guards. Up the long place they marched, through the double line of dais,

while with a strange stirring in their breasts, the brethren watched the shape and movements of the veiled woman, who stepped forward rapidly, not seeing me. them, for she turned her head neither to the right nor left. The leader of the little band reached the space before the canopy, and prostrating himself by the side of the stretcher, lay still. She who walked behind him stopped also, and seeing the black heap upon the cushion, shuddered. Woman unveil, commanded the voice of Sinan. She hesitated, then swiftly undid some fastening so that her drapery fell from her head. The brethren stared, rubbed their eyes,

and stared again. Before them stood Rosamond. Yes, it was Rosamond, worn with sickness, terrors and travel. Rosamond herself beyond all doubt. At the sight of her pale queenly beauty, the heap on the cushion stirred beneath his black cloak, and the beady eyes were filled with an evil, eager light. Even the dais seemed to wake from their contemplation, and Missouda bit her red lip, turned pale beneath her olive skin, and watched with devouring eyes, waiting to read this woman's heart. Rosamund! cried the brethren with one voice.

she heard. As they sprang towards her, she glanced wildly from face to face. Then with a low cry, flung an arm about the neck of each, and would have fallen in the ecstasy of her joy had they not held her. Indeed, her knees touched the ground. As they stooped to lift her, it flashed into Gwadwin's mind that Musuda had told Sinan that they were her brethren. The thought was followed by another. If this was so, they might be left with her, whereas otherwise that black-robed devil.

Listen, he whispered in English. We are not your cousins. We are your brothers, your half-brothers, and we know no Arabic. She heard, and Wolf heard, but the watchers thought that they were but welcoming each other, for Wolf began to talk also random words in French such as greeting sister, well-found sister, and kissed her on the forehead. Rosamund opened her eyes which had closed, and gaining her feet, gave one hand to each of the brethren. Then the voice of Musuda was heard, interpreting the words of Sinan. It seems, lady, that you know these nights?

I do well They are my brothers From whom I was stolen when they were drugged And our father was killed How is that lady Seeing that you are said to be the niece of Salaridin Are these knights then the nephews of Salaridin Nay, answered Rosamond

They are my father's sons But of another wife The answer appeared to satisfy Sinan, who fixed his eyes upon the pale beauty of Rosamond and asked no more questions. While he remained thus thinking, a noise arose at the end of the terrace and the brethren turning their heads

saw that the thick-set knight was striving to thrust his way through the guards who stood by the curtains and barred his path with the shafts of their spears. Then it came into Godwin's mind that just before Rosamond unveiled He had seen this night suddenly turn and walk down the terrace The Lord Sinan looked up at the sound and made a sign Thereon two of the dais sprang to their feet and ran towards the curtain

Where they spoke with a knight who turned and came back with them Though slowly as one who is unwilling Now his hood had fallen from his head and Godwin and Wolf stared at him as he advanced, for surely they knew those great shoulders, those round black eyes, those thick lips and that heavy jowl. La Zelle, it is Luzel, said Godwin. A, echoed Rosamond, it is Lazzal,

the double traitor who betrayed me first to the soldiers of Zelladin, and because I would have none of his love next to this Lord Sinan. Wolf heard, and as Lazal drew near to them, sprang forward with an oath and struck him across the face with his mailed hand. Instantly gods thrust themselves between them,

and Sinan asked through Musuda, Why do you dare to strike this frank in my presence? Because, Lord, answered Wolf, He is a rogue who has brought all these troubles on our house. I challenge him to meet me in battle to the death. And I also, said Godwin. I am ready, shouted Luzal, stung to fury by the blow. Then, dog, why did you try to run away when you saw our faces?

Asked Wolf. Massouda held up her hand and began to interpret. addressing La Zal, and speaking in the first person as if the mouth of Sinan. I thank you for your service who have served me before. Your messenger came, a Frank whom I knew in old days. As you had arranged it should be, I sent one of my fedais with soldiers to kill the men of Salahidin on the ship and capture this lady who is his niece,

all of which it seems has been done, the bargain that your messenger made was that the lady should be given over to you here godwin and wolf ground their teeth and glared at him but these knights say that you stole her their kinswoman from them and one of them has struck you and challenged you to single combat which challenge you have accepted i sanction the combat gladly who have long desired to see two knights of the franks fight in tourney according to their custom. I will set the course, and you shall be given the best horse in my kingdom. This night shall ride his own. These are the conditions. The course shall be on the bridge between the inner and outer gates of the castle city,

and the fight which must be to the death shall take place on the night of the full moon, that is three days from now. If you are victor, we will talk of the matter of the lady for whom you bargained as a wife. My lord, my lord, answered Liselle, who can lay a lance on that terrible place in moonlight? Is it thus that you keep faith with me? I can and will, cried Wolf. Dog, I would fight you in the gates of hell with my soul on the hazard. Keep faith with yourself, said Sinai,

who said that you accepted the challenge of this night, and made no conditions, and when you have proved upon his body that his quarrel is not just, then speak of my faith with you. Nay, no more words. When this fight is done, we will speak again, and not before. Let him be led to the outer castle,

and they are given of our best. Let my great black horse be brought to. him that he may gallop it to and fro upon the bridge, or where he will, within the circuit of the walls, by day or by night, but see that he has no speech with this lady, whom he has betrayed into my power, or with these knights his foes, nor suffer him to come into my presence. I will not talk with a man who has been struck in the face, until he has washed away the blow in blood. As Massouda finished

translating, and before Luzal could answer, the Lord Sinan moved his head, whereon God sprang forward, and conducted Lazal from the terrace. Farewell, so thief, cried Wolf after him, till we meet

again upon the narrow bridge, and they settle our account. You have fought Godwin, perhaps you will have better luck with Wolf. Nizal glared back him, and finding no answer went on his way. Your report, said Sinan. Addressing the tall Fedai, who all this while had lain upon his face before him,

still is the form that was stretched upon the bear. There should have been another prisoner, the great Emir Hassan. Also, where is the Frankish spy? The Fadda'i arose and spoke, Lord, he said, I did your bidding. The knight who was gone steered the ship into the bay as had been arranged. I attacked with the daylight. The soldiers of Salaritan fought bravely, for the lady here saw us

and gave them time together and we lost many men. We overcame and killed them all, except the prince Rassan, whom we took prisoner. I left some men to watch the ship. The crew we spared, as they were the servants of the Frank Lozal, setting them loose upon the beach, together with a Frankish woman, who was the servant of the lady here to find their way to the nearest city. This woman I would have killed, but the lady your captive begged for her life, saying she had come from the land of the Franks to seek her husband.

So having no orders let her go. yesterday morning we started to masyaf the prince has sun riding in a litter together with that frankish spy who was here a while ago and told you of the coming of the ship at night they slept in the same tent i left the prince bound and set a guard but in the morning when we looked we found him gone how i know not and lying in the tent the frankish spy dead with a knife wound through his heart behold and withdrawing the cloth from the stretcher he revealed the stiff form of the spy nicholas who lay there dead a look of terror frozen on his face at least this one has come to an end he deserved muttered wolf to godwin so having searched with outer veil i came on here with the lady your prisoner and the frank luzal i have spoken now when they had heard this report for getting his calm, Sinan arose from the cushion and stepped forward two paces. There he halted, with fury in his glittering eyes, looking like a man clothed in a black bell. For a moment he stroked his beard, and the brethren noted that on the first finger of his right hand was a ring so like that which hung about the neck of Godwin that none could have told them apart. man

Sinan said in a low voice What have you done You have left the Emir Ghassan go Who is the most trusted friend and general of the Sultan of Damascus By now he is there

Or near it And within six days we shall see the army Of Salahedin riding Across the plain Also you have not killed the crew And the Frankish woman and they too will make report of the taking of the ship and the capture of this lady, who is of the house of Salachidin, and whom he seeks more earnestly than all the kingdom of the Franks.

What have you to say? Lord, answered the Toll Fedai, and his hand trembled as he spoke. Most mighty Lord, I had no orders as to the killing of the crew from your lips, and the Frank LaZelle told me that he had agreed with you that they should be spared. Then slave, he lied. He agreed with me through that dead spy that they should be slain. And do you not know that if I gave no orders in such a case, I mean death, not life? But what of the prince Hassan?

Lord, I have nothing to say. I think he must have bribed the spy named Nicholas. And he pointed to the corpse, to cut his bonds, and afterwards killed the man for vengeance sake, for by the body we found a heavy purse of gold. That he hated him as he hated yonder la Zelle, I know, for he called them dogs and traitors in the boat. And since he could not strike them,

his hands being bound, he spat in their faces, cursing them in the name of Allah. That is why, Luzal being afraid to be near him. I set the spy Nicholas, who was a bold fellow, as a watch over him, and two soldiers outside the tent,

while Luzel and I watched the lady. Let those soldiers be brought, said Sinan, and tell their story. They were brought and stood by their captain, but they had no knowledge. story to tell. They swore that they had not slept on God, nor heard a sound. Yet when morning came, the prince was gone. Again the Lord of Death stroked his black beard. Then he held up the

signet ring before the eyes of the three men, saying, You see the token. Go. Lord, said the Fedai, I have served you well for many years. Your service is ended, go, was the stern answer. The Fedai bowed his head in salute, stood for a moment as though lost in thought, then turning suddenly, walked with a steady step to the edge of the abyss and leapt. For an instant the sunlight shone on his white and fluttering robe, then from the depths of that darksome place floated up the sound of a heavy fall and all was still. Follow your captain to paradise, said Sinan to the two soldiers,

whereon one of them drew a knife to stab himself, but a dyes sprang up saying, Beast, would you shed blood before your lord? Do you not know the custom? Be gone. So the poor men went, the first who, the steady step, and the second, who was not so brave, reeling over the edge of the precipice, as one might who is drunken. It is finished, said the dais, clapping their hands gently. Dred Lord, we thank thee for thy justice. But Rosamond turned sick and faint, and even the brethren paled.

This man was terrible indeed. If he were a man and not a devil, and they were in his power. How long would it be, they wondered, before they also were bidden to walk that gulf. Only wolves swore in his heart that if he went by this road, Sinan should go with him. Then the corpse of the false palmer was born away

to be thrown to the eagles which always hovered over that house of death. And Sinan, having receded himself upon the cushion, began to talk again through his mouth, Masuda, in a low, quiet voice, as though nothing had happened to anger him. Lady, he said to Rosamond, your story is known to me. Salaheddin seeks you, nor is it wonderful. Here his eyes glittered with a new and horrible light, that he should desire to see such loveliness at his court,

although the Frank Lausel swore through yonder dead spy that you are precious in his eyes, because of some vision that has come to him. Well, this heretic sultan is my enemy, whom Satan protects, for even my Fedaisa failed to kill him, and perhaps there will be war on account of you. But have no fear, for the price at which you shall be delivered to him, is higher than Salar Eden himself would care to pay, even for you.

So since this castle is impregnable, here you may dwell, at peace, nor shall any desire be denied you. Speak, and your wishes are fulfilled. I desire, said Rosamond, in a low, steady voice. Protection against Sir Hugh Lazzal and all men. It is yours. The Lord of the Mountain covers you with his own mantle. I desire, she went on,

that my brothers here may lodge with me, that I may not feel. feel alone among strange people. He thought a while and answered, Your brethren shall lodge near you in the great castle. Why not? Since from them you cannot need protection. They shall meet you at the feast and in the garden.

But lady, do you know it? They came here upon faith of some old tale of a promise made by him who went before me to ask my help to recover you from Salaridin, unwitting that I was your host, not Salarredin, that they should meet you thus is a chance which makes even my wisdom wonder,

for in it I see omens. Now she whom they wished to rescue from Salaridin, these tall brethren of yours might wish to rescue from Aljabal. Understand then, all of you, that from the Lord of death there is but one escape. Yonder runs its path, and he pointed to the dizzy place whence his three servants had leapt to their doom.

Nights, he went on, addressing Godwin and Wolf. Lead your sister hence. This evening I bid her and you to my banquet. Till then, farewell. Woman, he added to Musuda, accompany them. You know your duties. This lady is in your charge. suffer that no strange man comes near her, above all the Frank Lausale.

Daise take notice and let it be proclaimed. To these three is given the protection of the signet in all things, save that they must not leave my walls, except under sanction of the signet, nay, in its very presence. The dais rose, bowed and seated themselves again. then guided by masuda and proceeded and followed by guards the brethren and rosamund walked down the terrace through the curtains into the chancel-like place where men crouched upon the ground through the great hall were more men crouched upon the ground through the ante-chamber where at a word from masuda the guards saluted through passages to that place where they had slept here masuda halted and said lady rose of the world who are fitly so named i go to prepare your chamber doubtless you will wish to speak awhile with these your brothers speak on and fear not for it shall be my care that you are left alone if only for a little while

yet walls have ears so i counsel you use that english tongue which none of us understand in the land of aljabal not even i then she bowed and went end of chapter twelve chapter thirteen of the brethren by aed schreider haggard the slipper-vox recording is in the public domain read by alroy the embassy The brethren and Rosamond looked at each other, for having so much to say it seemed that they could not speak at all. Then with a low cry Rosamond said, Oh, let us thank God, who after all these black months of travel and of danger, has thus brought us together again. And kneeling down there together in the guest hall of the Lord of Death, they gave thanks earnestly. Then moving to the centre of the chamber, where they thought that none could hear them,

they began to speak in low voices and in English. Tell your tale first, Rosamond, said Godwin. She told it as shortly as she could, they listening without a word. Then Godwin spoke and told her theirs. Rosamond heard it and asked a question almost in a whisper, why does that beautiful dark-haired woman befriend you? I do not know, answered Godwin, unless it is because of the accident of Maya having saved her from the lion.

Rosamond looked at him and smiled a little, and Wolf smiled also. Then she said, Blessings be on that lion and all its tribe. I pray that she may not soon forget the deed, for it seems that our lives hang upon her feet. favor? How strange is this story and how desperate our case? How strange also that you should have come on hither against her counsel, which seeing what we have, I think was honest. We were led, answered Godwin. Your father had wisdom at his death and saw what we could not see. A, added

wolf, but I would that it had been into some other place, for I fear this one. I fear this Lord Al-Jabal, at whose not men hurl themselves to death. He is hateful, answered Rosamond with a shudder. Worse even than the night Luzal, and when he fixes his eyes on me, my heart grows sick. Oh, that we could escape this place. An ill in an oziah trap has more chance of freedom, said Wolf gloomily. Let us at least be thankful. that we are caged together, for how long I wonder.

As he spoke, Masuda appeared, attended by waiting woman, and bowing to Rosamund said, It is the will of the master lady that I lead you to the chambers that have been made ready for you, there to rest until the hour of the feast. Fear not, you shall meet your brethren then. You knights have leave, if it so pleases you to exercise your horses in the garden. They stand saddled in the courtyard, to which this woman will bring you. And she pointed to one of those two maids who had cleaned the armour, and with them are guides and an escort. She means that we must go, muttered Godwin, adding aloud.

Farewell, sister, until tonight. So they parted, unwillingly enough. In the courtyard they found the horses flame and smoke, as they had been told. also a mounted escort of four fierce-looking Fedais and an officer. When they were in the saddle, this man, motioning to them to follow him, passed by an archway out of the courtyard into the gardens. Hence ran a broad road strewn with sand,

along which he began to gallop. This road followed the gulf, which encircled the citadel, and in a town of Masiaf, that was, as it were, an island on a mountain top, with a circumference of over three miles. As they went, the gulf always on their right hand, holding in their horses to prevent their passing that of their guide, swift as it was, they saw another troop approaching them.

This was also preceded by an officer of the assassins, as these servants of Algebel were called by the fracks, and behind him mounted on a splendid coal-black steed, and followed by guards rode a mail-clad Frankish knight. It is Lazal, said Wolf, upon the horse that Sinan promised him. At the sight of the man a fury took hold of Godwin. With a shout of warning he drew his sword. The Zal saw and out leapt his blade in answer,

then sweeping past the officers who were with them and raining up their steeds, in a second they were face to face. dezal struck first and godwin caught the stroke upon his buckler but before he could return it the fedease of either party rushed between them and thrust them asunder a pity said godwin as they dragged his horse away had they left us alone i think brother i might have saved you a moonlight duel that i do not want to miss but the chance that his head was good if those fellows would have let you take it answered Wolf reflectively. Then the horses began to gallop again, and they saw no more of Lausal. Now skirting the edge of the town,

they came to the narrow, wallless bridge that spanned the gulf between it and the outer gate and city. Here the officer wheeled his horse, and beckoning to them to follow, charged it at full gallop. After him went the brethren, Godwin first, then Wolf. In the deep gateway, on the first,

the side they rained up. The captain turned and began to gallop back faster than he had come, as fast indeed as his good beast would travel. Pass him, cried Godwin, and shaking the reins loose upon the neck of flame, he called to it aloud. Forward it sprang with smoke at its heels. Now they had overtaken the captain, and now even on that narrow way they had swept past him. Not an inch was there to spare between them and the abyss, and the man, brave as he was, expecting to be thrust to death, clung to his horse's mane with terror in his eyes.

On the city side, the brethren pulled up laughing among the astonished fedais, who had waited for them there. By the signet, cried the officer, thinking that the knights could not understand. These are not men, they are devils. and their horses are goats of the mountains. I thought to frighten them, but it is I who was frightened,

for they swept past me like eagles of the air. Gallant riders and swift, well-trained steeds, answered one of the fedes, with admiration in his voice. The fight at the full moon will be worth our seeing. Then once more they took the sand-strewn road and galloped on. thrice they passed round the city thus, the last time by themselves, for the captain and the Fedais were far outstripped. Indeed it was not until they had unsaddled flame and smoke in their stalls

that these appeared, spurring their foaming horses. Taking no heed of them, the brethren thrust aside the grooms, dressed their steeds down, fed and watered them. Then having seen them eat, there being no more to do, they walked back to the guest-house, hoping to find Rosamond. But they found no Rosamond, so they sat down together and talked of the wonderful things that had befallen them, and of what might befall them in the future, of the mercy of heaven also, which had brought them all three together safe and sound, although it was in this house of hell. So the time passed on till about the hour of sunset, the woman's servants came and led them to the bath, where the black slaves washed and perfumed them, clothing them in fresh robes above their armour.

When they came out, the sun was down, and the woman bearing torches in their hands, conducted them to a great and gorgeous hall which they had not seen before, built of fretted stone and having a carved and painted roof. Along one side of this hall that was lit with crescents were a number of round-headed open arches supported by elegant white columns, and beyond these a marble terrace with flights of steps which led to the gardens beneath. On the floor of this hall, each seated upon his cushion, beside low tables inlaid with pearl, sat the guests, a hundred or more, all dressed in white robes on which the red dagger was blazened, and all as silent as though they were asleep. When the brethren reached the place the woman left them, and servants with gold chains round their necks, escorted them to the dais in the middle of the hall, where were many cushions as yet. unoccupied, arranged in a semicircle of which the centre was a divan, higher and more gorgeous than the rest. Here places were pointed out to them opposite the divan, and they took their stand by them.

They had not long to wait, for presently there was a sound of music, and heralded by troops of singing women, the Lord Sinan approached, walking slowly down the length of the great hall. It was a strange procession, for after the woman came the aged white-robed dais, then the Lord Algebel himself, clad now in his blood-red, festal robe, and wearing jewels on his turban. Around him marched four slaves, black as ebony, each of whom held a flaming torch on high, while behind followed the two gigantic guards, who had stood sentry over him when he sat under the canopy of justice. As he advanced down the hall, every man in it rose and prostrated himself, and so remained until their lord was seated, save only the two brethren, who stood erect like the survivors among the slain of battle. Settling himself among the cushions at one end of

the divan, he waved his hand, whereon the feasters, and with them Godwin and wolf, sat themselves down. Now there was a pause, while Sinan glanced along the hall impatiently. Soon the brethren saw why, since at the end opposite to that by which he had entered, appeared more singing women, and after them, also escorted by four black torchbearers, only these were women, walked Rosamond and behind her, Masuda. Rosamond it was without doubt, but Rosamond transformed. for now she seemed an eastern queen. Round her head was a coronet of gems, from which hung a veil, but not so as to hide her face.

Jeweled too were her heavy plates of hair, jeweled the rose silk garments that she wore, the girdle at her waist, her naked ivory arms, and even the slippers on her feet. As she approached in her royal-looking beauty, all the guests at that strange feast, stayed first at her and next at each other. Then as though by a single impulse they rose and bowed. What can this mean? muttered Wolf to Godwin as they did likewise. But Godwin made no answer.

On came Rosamond, and now behold, the Lord Algebel rose also, and giving her his hand, seated her by him on the divine. Show no surprise, Wolf, muttered Godwin, who had caught a warning look in the eyes of Masuda, as she took up her position behind Rosamond. Now the feast began. Slaves running to and fro set dish after dish, filled with strange and savoury meats upon the little inlaid tables, those that were served to Sinan and his guests fashioned, all of them, of silver or of gold. Godwin and Wolf ate, though not for hunger's sake, but of what they ate they remembered

nothing, who were watching Sinan and straining their ears to catch all he said without seeming to take note or listen. Although she strove to hide it and to appear indifferent, it was plain to them that Rosamund was much afraid. Again and again, Sinan presented to her choice morsels of food, sometimes on the dishes and sometimes with his fingers, and these she was obliged to take. All the while also he devoured her with his fierce eyes, so that she shrank away from him to the furthest limit of the divan. Then wine, perfumed and spiced,

was brought in golden cups, of which having drunk he offered to Rosamond. But she shook her head and asked Massouda for water, saying that she touched nothing stronger, and it was given her, cooled with snow. The brethren asked for water also, whereon Sinan looked at them suspiciously and demanded the reason. Godwin replied through Musuda that they were under oath to touch no wine till they returned to their own country, having fulfilled their mission. To this he answered meaningly that it was good and right to keep oaths,

but he feared that theirs would make them water-drinkers for the rest of their lives a saying at which their hearts sank now the wine that he had drunk took hold of sinan and he began to talk who without it was so silent you met the frank luzel to-day he said to godwin through masuda when riding in my gardens and drew your sword on him why did you not kill him is he the better man it seems not as once before i worsted him and i sit here unhurt lord answered godwin your servants thrust between and separated us ay replied synon i remember they had orders still i would that you had killed him the unbelieving dog who has dared to lift his eyes to this rose of roses your sister fear not he went on addressing rosamond he shall offer you no more insult who are henceforth under the protection of the signet and stretching out his thin cruel-looking hand on which gleamed the ring of power he patted her on the arm all of these things masuda translated while rosamond dropped her head to hide her face although on it were not the blushes that he thought but loathing and alarm. Wolf glared at the Algebel,

whose head by good fortune was turned away, and so fierce was the rage swelling in his heart that a mist seemed to gather before his eyes, and through it this devilish chief of a people of murderers, clothed in his robe of flaming red, looked like a man steeped in blood. The thought came to him suddenly, that he would make him what he looked

and his hand passed to his sword-hilt. But Godwin saw the terror in Masuda's eyes, saw Wolf's hand also, and guessed what was about to chance. With a swift movement of his arm, he struck a golden dish from the table to the marble floor, then said in a clear voice in French.

Brother, be not so awkward, pick up that dish and answer the Lord, see none, as is your right, I mean touching the matter of Luzel, Wolf stooped to obey, and his mind cleared, which had been so near to madness. I wish it not Lord, he said, who if I can have your good leave to slay this fellow on the third night from now. If I fail, then let my brother take my place, but not before. Yes, I forgot, said Sinan. So I did. I do. I do. I do. I do. I do. I do. I do. I do. I decree, and that will be a fight I wish to see. If he kills you, then your brother shall meet him, and if he kills you both, then perhaps I see none will meet him, in my own fashion.

Sweet lady, knowing where the course is laid, say, do you fear to see this fray? Rosamond's face paled, but she answered proudly. Why should I fear what my brethren do not fear? they are brave knights bred to arms and god in whose hand are all our destinies even yours o lord of death he will guard the right when this speech was translated to him sinan quailed a little then he answered lady know that i am the voice and prophet of allah a and his sword to punish evil-doers and those who do not believe well if what i hear is true your brethren are skilled horsemen who even dared to pass my servant on the narrow bridge so victory may rest with them tell me which of them do you love the least for he shall first face the sword of lausel Now, as Rosamund prepared herself to answer, Masuda scanned her face through her half-closed eyes.

But whatever she may have felt within, it remained calm and cold, as though it were cut in stone. To me they are as one man, she said. When one speaks, both speak. I love them equally. Then, guest of my heart, it shall go as I have said,

Brother blue eyes shall fight first, and if he falls then brother grey eyes. The feast is ended, and it is my hour for prayer. Slaves but the people fill their cups. Lady, I pray of you, stand forward on the dais. She obeyed, and at his sign the black slave woman gathered behind her with their flaming torches. Then Sinan rose also and cried with a loud voice. servants of Al Jabel

pledge I command you This flower of flowers The highborn princess of Baalbek The niece of the sultan Salaridin Who men call the great And he sneered Though he be not so great as I This queen of maids

Who soon Then checking himself He drank off his wine And with a low bow presented the empty jeweled cup to Rosamond. All the company drank also and shouted till the hall rang, for her loveliness as she stood thus, in the fierce light of the torches,

a flame as these men were with a vision breeding wine of Aljabal, moved them to madness. Queen, queen! they shouted. Queen of our master and of us all! Sinan heard and smiled. Then motioning for silence, he took the hand of Rosamond, kissed it, and turning, passed from the hall, preceded by his singing woman,

and surrounded by the dais and the guards. Godwin and Wolfe stepped forward to speak with Rosamond, but Masuda interposed herself between them, sang in a cold, clear voice. It is not permitted. Go nights, and cool your brows in yonder garden, where sweet water runs. Your sister is my charge. Fear not, for she is guarded.

Come, said Godwin to Wolf, we at best obey. So together they walked through the crowd of those feasters that remained, for most of them had already left the hall, who made way, not without reverence, for the brethren of this new star of beauty, onto the terrace and from the terrace into the gardens. Here they stood a while in the sweet freshness of the night, which was very grateful after the heated, perfume-laden air of the banquet, then began to wander up and down among the centred trees and flowers.

The moon floating on a cloudless sky was almost at its full, and by her light they saw a wondrous scene. under many of the trees and intense set about here and there, rugs were spread, and to them came men who had drunk of the wine of the feast, and cast themselves down to sleep. Are they drunk? asked Wilf. It would seem so, answered Godwin. Yet these men appeared to be mad rather than drunk,

for they walked steadily enough, but with wide-set dreamy eyes, nor did they seem to sleep upon the rugs, but lay there staring at the sky and muttering with their lips. Their faces steeped in a strange, unholy rapture. Sometimes they would rise and walk a few paces with outstretched arms, till the arms closed as though they clasped something invisible, to which they bent their heads to babble a while. Then they walked back to their rugs again where they remained silent.

As they lay thus, white-veiled woman appeared, who crouched by the heads of these sleepers, murmured into their ears, and went from time to time they sat up, gave them to drink from cups they carried, after partaking of which they lay down again, and became quite senseless. Only the woman would move on to others and serve them likewise. Some of them approached the brethren with a slow gliding motion, and, and offered them the cup, but they walked forward, taking no notice, whereupon the girls left them, laughing softly, and saying such things as, Tomorrow we shall meet, or, soon you will be glad to drink and enter into paradise. When the time comes doubtless we shall be glad, who have dwelt here, answered Godwin gravely, but as he spoke in French they did not understand him. step out brother said wolf for at the very sight of those rugs i grow sleepy and the wine in the cup sparkles as bright as their bearer's eyes so they walked on towards the sound of the waterfall and when they came to it drank and bathed their faces and heads this is better than their wine said wolf then catching sight of more women flitting around them looking like ghosts a amid the moonlit blades.

They pressed forward till they reached an open sword, where there were no rugs, no sleepers, and no cup-bearers. Now, said Wolf Halting, tell me what does all this mean. Are you deaf and blind, said Godwin. Cannot you see that yonder fiend is in love with Rosamund and means to take her as he well may do? Wolf groaned aloud, then answered,

I swear that first I will send his soul to hell, even though our own must keep it company. A, answered Godwin, I saw, you went near it tonight, but remember, that is the end for all of us. Let us wait then to strike until we must, to save her from worse things. Who knows that we may find another chance?

Meanwhile, meanwhile, and again he groaned. Among those ornaments that hung about the waste of Rosamond, I saw a jewelled knife, answered Godwin sadly. She can be trusted to use it if need be, and after that we can be trusted to do our worst. At least I think that we should die in a fashion that would be remembered in this mountain. as they spoke they had loitered towards the edge of the glade and halting there stood silent till presently from under the shadow of a cedar tree appeared a solitary white-robed woman let us be going said wolf here is another of them with her a cursed cup

but before they could turn the woman glided up to them and suddenly unveiled it was masuda follow me brothers peter and john she said in a laughing whisper i have words to say to you what you will not drink while it is wisest and emptying the cup upon the ground she flitted ahead of them silently as a wraith she went now appearing in the open spaces now appearing in the open spaces now vanishing, beneath the dense gloom of cedar boughs, till she reached a naked, lonely rock, which stood almost upon the edge of the gulf. Opposite to this rock was a great mound, such as ancient peoples reared over the bodies of their dead, and in the mound, cunningly hidden by growing shrubs,

a massive door. Masuda took a key from her girdle, and having looked round to see that they were alone, unlocked it. Enter, she said, pushing them before her. They obeyed, and through the darkness within heard her close the door. Now we are safe for a while, she said with a sigh, or at least so I think, but I will lead you to where there is more light. Then taking each of them by the hand, she went forward along a smooth incline, till presently they saw the moonlight, and by it discovered that they stood at the mouth of a cave, which was fringed with bushes.

Running up from the depths of the Gulf below to this opening was a ridge or shoulder of rock, very steep and narrow. See the only road that leads from the citadel of Masyaf save that across the bridge, said Musuda. A bad one, answered Wolf, staring downward. A, yet horses trained to rocks can follow it. At its foot is the bottom of the gulf, and a mile or more away to the left, a deep cleft,

which leads to the top of the mountain and to freedom. Will you not take it now? By tomorrow's dawn you might be far away. And where would the Lady Rosamond be? Ostwolf. In the harem of Lord Sinan, that is very soon. she answered Cooley.

Oh, say it not, he exclaimed, clasping her arm, while Godwin leaned back against the wall of the cave. Why should I hide the truth? Have you no eyes to see that he is enamoured with her loveliness, like others? Listen, a while ago my master Sinan chanced to lose his queen. How we need not ask, but it is said that she wearied him. now, as he must by law, he mourns for her a month, from full moon to full moon, but on the day after the full moon, that is, the third morning from now,

he may wait again, and I think there will be a marriage. Till then, however, your sister is as safe as though she yet sat at home in England, before Salaheddin dreamed his dream. Therefore, said Godwin, within that time, time she must either escape or die. There is a third way, answered Masuda, shrugging her shoulders. She might stay and become the wife of Sinan. Wolf muttered something between his teeth, then stepped towards her threateningly, saying,

Rescue her or, stand back, Pilgrim John, she said with a laugh. If I rescue her, which indeed would be hard, it will not be for fear of your great sword. What then will avail, Miss Suda? asked Godwin in a sad voice, to promise you money would be useless, even if we could. I'm glad that you spared me that insult, she replied with flashing eyes. For then there had been an end. Yet, she added more humbly, seeing my home and business and what I appear to be, and she glanced at her dress and the empty cup in her hand. It had not been strange. Now hear me, and forget no word. At present you are in favour with Sinan, who believes you to be the brothers of the Lady Rosamond, not her lovers. But from the moment he

learns the truth, your doom is sealed. Now what the Frank Lausel knows, that the Algebel may know at any time. and will know if these should meet. Meanwhile you are free, so tomorrow, while you ride about the garden, as you will do, take note of the tall rock that stands without, and how to reach it from any point even in the dark. Tomorrow also, when the moon is up,

they will lead you to the narrow bridge, to ride your horses to and fro there, that they may learn not to fear it in that light. when you have stable then go into the gardens and come hither unobserved as the place being so far away you can do the gods will let you pass thinking only that you desire to drink a cup of wine with some fair friend as is the custom of our guests enter this cave here is the key and she handed it to wolf and if i be not here await me then i will tell you my plan, if I have any, but until then I must scheme and think. Now it grows late. Go. And you, Masuda, said Godwin doubtfully, how will you escape this place? By a road you do not know of, for I am mistress of the secrets of this city. Still I thank you for your thought of me. Go, I say, and lock the door behind you. So they went in silence,

doing as she bade them, and walked back through the gardens that now seemed empty enough to the stable entrance of the guest-house, where the guards admitted them without question. That night the brethren slept together in one bed, fearing that if they lay separate, they might be searched in their sleep and not awake. Indeed it seemed to them that, as before, they heard footsteps and voices in the dark. next morning when they had breakfast they loitered a while hoping to win speech with rosamond or sight of her or at the least that masuda would come to them but they saw no rosamund and no masuda came at length an officer appeared and beckoned to them to follow him so they followed and were led through the halls and passages to the terrace of justice where sinan clad in his black robe sat as before beneath a canopy in the midst of the sunlit marble floor.

There too beside him, also beneath the canopy and gorgeously apparelled, sat Rosamond. They strove to advance and speak with her, but guests came between them, pointing out a place where they must stand a few yards away. Only Wolfe said in a loud voice in English, "'Tell us, Rosamond is all well with you.'

lifting her pale face she smiled then nodded then at the bidding of sinan masuda commanded them to be silent saying that it was not lawful for them to speak to the lord of the mountain or his companion unless they were first bidden so to do so having learnt what they wished to know they were silent now some of the days drew near the canopy and consulted with their master on what seemed to be a great matter for their faces were troubled presently he gave an order whereon they resumed their seats and messengers left the terrace when they appeared again in their company with three noble-looking saracens who were accompanied by a retinue of servants and were green turbans showing that they were descendants of the prophet These men, who seemed weary with long travel, marched up the terrace with a proud mean, not looking at the days or anyone, until they saw the brethren standing side by side, at whom they stared a little. Next they caught sight of Rosamond, sitting in the shadow of the canopy, and bowed to her. But of the Algebel they took no notice. Who are you, and what is your pleasure? asked Sinan, after he had eyed them a while. I am the ruler of this country, these are my ministers.

And he pointed to the dais. And here is my scepter. And he touched the blood-red dagger brooded on his robe of black. Now that Sinana declared himself the embassy bowed to him, courteously enough, then their spokesman answered him. That sceptre we know, it has been seen afar. Twice already we have cut down its bearers, even in the tent of our master. Lord of murder we acknowledge the emblem of murder,

and we bow to you whose title is the great murderer. As for our mission, it is thus. We are the ambassadors of Salaridin, commander of the faithful, sultan of the east. In these papers signed with his signet are our credentials if you would read them. So, answered Sinan, I have heard of that chief. What is his will with me? This Aljabal, a frank in your pay and a traitor, has betrayed to you a certain lady, niece of Salaridin, the princess of Baalbek, whose father was a frank. Frankish noble named Darcy, and who herself is named Rose of the World.

The Sultan, Salahidin, having been informed of this matter by his servant, the Prince Hassan, who escaped from your soldiers, demands that this lady, his niece, be delivered to him forthwith and with her the head of the Frank Lozal. The head of the Frank Lozal he may have, if he will, after tomorrow, night, the lady I keep, snarled Sinan. What then? Then Al-Jabal, in the name of Salaridin, we declare war on you, war till this high place of yours is pulled stone from stone, war till your tribe be dead, till the last man, woman and child be slain, until your carcass is tossed to the crows to feed on.

Sinan rose in fury and rent at his beard. Go back, he said. And tell that dog you name a sultan that low as he is, the humble-born son of Ayup, I, Al-Giabal, do him an honour that he does not observe. My queen is dead, and two days from now, when my month of mourning is expired, I shall take to wife his niece, Princess of Balbeck, who sits here beside me, my bride-elect. At these words Rosamond, who had been listening intently, started like one who had been stung by a snake, put her hands before her face and groaned.

Princess, said the ambassador, who was watching her, You seem to understand our language. Is this your will? to mate your noble blood with that of the heretic chief of the assassins? Nay, nay, she cried. It is no will of mine, who am a helpless prisoner and by faith a Christian. If my uncle Salaridin is indeed as great as I have heard, then let him show his power and deliver me.

And with me these my brethren, the knights, Sir Godwin and Sir Wolf. So you speak Arabic, said Sinan. Good, our loving converse will be easier, and for the rest, while the whims of women change. Now, you messengers of Salaridim, be gone, lest I send you on a longer journey, and tell your master that if he dares to lift his standards against my walls, My Fedai shall speak with him. By day and by night, not for one moment shall he be safe.

Poison shall lurk in his cup and a dagger in his bed. Let him kill a hundred of them and another hundred shall appear. His most trusted gods shall be his executioners. The woman in his harem shall bring him to his doom. A death shall be his. in the very air he breathes. If he would escape it therefore, let him hide himself within the walls of his city of Damascus,

or amuse himself with wars against the mad cross-worshippers, and leave me to live in peace with this lady whom I have chosen. Great words, worthy of the great assassin, said the ambassador. Great words in truth, which shall be followed by great deeds. What chance has this lord of yours against a nation sworn to obey to the death? You smile.

Then come hither you and you. And he summoned two of his dyes by name. They rose and bowed before him. Now, my worthy servants, he said, show these heretic dogs how you obey, that their master may learn the power of your master. You are old and weary of life. Be gone and await me in paradise.

The old men bowed again, trembling a little. Then straightened themselves without a word. They ran side by side and leapt into the abyss. Has Salaheddin's servants such as these? Asked Sinan in the silence that followed. followed. Well, what they have done all would do if I bid them slay him. Back now, and if you will take these Franks with you, who are my guests, that they may bear witness of what you have seen, and of the state in which you left their sister, translate to the night's woman. So Masuda translated,

then Godwin answered through her, we understand. and little of this matter, who are ignorant of your tongue. But, O Al-Jabal, ere we leave your sheltering roof, we have a quarrel to settle with the man Luzal. After that with your permission, we will go, but not before. Now Rosamond sighed as if in relief, and Sinan answered, As you will, so be it. Adding,

Give these envoys food and drink, they go. But their spokesman answered, We partake not of the bread and salt of murderers, lest we should become of their fellowship. Aljabal we depart, but within a week we appear again in the company of ten thousand spears, and on one of them shall your head be set. Your safe conduct guards us till the sunset. After that, do your worst as we do ours. Hi Princess, our counsel to you, is that you slay yourself and so gain immortal honour.

Then bowing to her one by one, they turned and marched down the terrace followed by their servants. Nassinan waved his hand and the court broke up, Rosamund leaving at first, accompanied by Masuda and escorted by guards, after which the brethren were commanded to depart also. So they went, talking earnestly of all these. these things, but save in God finding no hope at all. End of chapter 13. Chapter 14 of The Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy.

The combat on the bridge. Saladin will come, said Wolf the hopeful. And from the high place where they stood, he pointed to the plain beneath, across which a band of horsemen moved at full gallop. Look, yonder goes his embassy. A, answered Godwin, he will come. But I fear me too late. Yes, brother, unless we go to meet him,

Masuda has promised. Masuda, sighed Godwin, are to think that so much should hang upon the faithfulness of one woman. it does not hang on her said wolf it hangs on fate who writes with her finger come let us ride so followed by their escort they rode in the gardens taking note without seeming to do so of the position of the tall rock and of how it could be approached from every side then they went in again and waited for some sign or word of rosamond but in vain that night there was no feast and their meal was brought to them in the guest-house while they sat at it masuda appeared for a moment to tell them that they had leave to ride the bridge in the moonlight and that their escort would await them at a certain hour the brethren asked if their sister rosamond was not coming to dine with them masuda answered that as the queen-elect of the aljabal it was not lawful that she should eat with any other men

even her brothers. Then as she passed out, stumbling as though by accident, she brushed against Godwin and muttered, Remember tonight, and was gone. When the moon had been up an hour, the officer of their escort appeared and led them to their horses, which were waiting, and they rode away to the castle bridge.

As they approached it, they saw Lazel departing on his great black stallion, which was in a lather of foam. It seemed that he also had made trial of that perilous path, for the people of whom there were many gathered there, clapped their hands and shouted, Well ridden, Frank, well ridden. Now, Godwin leading on flame, they faced the bridge and walked their horses over it.

Nor did these hang back, although they snorted a little at the black gulf on either side. next they returned at a trot, then over again, and yet again at a canter and a gallop, sometimes together and sometimes singly. Lastly, Wolf made Godwin halt in the middle of the bridge, and galloped down upon him at speed, till within a lance's length. Then suddenly he'd checked his horse, and while his audience shouted, wheeled it around on its hind legs, its fore-hoves beating the air, and galloped back again followed by Godwin.

All went well, wolves said as they rode to the castle, and nobler or more gentle horses were never crossed by men. I have good hopes for tomorrow night. A, brother, but I had no sword in my hand. Be not overconfident, for Lazel is desperate and a skilled fighter, as I know who have stood face to face with him. moreover his black stallion is well trained and has more weight than ours also yonder is a fearsome place on which to ride a course and one of which none but that devil's seen none would have thought i shall do my best answered wolf and if i fall why then act upon your own counsel at least let him not kill both of us having stabled their horses the brethren wandered into the garden

and avoiding the cup-bearing woman and the men they plied where their druggard drink drew by a roundabout road to the tall rock then finding themselves alone they unlocked the door and slipped through it locked it again on the further side and groped their way to the moonlit mouth of the cave here they stood awhile studying the descent of the gulf as best they could in that light till suddenly godwin feeling a hand upon his shoulder started round to find himself face to face with how did you come he asked by a road in which is your only hope she answered now sir godwin waste no words for my time is short but if you think that you can trust me and this is for you to judge. Give me the signet which hangs about your neck. If not, go back to the castle and do your best to save the Lady Rosamond and yourselves. Thrusting down his hand between his male shirt and his breast, Godwin drew out the ancient ring, carved with the mysterious signs,

and veined with the emblem of the dagger, and handed it to Masuda. You trust indeed. she said with a little laugh as after scanning it closely by the light of the moon and touching her forehead with it she hid it in her bosom yes lady he answered i trust you though why you should risk so much for us i do not know why well perhaps for hate's sake for senan does not rule by love perhaps because being of a wild blood i am willing to set my life at hazard who care not if i win or die perhaps because you saved me from the lioness what is it to you sir godwin why a certain woman's spy of the assassins whom in your own land you would spit on chooses to do this or that she ceased and stood before him with heaving breast and flashing eyes, a mysterious white figure in the moonlight, most beautiful to see. Godwin felt his heart stir, and the blood flowed to his brow. But before he could speak, Wolf broke in saying, You bade us spare words, Lady Masuda, so tell us what we must do.

This, she answered, becoming calm again. Tomorrow night about this hour, you fight lazal upon the narrow way that is certain for all the city talks of it and whatever chances aljabal will not deprive them of the spectacle of this fray to the death well you may fall though that man at heart is a coward which you are not for here courage alone will avail nothing but rather skill and horsemanship and trick of war if so then sir godwin fights him and of the and of this business none can tell the end. Should both of you go down, then I will do my best to save your lady and take her to Salachidin, with whom she will be safe, or if I cannot save her, I will find her a means to save herself by death. You swear that, said Wolf. I have said it, it is enough, she answered impatiently.

Then I face the bridge and the knave dezal. with a light heart, said Wolf again, and Miss Suda went on. Now if you conquer, Sir Wolf, or if you fall and your brother conquers, both of you or one of you, as it may happen, must gallop back at full speed towards the stable gate that lies more than a mile from the castle bridge. Mounted as you are, no horse can keep pace with you, nor must you stop at the gate, but ride on, ride like the wind till you reach this place. The gardens will be empty of feasters and of cup-bearers, who with every soul within the city will have gathered on the walls

and on the housetops to see the fray. There is but one fear. By then a guard may be set before this mound, seeing that Salaheddin has declared war upon Al-Jabal. And though yonder road is known to few, it is a road, and centuries may watch here. If so, you must cut them down or be cut down, and bring your story to an end.

Sir Godwin, here is another key that you may use, if you are alone. Take it. You did so, and she continued. Now if both of you or one of you win through to this cave, enter with your horses, lock the door, bar it and wait. It may be I will join you here with a princess, but if I do not come by the dawn, and you are not discovered and overwhelmed,

which should not be, seeing that one man can hold that door against many, they know that the worst has happened, and fly to Salahedin and tell him of this road, by which he may take vengeance upon his foe, Sinan. Only then I pray you, doubt not that I have done my best, who if I fall must die most horribly. Now farewell, until we meet again, or do not meet again.

Go, you know the road. They turned to obey, but when they had gone a few paces, Godwin looked round and saw Masuda watching them. The moonlight shone full upon her face, and by it he saw also that tears were running from her dark and tender eyes. Back he came again, and with him wolf, for that sight drew them. Down he bent before her till his knee touched the ground, and, taking her hand, he kissed it, and said in his gentle voice, henceforth, through life, through death, we serve two ladies.

And what he did, Wolf did also. Mayhap, she answered sadly. Two ladies, but one love. Then they went, and, creeping through the bushes to the path, wandered about a while among the revelers, and came to the guesthouse safely. Once more it was night And high above the mountain fortress of Masyaf

shone the full summer moon Lighting crag and tower As with some vast silver lamp Forth from the guesthouse gate Road the brethren Side by side upon their splendid steeds And the moon rays sparkled on their coats of mail Their polished bucklers

Blasened with the cognisance of a grinning skull their close-fitting helms and the points of the long tough lances that had been given them. Round them rode their escort, while in front and behind went a mob of people. The nation of the assassins had thrown off its gloom this night. For the while it was no longer oppressed even by the fear of attack from Saladin, its mighty foe. To death it was accustomed. Death was its watchword. Death in many dreadful forms.

its daily bread. From the walls of Masiaf day by day, Fedais went out to murder this great one, or that great one, at the bidding of their lord Sinan. For the most part they came not back again. They waited week by week, month by month, year by year, till the moment was ripe, then gave the poisoned cup or drove home the dagger, and escaped or was slain. Death waited them abroad, and if they failed, death waited them at home. Their dreadful Caliph was himself a sword of death. At his will they hurled themselves from towers or from precipices. To satisfy his policy they sacrificed their wives and children.

And their reward in life, the rugged cup and voluptuous dreams. After it, as they believed, a still more voluptuous paradise. All forms of human agony and doom were known to this people, but now they were promised an unfamiliar sight, that of Frankish knights, slaying each other in single combat beneath a silent moon, tilting at full gallop upon a narrow place where many might hesitate to walk, and, oh joy, falling perchance, horse and rider together, into the depths below. so they were happy, for to them this was a night of festival, to be followed by a morrow of still greater festival, when their sultan and their god took to himself this strange beauty as a wife. Doubtless too he would soon weary of her, and they would be called together to see her cast from some topmost tower

and hear her frail bones break on the cruel rocks below, or, as it happened to the last queen, to watch her writhe out her life in the pangs of poison upon a charge of sorcery. It was indeed a night of festival, a night filled full of promise of rich joys to come. On rode the brethren, with stern impassive faces, but wondering in their hearts whether they would live to see another dawn. The shouting crowd surged round them, breaking through the circle of their guard. A hand was thrust up to Godwin In it was the letter

Which he took and read by the bright moonlight It was written in English and brief I cannot speak with you God be with you both my brothers God and the spirit of my father Strike home wolf Strike home Godwin And fear not for me who will guard myself

Conquer or die And in life or death await me tomorrow in the flesh or in the spirit we will talk Rosamond Godwin handed the paper to Wolf and as he did so saw that the guards had caught its bearer a withered grey-haired woman they asked her some questions but she shook her head then they cast her down trampled the life out of her beneath their horses' hooves and went on laughing the mob laughed also tear that paper up said godwin wolf did so saying our rosamond has a brave heart well we are of the same blood and will not fail her now they were come to the open space in front of the narrow bridge where tier on tier the multitude were ranged kept back from its centre by lines of guards on the flat-roofed houses also they were crowded thick as swarming bees on the circling walls and on the battlements that protected the far end of the bridge, and the houses of the outer city. Before the bridge was a low gateway, and upon its roof sat the Aljabal,

clad in his scarlet robe of festival, and by his side the moonlight gleaming on her jewels, rosamond. In front draped in a rich garment, a dagger of gems in her dark hair, stood the interpreter, or mouth, Masuda, and behind were dais and guards. The brethren rode to this space before the arch and halted, saluting with their pen and spears. Then from the further side advanced another procession, which opening revealed the knight Lazal,

riding on his great black horse, and a huge man and a fierce he seemed in his armour. What? He shouted. glowering at them. Am I to fight one against two? Is this your chivalry? Nay, nay, sir traitor, answered Wolf. Nay, nay, betrayer of Christian maids to the power of the heathen dog. You have fought Godwin. Now it is the turn of Wolf. Kill Wolf and Godwin remains. Kill Godwin and God remains. Nave, you look your last upon the moon.

Lazzal heard and seemed to go mad with rage or fear or both. Lord Sinan, he shouted in Arabic, this is murder. Am I who have done you so much service to be butchered for your pleasure by the lovers of that woman whom you would honour with the name of wife? Sinan heard and stared at him with dull, angry eyes. A you may stare, went on the maddened Lazzal.

But it is true, they are her lovers, not her brothers. Would men take so much pains for a sister's sake, think you? Would they swim into this net of yours for a sister's sake? Sinan held up his hands for silence. Let the lots be cast, he said. For whatever these men are, this fight must go on and it shall be fair. So a die standing by himself,

cast lots upon the ground, and having read them, announced that La Zelle must run the first course from the further side of the bridge. Then one took his bridle to lead him across. As he passed the brethren, he grinned in their faces and said, At least this is sure, you also look your last upon the moon.

I am avenged already. The bait that hooked me is a mill for yonder pike, and he will kill you both before her eyes to wet his appetite. But the brethren answered nothing. The black horse of Lazel grew dim in the distance of the moonlit bridge and vanished beneath the further archway that led to the outer city. Then a herald cried, Masuda translating his words,

which another herald echoed from beyond the gulf. Thrice will the trumpets blow. At the third blast of the trumpets, the knights shall charge and meet in the centre of the bridge. Thence forward they may fight as it pleases them, a horse or a foot, with lance, with sword, or with dagger. But to the vanquished no mercy will be shown. If he be brought living from the bridge,

living he shall be cast into the gulf. hear the decree of the al-jabal. Then wolf's horse was led forward to the entrance of the bridge, and from the further side was led forward the horse of Lazal. Good luck, brother, said Godwin as he passed him. Would that I rode this course instead of you? Your turn may come, brother, answered the grim wolf, as he set his lance in rest.

Now from some neighbouring tower peeled out the face, first long blast of trumpets, and dead silence fell on all the multitude. Grooms came forward to look to girth and bridle and stirrup strap, but Wolf waved them back. I mind my own harness, he said. The second blast blew, and he loosened the great sword in its scabbard, that sword which had flamed in his forebearer's hand upon the turrets of Jerusalem. your gift he cried back to Rosamond and her answer came clear and sweet bear it like your father's wolf bear it as it was last born in the hall at steeple then there was another silence a silence long and deep wolf looked at the white and narrow ribbon of the bridge looked at the black gulf on either side looked at the blue sky above in which floated the great globe of the golden moon. Then he leant forward and patted smoke upon the neck. For the third time the trumpets

blew, and from either end of that bridge, two hundred paces long, the nights flashed towards each other like living bolts of steel. The multitude rose to watch, even see none rose. Only Rosamund sat still, gripping the cushions with her hands. Hollow rang the hooves of the horses, upon the stonework. Swifter and swifter they flew. Lower and lower bent the knights upon their saddles. Now they were near, and now they met. The spears seemed to shiver, the horses to hustle together on the narrow way, and overhang its edge. Then on came the black horse towards the inner city, and on sped smoke towards the further gulf. They have passed! They have passed! roared the multitude. Look, Luzel approached, reeling in his saddle as well he might,

for the helm was torn from his head, and blood ran from his skull where the lance had raised it. Too high, wolf too high, said Godwin sadly. But, oh, if those laces had but held! Soldiers caught the horse and turned it. Another helm, cried Luzal. Nay, answered Sinan, yonder night has lost his shield, new lances, that is all. So they gave him a fresh lance, and presently, at the blast of the trumpets again,

the horses were seen speeding together over the narrow way. They met, and lo, Luzal torn from his saddle, but still clinging to the reins, was flung backwards, far backwards, to fall on the stonework of the bridge. Down to beneath a mighty shock went his black horse, a huddled heap, and lay there struggling. Wolf will fall over him, cried Rosamond. But smoke did not fall. The stallion gathered itself together. The moonlight shone so clear that every watchers saw it,

and since stop it could not, leapt straight over the fallen black horse, a and over the rider beyond, and sped on in its stride. Then the black found its feet again and galloped forward to the further gate, and Luzal also found his feet and turned to run. Stand, stand, coward! yelled ten thousand voices, and hearing them he drew his sword and stood. Within three great strides, Wolf dragged his charge to its haunches, then wheeled it around.

Charge him! shouted the multitude, but Wolf remained seated, as though unwilling to attack a hoistless man. Next he sprang from the saddle and accompanied by the horse smoke, which followed him as a dog follows its master, walked slowly towards La Zelle, as he walked casting away his lance and drawing the great cross-hilted sword. Again the silence fell, and through it rang the cry of Godwin. Adarcy, Adarcy! Adarcy! Adarcy! Came back Wolf's answer from the bridge, and his voice echoed thin and hollow in the spaces of the Gulf. Yet they rejoiced to hear it, for it told them that he was sound and strong.

Wolf had no shield, and Luzel had no helm. The fight was even. They crouched opposite each other. The swords flashed aloft in the moonlight. From far away came the distant clank of steel, a soft continual clamour of iron on iron. A blow fell on wolf's male, who had naught wherewith to guard himself, and he staggered back.

Another blow, another and another, and back, still back he reeled, back to the edge of the bridge, back till he struck against the horse that stood behind him, and resting there a moment, as it seemed regained his balance. Then there was a change. Look, he rushed forward, wielding the great blade with both hands.

The stroke lit upon La Zelle's shield and seemed to shear it in two, for in that stillness all could hear the clang of its upper half as it fell upon the stones. Beneath the weight of it he staggered, sank to his knee, gained his feet again, and in his turn gave back. Yes, now it was Luzel who rocked and reeled. A, by St. Chad, Luzal who went down beneath that mighty blow, which missed the head but fell upon his shoulder,

and lay there like a log. Till presently the moonlight shone upon his mailed hand, stretched upwards, in a prayer for mercy. From house-top and terrace wall, from soaring gates and battlements, the multitude of the people of the assassins gathered on either side of the gulf, broke into a roar that beat up the mountain sides like a voice of thunder, and the roar shaped itself into these words.

Kill him! Kill him! Kill him! Kill him! Sinan held up his hand and a sudden silence fell. Then he too screamed in his thin voice. Kill him! He is conquered. But the great wolf only leaned upon the cross-handle of his brand and looked at the fallen foe. Presently he seemed to speak with him.

Then Lazel lifted the blade that lay beside him and gave it to him in token of surrender. Wolf handled it a while, shook it on high in triumph, and whirled it about his head till it shone in the moonlight. Next with a shout he cast it from him far into the gulf, where it was seen for a moment, an arc of gleaming light, and the next was gone. Now taking no more heed of the conquered night, Wolf turned and began to walk towards his horse. Scarcely was his back towards him when Lausel was on his feet again a dagger in his hand. Look behind you, yelled Godwin.

but the spectators pleased that the fight was not yet done broke into a roar of cheers. Wolf heard and swung around. As he faced Luzel, the daggers struck him on the breast, and well must it have been for him that his mail was good. To use his sword he had neither space nor time, but ere the next stroke could fall, Wolf's arms were about Luzel, and the fight for life begun. To and fro they reeled and staggered, whirling round and round,

till none could tell which of them was wolf or which was foe. Now they were on the edge of the abyss, and in that last dread strain for mastery, seemed to stand there still as stone. Then one man began to bend down, see his head hung over, further and further he went, but his arms could not be loosened. They will both go, cried the multitude in their joy.

Look, a dagger flashed. Once, twice, thrice it gleamed, and those wrestlers fell apart, while from deep down in the gulf came the thud of a fallen body. Witch, oh which! cried Rosamond from abettlement. So Hugh Lazal, answered Godwin in a solemn voice. Then the head of Rosamond fell forward on her breast,

and for a while she seemed to sleep. Wolf went to his horse, turned it about on the bridge, and throwing his arm around its neck rested for his space. Then he mounted and walked slowly towards the inner gate. Pushing through the guard and officers, Godwin rode out to meet him. Bravely done, brother, he said, when they came face to face. Say, are you hurt? bruised and shaken, no more, answered Wolf.

A good beginning, truly. Now for the rest, said Godwin. Then he glanced over his shoulder and added, See they are leading Rosamond away, but see none remains to speak with you doubtless for Masuda beckons. What shall we do? asked Wolf. Make a plan, brother, for my head swims. hear what he has to say then as your horse is not wounded either ride for it when i give the signal as masuda bade us there is no other way pretend that you are wounded

so godwin leading while the multitude roared a welcome to the conquering wolf who had borne himself so bravely for their pleasure they rode to the mouth of the bridge and halted in the little space before the archway their aljabal spoke by the a musuda. A noble fray, he said. I did not think that Franks could fight so well. Say sir night, will you feast with me in my palace? I thank you, Lord, answered Wolf, but I must rest while my brother tends my hurts, and he pointed to blood upon his mail. Tomorrow, if it pleases you. Sinan stared at them and stroked his beard while they trembled, well. waiting for the word of fate. It came. Good, so be it.

Tomorrow I wed the lady rose of roses, and you two, her brothers, shall give her to me as is fitting. And he sneered. Then also, you shall receive the reward of valour. A great reward, I promise you. While he spoke, Godwin's staring upward, had noted a little wandering cloud floating across the moon.

Sooner covered it and the place grew dim. Now, he whispered, and bowing to the Algebel, they pushed their horses through the open gate, where the mob closed in on them, thus for a little while holding back the escort from following on their heels. They spoke to flame and smoke, and the good horses plunged onward side by side, separating the crowd as the prows of boats separate the water.

In ten paces it grew thin. In thirty it was behind them, for all folk were gathered about the archway, where they could see and none beyond. Forward they cantered till the broad road turned to the left, and in that faint light they were hidden. Away, said Godwin, shaking his reins. Forward leapt the horses at speed.

Again Godwin turned, taking that road which ran round the city wall and through the gardens, leaving the guest castle to the left, whereas their escort followed that whereby they had come, which passed along the main street of the inner town, thinking that they were ahead of them, three minutes more and they were in the lonely gardens, in which that night no woman wandered, and no neophytes dreamed in the pavilions. Wolf, said Godwin, as they swept forward, skimming the turf like swallows, draw your sword and be ready. Remember the secret cave may be guarded, and if so we must kill or be killed. Wolf nodded, and next instant two long blades flashed in the moonlight, for the little cloud had passed away.

Within a hundred paces of them rose the tall rock, but between it and the mound were two mounted guards, These heard the beating of horses' hooves and wheeled about, stared to see two armed knights sweeping down on them like a whirlwind. They called to them to stop, hesitating, then rode forward a few paces, as though wondering whether this were not a vision. In a moment the brethren were on them. The soldiers lifted their lances, but ere they could thrust the sword of Godwin had caught one between the neck and shoulder and sunk to his breastbone. while the sword of wolf used as a spear had pierced the other through and through, so that those men fell dead by the door of the mound, never knowing who had slain them. The brethren pulled upon their bridles and spoke to flame and smoke,

halting them within a score of yards. Then they wheeled round and sprang from their saddles. One of the dead guards still held his horse's reins, and the other beasts stood by snorting. Godwin caught it before it stirred, then holding all four of them through the key to Wolf, and bade him unlock the door. Soon it was done, although he staggered at the task. Then he held the horses, while one by one Godwin led them in, and that without trouble,

for the beasts thought that this was but a cave-hewn stable of a kind to which they were accustomed. What of the dead men? said Wolf. they had best keep us company, answered Godwin, and running out, he carried in first one and then the other. Swift, he said, as he threw down the second corpse. Shut the door, I caught sight of horsemen riding through the trees. No, they saw nothing. So they locked the massive door and barred it,

and with beating hearts waited in the dark, expecting every moment to hear soldiers battering at its timbers. But no sound came. The searches, if such they were, had passed on to seek elsewhere. Now while Wolf made shift to fasten up the horses near the mouth of the cave, Godwin gathered stones as large as he could lift and piled them up against the door, till they knew that it would take many men an hour or more to break. through. For this door was banded with iron and set fast in the living rock.

End of Chapter 14. Chapter 15 of The Brethren by H. Rider Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Elroy. The flight to Emesa. Then came the weariest time of waiting the brethren had ever known, or were to know, although at first they didn't. not feel it so long and heavy. Water trickled from the walls of this cave, and Wolf who was parched with thirst, gathered it in his hands and drank till he was satisfied. Then he let it run upon his head to cool its aching, and Godwin bathed such of his brothers' hurts and bruises as could become at, for he did not dare to remove the hauberk, and so gave him comfort. When this was done,

and he had looked to the saddles and trappings of the horses, Wolf told of all that had passed between him and Lazel on the bridge. How at the first onset his spear had caught in the links of and torn away the headpiece of his foe, who, if the lacings had not burst, would have been hurled to death, while that of Lazel struck his butler fair and shattered on it, rending it from his arm. how they pushed past each other, and for a moment the four-hoves of smoke hung over the abyss,

so that he thought he was surely sped. How at the next course, Lizal's spear passed beneath his arm, while his striking full upon Sir Hugh's breast, brought down the black horse and his rider, as though a thunderbolt had smitten them, and how smoke that could not check its furious pace, leapt over them, as a horse leaps a hunting. How he would not ride down Luzal, but dismounted to finish the fray in nightly fashion,

and being shieldless received the full weight of the great sword upon his mail, so that he staggered back, and would have fallen had he not struck against the horse. Then he told of the blows that followed, and of his last that wounded Luzal, shirring through his mail and felling him as an oxes felt by the butcher. how also when he sprang forward to kill him this mighty and brutal man had prayed for mercy, prayed it in the name of Christ and of their own mother, whom as a child he knew in Essex.

How he could not slaughter him, being helpless, but turned away, saying that he left him to be dealt with by Aljabal, whereupon this traitorous dog sprang up and strove to knife him. He told also of their last fearful struggle And how shaken as he was by the blow upon his back Although the point of the dagger had not pierced his mail He strove with Lazal man to man Till at length his youth Great natural strength

And the skill he had in wrestling Learned in many a village bout at home Enabled him to prevail And while they hung together on that perilous edge of the Gulf to free his right hand, draw his ponyard, and make an end. Yet, added Wolf, never shall I forget the look of that man's eyes as he fell backwards, or the whistling scream which came from his pierced throat. At least there is a rogue the less in the world, although he was a brave one in his own knavish fashion, answered Godwin.

Moreover, my brother, he added. placing his arm about Wolf's neck. I'm glad it fell to you to fight him, for at the last grip your might overcame, where I, who am not so strong, should have failed. Further, I think you did well to show mercy, as a good night should, that thereby you have gained great honour,

and that if his spirit can see through the darkness, our dead uncle is proud of you now, as I am my brother. I thank you, replied Wolf simply, but in this hour of torment who can think of such things as honour gained then lest he should grow stiff who was sorely bruised beneath his mail they began to walk up and down the cave from where the horses stood to where the two dead assassins lay by the door the faint light gleaming upon their stern dark features ill company they seemed in that silent lonely place the time crept on the moon sank towards the moment and the moon sank towards the moment The time crept on, the moon sank towards the mountains. What if they do not come? asked Wolf.

Let us wait to think of it till dawn, answered Godwin. Again they walked the length of the cave and back. How can they come, the door being barred? asked Wolf. How did Masuda come and go? Answered Godwin. Oh, question me no more. It is in the hand of God. Look, said Wilf in a whisper, Who stands yonder at the end of the cave?

There by the dead men? Their spirits perchance, answered Godwin, drawing his sword and leaning forward. Then he looked, and true enough, there stood two figures faintly outlined in the gloom. They glided towards them, and now the level moonlight shone upon their white robes and gleamed in the gems they wore.

I cannot see them, said a voice. Oh, those dead soldiers, what do they portend? At least you understand their horses, answered another voice. Now the brethren guessed the truth, and like men in a dream, stepped forward from the shadow of the wall. Rosamund, they said. Oh, Godwin, oh wolf, she cried in answer. Oh, Jesus, I thank thee, I thank thee. thee and this brave woman.

And casting her arms about Masuda, she kissed her on the face. Masuda pushed her back and said in a voice that was almost harsh. It is not fitting, princess, that your pure lips should touch the cheek of a woman of the assassins. But Rosamond would not be repulsed. It is most fitting, she sobbed, that I should give you thanks, who but for you must also have become a woman of the assassins or an inhabitant of the house of death. Then Masuda kissed her back

and thrusting her way into the arms of wolf, said roughly. So pilgrims Peter and John, your patron saints have brought you through so far. And John, you fight right well. Nay, do not stop for our story if you wish us to live to tell it. What? You have the.

soldiers' horses with your own. Well done. I did not credit you with so much wit. Now, Sir Wilf, can you walk? Yes, so much the better. It will save you a rough ride, for this place is steep, though not so steep as one you know of. Now set the princess upon flame, for no cat is surer-footed than that horse, as you may remember, Peter. I who know the path will lead it. John take you the other two. Peter, do you follow last of all with smoke? And if they hang back, prick them with your sword. Come flame, be not afraid. Flame! Where I go, you can come. And Massouda thrust her way through the bushes and over the edge of the cliff, talking to the snorting horse and patting its neck. A minute more, and they were scrambling down a mountain ridge so steep that it seemed as though

they must fall and be dashed to pieces at the bottom. Yet they fell not, for made as it had been to meet such hours of need. This road was safer than it appeared, with ridges cut in the rock at the worst places. Down they went, and down, till at length panting but safe. They stood at the bottom of the darksome gulf, where only the stalact shone, for here the rays of the low moon could not reach. Mount, said Masuda, Princess Day you on flame,

he is the surest and the swiftest. So Wolf, keep your own horse smoke, your brother and I will ride those of the soldiers, though not very swift, doubtless they are good beasts and accustomed to such roads. Then she leapt to the saddle as a woman born in the desert can and pushed her horse in front. For a mile or more,

Masuda led them along the road. rocky bottom of the gulf, where because of the stones they could only travel at a foot pace, till they came to a deep cliff on the left hand, up which they began to ride. By now the moon was quite behind the mountains, and such faint light as came from the stars began to be obscured with drifting clouds. Still they stumbled on till they reached a little glade where water ran and grass grew. Halt, said Missouda. Here we must wait till dawn for in this darkness, the horses cannot keep their footing on the

stones. Moreover, all about us lie precipices, over one of which we might fall. But they will pursue us, pleaded Rosamond. Not until they have light to see by, answered Massouda. Or at least we must take the risk, for to go forward would be madness. Sit down and rest a while and let the horses drink a little and eat a mouthful of grass, holding their reins in our hands, for we and they may need all our strength before tomorrow's sun is set. So Wolf say, are you much hurt? But very little, he answered in a cheerful voice.

A few bruises beneath my mail, that is all, for LaZelle's sword was heavy. Tell us, I pray you, what happened after we rode. away from the castle bridge. This nights, the princess here being overcome, was escorted by the slaves back to her chambers, but Sinan bade me stay with him

a while that he might speak to you through me. Do you know what was in his mind? To have you killed at once, both of you, whom Lazala told him were this lady's lovers and not her brothers. Only he feared that there might be trouble

with the people, who were pleased with a fighting, so held his hand. Then he bade you to the supper, whence you would not have returned, but when Sir Wolf said that he was hurt, I whispered to him that what he wished to do could best be done on the morrow at the wedding feast, when he was in his own halls,

surrounded by his guards. A, he answered, These brethren shall fight with them until they are driven into the gulf. It will be a good, goodly sight for me and my queen to see. Oh, horrible, horrible, said Rosamond, while Godwin muttered, I swear that I would have fought, not with his guards, but with sin none only. So he suffered you to go, and I left him also. Before I went, he spoke to me, bidding me bring the princess to him privately within two hours after we had supped, as he wished to speak to her alone about the

ceremony of her marriage on the morrow, and to make her gifts. I answered aloud that his commands should be obeyed, and hurried to the guest castle. There I found your lady recovering from her faintness, but mad with fear and forced her to eat and drink. The rest is short. Before the two hours were gone a messenger came, saying that the Algebel bade me do what he had commanded. Return, I answered. The princess adorns herself. We follow presently alone as it is commanded. Then I threw this cloak about her, and bade her be brave, and if we failed to choose whether she would take Sinan or death for Lord. Next I took the ring you had, the signet of the dead Aljabal, who gave it to your kinsman, and held it before the

the slaves who bowed and let me pass. We came to the guards, and to them again I showed the ring. They bowed also. But when they saw that we turned down the passage to the left and not to the right, as we should have done, to come to the doors of the inner palace, they would have stopped us. Acknowledge the signet, I answered. Dogs, what is it to you which road the signet takes? then they also let us pass. Now, following the passage, we were out of the guest house and in the gardens, and I led her to what is called the prison tower,

whence runs the secret way. Here were more guards who obeyed open in the name of Sinan. They said, we obey not, this place is shut, save to the signet itself. Behold it, I answered. The officer looked at, and said, it is the very signet, sure enough, and there is no other. Yet he paused, studying the black stone veined with a red dagger and the ancient writing on it.

Are you then weary of life? I asked. Full, the Aljabal himself would keep a trist within this house, which he enters secretly from the palace. Woe to you if he does not find his lady there. It is the signet that he must have sent, sure enough, the captain said again, to disobey which is death. Yes, open, open, whispered his companions. So they opened, though doubtfully, and we entered, and I barred the door behind us. Then to be short, through the darkness of the tower basement, guiding ourselves by the wall, we crept to the entrance of that way of which I know the secret. ay and along all its length and through the rock door of escape at the end which i set so that none can turn it save skilled masons with their tools and into the cave where we found you

it was no great matter having the signet although without the signet it had not been possible to-night when every gate is guarded no great matter gasped rosamond oh godwin and wool if you could know how she thought of and made ready everything, if you could have seen how all those cruel men glared at us, searching out our very souls, if you could have heard how high she answered them, waving that ring before their eyes, and bidding them to obey its presence, or to die, which they surely have done by now,

broken Masuda quietly, though I do not pity them who were wickedly. nay thank me not i have done what i promised to do neither less nor more and i love danger and a high stake tell us your story sir godwin so seated there on the grass in the darkness he told them of their mad ride and of the slaying of the gods while rosamond raised her hands and thanked heaven for its mercies and that they were without those accursed walls you may be within them again before sunset said masuda grimly yes answered wolf but not alive now what plan have you to ride for the coast towns no replied masuda at least not straight since to do so we must pass through the country of the assassins who by this day's light will be warned to watch for us we must ride through the desert mountain lands to emesa many months miles away, and cross the Orontas there, then down into Balbeck and so back to Beirut. Emesa, said Godwin, why Saladin holds that place, and of Baalbeck the Lady Rosamund is Princess.

Which is best? asked Missouda shortly, that she should fall into the hands of Salahideen, or back into those of the master of the assassins. Choose which you wish? I choose Salarie. I choose Salar head in, broken Rosamond, for at least he is my uncle and will do me no wrong. Nor knowing the case did the others gainsay her. Now at length the summer day began to break, and while it was still too dark to travel, Godwin and Rosamond let the horses graze, holding them by their bridles. Masuda also, taking off the hauberk of wolf, doctored his bruises as best she could, with the crushed leaves of a bush that grew by the stream,

having first washed them with the water, and though the time was short, eased him much. Then, soon as the dawn was grey, having drunk their fill, and as they had nothing else, eaten some watercress that grew in the stream, they tightened their saddle girths and started. Scarcely had they gone a hundred yards when, from the gulf beneath, that was hidden in the grey mists, They heard the sound of horses' hooves and men's voices.

Push on, said Masuda. Aljabal is on our tracks. Upwards they climbed through the gathering light, skirting the edge of the dreadful precipices, which in the gloom it would have been impossible to pass. Till at length they reached a great table land that ran to the foot of some mountains a dozen miles or more away. Among those mountains saw two peaks

set close together. To these Masuda pointed, saying that their road ran between them, and that beyond lay the valley of the Orontes. While she spoke, far behind them, they heard the sound of men shouting, although they could see nothing because of the dense mist. Push on, said Masuda.

There is no time to spare. And they went forward, but only at a hand-gallop, for the ground was still rough and the light, uncertain. When they had covered some six miles of the distance between them and the mountain pass, the sun rose suddenly and sucked up the mist. This was what they saw. Before them lay a flat sandy plain, behind the stony ground that they had traversed, and riding over it two miles from them, some twenty men of the assassins. They cannot catch us, said Wolf, but Masuda-Port. pointed to the right, where the mist still hung and said,

Yonder I see spears. Presently it thinned. And there, a league away, they saw a great body of mounted soldiers. Perhaps there were four hundred. Look, she said, they have come round during the night, as I feared they would. Now we must cross the path before them or be taken. And she struck her horse fiercely with a stick she had cut at the stream. half a mile further on, a shout from the great body of men to their right,

which was answered by another shout from those behind, told them that they were seen. On, said Musuda, the race will be close, so they began to gallop their best. Two miles were done, but although that behind was far off, the great cloud of dust to their right grew ever nearer, till it seemed as though it must reach the mouth of the mountain pass before them. Then Godwin spoke, Wolf and Rosamond ride on. Your horses are swift and can outpace them. At the crest of the mountain pass, wait a while to breathe the beasts and see if we come. If not, ride on again and God be with you. Ay, said Musuda, ride and head for the Amesa Bridge. It can be seen from far, and there yield yourselves to the offices of Salaridin. They hung back. But in a stern voice, Godwin repeated,

"'ride, I command you both!' "'For Rosamund's sake, so be it,' answered Wolf. Then he called to smoke and flame, and they stretched themselves out upon the sand, and passed then swifter than swallows. Soon Godwin and Musuda toiling behind them, saw them enter the mouth of the pass. "'Good,' she said,

except those of their own breed there are no horses in Syria that can catch those two they will come to Emesa have no fear who was the man who brought them to us asked Godwin as they galloped side by side their eyes fixed upon the ever nearing cloud of dust in which the spear points sparkled

my father's brother my uncle as I call him she answered he is a shake of the desert who owns the ancient breed that cannot be bought for gold. Then are you not of the assassins, Miss Suda? No, I may tell you, now that the end seems near. My father was an Arab, my mother a noble Frank, a French woman, whom he found starving in the desert after a fight,

and took to his tent and made his wife. The assassins fell upon us and killed him and her. and captured me as a child of 12. Afterwards when I grew older, being beautiful in those days, I was taken to the harem of Sinan, and although in secret I had been bred up a Christian by my mother, they swore me of his accursed faith. Now you will understand why I hate him so sorely,

who murdered my father and my mother, and made me what I am, why i hold myself so vile also yes i have been forced to serve as his spy or be killed who although he believed me his faithful slave desired first to be avenged upon him i do not hold you vile panted godwin as he spurred his laboring steed i hold you most noble i rejoice to hear it before we die she answered looking him in the eyes, in such a fashion that he dropped his head before her burning gaze. Who hold you, dear Sir Godwin? For whose sake I have dead these things, although I am naught to you. Nay, speak not, the Lady Rosamond has told me all that story, except its answer.

Now they were off the sand over which they had been racing side by side, and beginning to breast the mountain slope, nor was Godwin's son. nor was Godwin sorry that the clatter of their horses' hooves upon the stones prevented further speech between them. So far they had outpaced the assassins, who had a longer and a rougher road to travel, but the great cloud of dust was not 700 yards away, and in front of it, shaking their spears, rode some of the best mounted of their soldiers. These horses still have strength. They are better than I thought them, cried Massouda. They will not gain on us across the mountains, but afterwards,

for the next league they spoke no more, who must keep their horses from falling as they toiled up the steep path. At length they reached the crest, and there on the very top of it, saw Wolf and Rosamond standing by flame and smoke. They rest, Godwin said, then he shouted, Mount, mount, the foe is close. So they climbed to their feet. saddles again, and all four of them together began to descend the long slope that stretched

to the plain two leagues beneath. Far off across this plain ran a broad silver streak, beyond which from that height they could see the walls of a city. The Orontes, cried Massouda, cross that and we are safe. But Godwin looked first at his horse, then at Masuda, and shook his head. Well might he do so, for start-hearted as they were, the beasts were much distressed that had galloped so far without drawing rain. Down the steep road they plunged, panting, indeed at times it was hard to keep them on their feet. They will reach the plain, no more, said Godwin, and Masuda nodded. The descent was almost done, and not a mile behind them the white-robed assassins streamed endlessly. Godwin plied his spurs and Masuda her whip,

although with little hope, for they knew that the end was near. Down the last declivity they rushed, till suddenly, as they reached its foot, Massouda's horse reeled, stopped, and sank to the ground, while Godwins pulled up beside it. Ride on, he cried to Rosamond and Wolf in front, but they would not. He stormed at them but they replied, Nay, we will die together. Masuda looked at the horses, flame and smoke, which seemed but little troubled. So be it, she said.

They have carried double before and must again. Mount in front of the lady, Sir Godwin, and Sir Wolf give me your hand, and you will learn what this breed can do. So they mounted. Forward started flame and smoke, with a long swinging gallop. while from the assassins above, who thought that they held them, went up a shout of rage and wonder.

Their horses are also tired and we may beat them yet, called the dauntless Masuda. But Godwin and Wolf looked sadly at the ten miles of plain between them and the Rivebank. On they went and on. A quarter of it was done, half of it was done, but now the first of the Fedai hung upon their flanks, not two hundred yards behind. Little by little this distance lessened. At length they were scarcely 50 yards away, and one of them flung a spear.

In her terror Rosamond sobbed aloud. Spur the horses' knights, cried Masuda, and for the first time they spurred them. At the sting of the steel, flame and smoke sprang forward as though they had but just left their stable door, and the gap between pursuers and pursued widened. Two more miles were done, and scarce seven furlongs from them.

They saw the broad mouth of the bridge, while the towers of Emesa beyond seemed so close that in this clear air they could discern the watchman outlined against the sky. Then they descended a little valley and lost sight of bridge and town. At the rise of the opposing slope, the strength of flame and smoke at last began to fail beneath their double burdens. They panted and trembled, and, save in short rushes, no longer answered to the spur. The assassin saw, and came on with wild shouts.

Nearer and nearer they drew, and the sound of their horses' hooves beating on the sand was like the sound of thunder. Now once more they were fifty yards away, and now but thirty. and again the spears began to flash, though none struck them. Masuda screamed to the horses in a rabic, and gallantly did they struggle, plunging up the hill, with slow convulsive bounds. Godwin and Wolfe looked at each other,

then at a signal checked their speed, leapt to earth, and turning drew their swords. On, they cried, and lightened off their weight, once more the reeling horses plunged forth. with. The assassins were upon them. Wolf struck a mighty blow and emptied the saddle of the first, then was swept to earth. As he fell from behind him, he heard a scream of joy, and struggling to his feet looked round. Low from over the crest of the rise, rushed squadron upon squadron of turbaned cavalry, who as they came set their lances in rest and shouted,

Salahedin! Salahedin! The assassins saw also and turned to fly. Too late. A horse! A horse! screamed Godwin in Arabic, and presently how he never knew, found himself mounted and charging with the Saracens. To Wolf too, a horse was brought, but he could not struggle to its saddle. Thrice he strove, then fell backwards, and lay upon the sand,

waving his sword and shouting where he lay, while Massouda stood by him, a dagger in her hand, and with her rosamund upon her knees. Now the pursuers were the pursuit, and dreadful was the reckoning that they must pay. Their horses were outworn and could not fly at speed. Some of their feda'i were cut down upon them. Some dismounted, and gathering themselves in little groups,

fought bravely till they were slain, while a few were taken prisoners. Of all that great troop of men, not a score won back alive to Masyaf, to make report to their master of how the chase of his lost bride had ended. A while later, and wolf from his seat upon the ground, saw Godwin riding back towards him,

his red sword in his hand. With him rode a sturdy, bright-eyed man, gorgeously apparelled, at the sight of whom Rosamond sprang to her feet, then as he dismounted, ran forward and with a little cry cast her arms about him. Her son! Prince Hassan! Is it indeed you? Oh God be praised! She gasped. Then, had not Masuda caught her, would have fallen. The Emir looked at her, her long hair loose, her face stained, her veil torn, but still clad in the silk and gleaming gems with which she had been decked,

as the bride-elect of Al-Jabal. Then low to the earth he bent his knee, while the grave Saracens watched, and taking the hem of her garment, he kissed it. Allah be praised indeed, he said. I, his unworthy servant, thank him from my heart, who never thought to see you living more. Soldiers, salute.

Before you stands the Lady Rose of the world. princess of Baalbeck and niece of your lord Salaridin commander of the faithful. Then in stately salutation to this disheveled outworn but still queenly woman, uprose hand and spear and scimitar, while Wolf cried from where he lay. Why, it is our merchant of the drugged wine, none other. Oh, Sir Saracen, does not the memory of that Chapman's trick shame you? you now? The Emirha sun heard and grew red, muttering in his beard. Like you, Sir Wolf, I am the slave of fate and must obey. Be not bitter against me till you know all.

I am not bitter, answered Wolf, but I always pay for my drink, and we will settle that score yet, as I have sworn. Hush, broken Rosamond, although he stole me, he is also my deliverer and friend, through many apparel, and had it not been for him by now,

and she shuddered. I do not know all the story, but Princess, it seems that you should thank not me, but these goodly cousins of yours and those splendid horses, and Gassan pointed to smoke and flame, who stood by quivering with hollow flanks and drooping heads.

There is another whom I must thank also, this noble woman, as you will call her also when you hear the story, said Rosamund, flinging her arms about the neck of Missouda. My master will reward her, said Hassan. But, oh, lady, what must you think of me who seem to desert you so basely? Yet I reasoned well. in the castle of that son of Satan see none, and he spat upon the ground.

I could not have aided you, for there he would only have butchered me. But by escaping I thought that I might help. So I bribed the Frankish knave with a priceless star of my house, and he touched the great jewel that he wore in his turban, and with what money I had to lose my bonds, and while he pouched the gold, I stabbed him with his own knife and fled.

but this morning i reached yonder city in command of ten thousand men charged to rescue you if i could if not to avenge you for the ambassadors of salaridin informed me of your plight an hour ago the watchmen on the towers reported that they saw two horses galloping across the plain beneath a double burden pursued by soldiers whom from their robes they took to be assassins so as i have a quarrel with the assassins i crossed the bridge formed up five hundred men in a hollow and waited never guessing that it was you who fled you know the rest and the assassins know it also for he added grimly you have been well avenged Follow it up, said Wolf, and the vengeance shall be better, for I will show you the secret way into myself, or if I cannot Godwin will, and there you may hall see none from his own towers. Hassan shook his head and answered, I should like it well, for with this magician my master also has an ancient quarrel, but he has other feuds upon his hands, and he looked meaningly at Wolf and Godwin. and my orders were to rescue the princess and no more. Well, she has been rescued, and some hundreds of heads have paid the price of all that she has suffered.

Also, that secret way of yours will be safe enough by now. So there I let them abide, glad enough that it has ended thus. Only I warn you all, and myself also, to walk warily, since if I know ought of him, Sinan's Fedais will henceforth dog the steps of every one of us, striving to bring us to our ends by murder. Now here come the litters, enter them all of you, and be born to the city,

who have ridden far enough today, fear not for your horses, they shall be led in gently and saved alive, if skill and care can save them. I go to count the slave, and will join you presently in the citadel. So the bearers came and lifted up wolf and helped Godwin from his horse, for now that all was over he could scarcely stand,

and with them Rosamund and Masuda. Placing them in the litters, they carried them, escorted by cavalry, across the bridge of the Orontes, into the city of Emesa, where they lodged them in the citadel. Here also, after giving them a drink of barley, and rubbing their backs and legs with ointment, they led the horses smoke and flame, slowly and with great trouble,

for these could hardly stir, and laid them down on thick beds of straw, tempting them with food, which after a while they ate. The four, Rosamund, Masuda Godwin and Wolf, ate also of some soup with wine in it, and after the hurts of wolf had been tended by a skilled doctor, went to their beds,

whence they did not rise again for two days. End of chapter 15. Chapter 16 of the Brethren by H. Shrider Haggard. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy. The Sultan Saladin. In the third morning, Godwin awoke, to see the ray of sunrise streaming through the latticed window. They fell upon another bed nearby, where wolves still lay sleeping, a bandage on his head, that had been hurt in the last charge against the assassins,

and other bandages about his arms and body, which were much bruised in the fight upon the dreadful bridge. Wondrous was it to Godwin to watch him lying there sleeping healthily, notwithstanding his injuries, and to think of what they had gone through together with so little harm, to think also of how they had rescued Rosamund, out of the very mouth of that earthly hell, of which he could see the peaks through the open window place.

Out of the very hands of that fiend, its ruler. Reckoning the tale day by day, he reflected on their adventures since they landed at Beirut and saw how heaven had guided their every step. In face of the warnings that were given them, to visit the Aljabal in his stronghold had seemed a madness. Yet there, where none could have thought that she would be, they had found Rosamond.

There they had been avenged upon the false knight, Sir Hugh Luzal, who had betrayed her first to Saladin, then to see none, and sent him down to death and judgment, and thence they had rescued Rosamond. Oh, how wise they had been to obey the dying words of their uncle, Sir Andrew, who doubtless was given foresight at the end. God and his saints had helped them, who could not have helped themselves, and his minister had been Masuda. But for Masuda, Rosamund would by now be lost or dead, and they, if their lives were still left to them,

would be wanderers in the great land of Syria, seeking for one who never could be found. Why had Masuda done these things, again and again, putting her own life upon the to save theirs and the honour of another woman. As he asked himself the question, Godwin felt the red blood rise to his face. Because she hated Sinan, who had murdered her parents and degraded her, she said, and doubtless that had to do with the matter. But it was no longer possible to hide the truth. She loved him, and had loved him from the first hour when they met.

he had always suspected it in that wild trial of the horses upon the mountain side when she sat with her arms about him and her face pressed against his face when she kissed his feet after he had saved her from the lion and many another time But as they followed Wolf and Rosamond up the mountain pass, while the host of the assassins thundered at their hills, and in broken gasps she had told him of her sad history, then it was that he grew sure. Then too he had said that he held her not vile, but noble, as indeed he did. And, thinking their death upon them,

she had answered that she held him dear, and looked on him as a woman looks upon her only love, a message in her eyes that no man could fail to read. Yet if this was so, why had Bessouda saved Rosamond, the lady to whom she knew well that he was sworn, reared among those cruel folk who could wade to their desire through blood and think it honour, would she not have left her rival to her doom, seeing that oaths do not hold beyond the grave?

An answer came into the heart of Godwin, at the very thought of which he turned pale and trembled. His brother was also sworn to Rosamond, and she in her soul must be sworn to one of them. Was it not to Wolf? Wolf who was handsomer and more strong than he? To Wolf, the conqueror of Lazal? Had Rosamund told Masouda this? Nay, surely not. Yet women can read each other's hearts, piercing veils through which no man may see, and perchance Missouda had read the heart of Rosamund.

She stood behind her during the dreadful duel at the gate, and watched her face when Wolf's death seemed sure. She might have heard words that broke in agony from her lips in those moments of torment. Oh, without doubt it was so. And Missuda had protected Rosamond because she knew that. her love was for wolf and not for him. The thought was very bitter, and in its pain Godwin groaned aloud, while a fierce jealousy of the brave and handsome knight,

who slept at his side, dreaming doubtless, of the fame that he had won in the reward by which it would be crowned, gripped his vitals like the icy hand of death. Then Godwin remembered the oath that they two had sworn far away, in the priory at Stangate, and the love passing the love of woman which he bore towards his brother, and the duty of a Christian warrior whereto he was vowed, and hiding his face in his pillows, he prayed for strength. It would seem that it came to him, at least when he lifted his head again, the jealousy was gone,

and only the great grief remained. Fear remained also, for what of Masuda? How should he deal with her? He was certain that this was no fancy which would pass until her life passed with it, and beautiful as she was, and noble as she was. He did not wish her love. He could find no answer to these questions, save this, that things might go on as they were decreed. For himself, he, Godwin, would strive to do his duty,

to keep his hands king. and await the end whatever that might be. Wolf woke up, stretched his arms, exclaimed because that action hurt him, grumbled at the brightness of the light upon his eyes, and said that he was very hungry. Then he arose, and with the help of Godwin, dressed himself, but not in his armour. Here were the yellow-coated soldiers of Saladin, grave-faced and watchful, pacing before the door, for night and day they were trebly guarded lest assassins should creep in.

There was no need for mail. In the fortress of Masyaf, indeed where they were also guarded, it had been otherwise. Wolf heard the step of the sentries on the cemented pavement without, and shook his great shoulders as though he shivered. That sound makes my backbone cold, he said. For a moment as my eyes opened, I thought that we were back again in the guest chambers of Al-Jabal, where folk crept round us as we slept, and murderers marched to and fro outside the curtains, fingering their knife points.

Well, whatever there is to come, thank the saints that is done with. I tell you, brother, I have had enough of mountains and narrow bridges and assassins. Henceforth, I desire to live upon a flat with never a hill in sight, amidst honest folk, as stupid as their own sheep, who go to church on Sundays and get drunk, not with hashish, but on brown ale, brought to them by no white-robed sorceress, but by a draggled-tailed wench in a tavern, with her musty bed-straws still sticking in her hair. Give me the saltings of Essex, with the east winds blowing over them, and the primrose abloom upon the bank, and the lanes fetlocked deep in mud, and for your share you may be able to bellowing over them, and the primrose abloat deep in mud, and for your share you may take all the centred gardens of Sinan and the cups and jewels of his ladies with the fighting and adventures of the Golden East thrown in. I never sought these things, and we are a long way from Essex, answered Godwin shortly.

No, said Wolf, but they seem to seek you. What news of Miss Suda? Have you seen her while I slept, which has been long? I have seen no one except the apothecary who tend to. you, the slaves who brought us food, and last evening the Prince Hassan, who came to see how we fared. He told me that like yourself, Rosamund and Mersuda slept. I am glad to hear it, answered Wolf, for certainly their rest was earned. By St. Chad, what a woman is this Mersuda? A heart of fire and nerves of steel.

Beautiful too, most beautiful. and the best horseman that ever sat her steed. Had it not been for her, by heaven when I think of it, I feel as though I loved her, don't you? No, said Godwin, still more shortly. Oh well, I dare say she can love enough for two who does nothing by halves. And all things considered, he added with one of his great laughs. I am glad it is I of whom she thinks so little. yes, I who adore her as though she were my patron saint.

Hark, the guard's challenge, and forgetting where he was, he snatched at his sword. Then the door opened, and through it appeared the Emir Hassan, who saluted them in the name of Allah, searching them with his quiet eyes. Few would judge to look at you, sir knights, he said with a smile, that you have been the guests of the old man of the mountain, and left his house so hastily by the back door.

Three days more, and you will be as lusty as when we met beyond the seas upon the wharf by a certain creek. Oh, you are brave men, both of you, though you be infidels, from which error may the prophet guide you. Brave men, the flower of knighthood. A, aye Hassan, who have known many Frankish knights, say it from my heart. and he placed his hand to his turban. He bowed before them in admiration that was not fanned.

We thank you, Prince, for your praise, said Godwin gravely. But Wolf stepped forward, took his hand and shook it. That was an ill-trick prince, which you played us yonder in England, he said. And one that brought as good a warrior as ever drew a sword, our uncle Sir Andrew Darcy, to an end, sad as it was glorious. Still you obeyed your master, and because of all that has happened since, I forgive you, and call you friend, although should we ever meet in battle, I still hope to pay you for that drugged wine. Here his son bowed and said softly,

I admit that the debt is owing, also that none sorrow more for the death of the noble Lord Darcy than I, your servant, who by the will of God brought it upon him. When we meet Sir Wolf in war, and that I think will be an ill hour for me, strike and strike home. I shall not complain. Meanwhile, we are friends, and in very truth, all that I have is yours.

But now I come to tell you that the princess rose of the world, Allah bless her footsteps, is recovered from her fatigue, and desires that you should breakfast with her in an hour's time. Also the doctor waits to tend your bruises, and slaves to lead you to the bath and clothe you. Nay, leave your Holberg, hear the faith of Salaheddin, and of his servants is your best armour.

Still, I think that we will take them, said Godwin. For faith is a poor defence against the daggers of these assassins who dwell not so far away. True, answered Ghassan, I had forgotten. So thus they departed. An hour later they were led to the hall where presently came Rosamund and with her Masuda and Hassan. She was dressed in the rich robes of an eastern lady,

but the gems with which she had been adorned as the bride-elect of Aljabal were gone. And when she lifted her veil, the brethren saw that though her face was still somewhat pallid, her strength had come back to her, and the terror had left her eyes. She greeted them with sweet and gentle words,

thanking first Godwin and then Wolf for all that they had done, and turning to Masuda, who stood by, stately and watchful, thanked her also. Then they sat down, and ate with light hearts and a good appetite. Before their meal was finished, the guard at the door announced that messengers had arrived from the sultan.

They entered, grey-haired men, clad in the robes of secretaries, whom Hassan hastened to greet. When they were seated and had spoken with him a while, one of them drew forth a letter, which Hassan, touching his forehead with it, in token of respect, gave to Rosamond. She broke its seal And seeing that it was in Arabic Handed it to her cousin Saying Do you read it Godwin Who are more learned than I

So he read aloud Translating the letter Sentence by sentence This was its purport Salahedin Commander of the faithful The strong to aid To his niece beloved

Rose of the World Princess of Balbeck Our servant, the Emir Hassan, has sent us tidings of your rescue from the power of the accursed lord of the mountain, Sinan, and that you are now safe in our city of Emesa, guarded by many thousands of our soldiers, and with you a woman named Messuda, and your kinsman, the two Frankish knights, by whose skill in arms and courage you were saved. Now this is to command you to come to our court at Damascus as soon as you may be fit to travel, knowing that here you will be received with love and honour. Also I invite your kinsmen to accompany you, since I knew their father, and would welcome knights who have done such great deeds, and the woman must suitor with them. Or if they prefer it, all three of them may return to their own lands and people.

hasten, my niece, Lady Rose of the World, hasten, for my spirit seeks you, and my eyes desire to look upon you, in the name of Allah greeting. You have heard, said Rosemond, as Godwin finished reading the scroll, now my cousins, what will you do? What else but go with you, whom we have come so far to seek? answered Wolf, and Godwin nodded his head in assent. And you, Masuda? Aye, lady, oh, I go also, since were I to return yonder, and she nodded towards the mountains. My greeting would be one that I do not wish. Do you note their words, Prince Hassan? asked Rosamund.

I expected no other, he answered with a bow. Only, knights, you must give me a bow. promise, for even in the midst of my army, such is needful from men who can fly like birds out of the fortress of Masyaf, and from the knives of the assassins, who are mounted, moreover, on the swiftest horses in Syria that have been trained to carry a double burden. And he looked at them meaningly. It is that upon this journey you will not attempt to escape with a princess, whom you have followed from overseas to rescue her out of the hand of Salachidin.

Godwin drew from his tunic the cross, which Rosamund had left him in the hall at steeple, and sang, I swear upon this holy symbol that during our journey to Damascus, I will attempt no escape with or without my cousin Rosamond. He kissed it. And I swear the same upon my soul,

sword, added wolf, laying his hand upon the silver hilt of the great blade which had been his forefathers. A security that I like better, said Hassan with a smile. But in truth nights, your word is enough for me. Then he looked at Masuda and went on, still smiling. Nay, it is useless. For women who have dwelt yonder, oaths have no meaning. Lady, We must be content to watch you, since my lord has bidden you to his city, which fair and brave as you are to be plain, I would not have done. Then he turned to speak to the secretaries, and Godwin, who was noting all, saw Masuda's dark eyes follow him, and in them a very strange light.

Good, they seem to say, as you have written, so shall you read. That same afternoon they started for Damascus, a great army of horsemen. In its midst, guarded by a thousand spears, Rosamund was born in a litter, in front of her rode her son, with his yellow-robed bodyguard. At her side, Musuda, and behind, for notwithstanding his hurts, wolf would not be carried. The brethren mounted upon ambling palfreys. After them, led by slaves, came the charges, flame and smoke recovered now, but still walking somewhat stiffly, and then rank upon rank of turban Saracens.

Through the open curtains of her litter, Rosamund beckoned to the brethren who pushed alongside of her. Look, she said, pointing with her hand. They looked, and there bathed in the glory of the sinking sun, saw the mountains crowned far, far away, with the impregnable city and fortress of masyaf and below it the slopes down which they had ridden for their lives nearer to them flashed the river bordered by the town of emesa set at intervals along its walls were spears looking like filaments against the flaming sunset sky and on each of them a black dot which was the head of an assassin while from the turrets above the golden banner of salad and fluttered in the evening wind. Remembering all that she had undergone in that fearful home of devil worshippers, and the fate from which she had been snatched, Rosamund shuddered.

It burns like a city in hell, she said, staring at Masyaf, environed by that lurid evening light, and canopied with black smoke-like clouds. Oh, such I think will be its doom. I trust so, answered will fervently, at least in this world and the next, we have done with it. Yes, added Godwin in his thoughtful voice. Still, out of that evil place, we won good,

for there we found Rosamond, and there, my brother, you conquered in such a fray as you can never hope to fight again, gaining great glory and perhaps much more, Then reigning in his horse, Godwin fell back behind the litter, while Wolf wandered and Rosamund watched him with dreaming eyes. That evening they camped in the desert, and next morning, surrounded by wandering tribes of Bedouins mounted on their camels, marched on again, sleeping that night in the ancient fortress of Balbeck, whereof the garrison and people, having been warned by runners of the rank and time, titles of Rosamond, came out to do her homage as their lady. Hearing of it, she left her litter, and mounting a splendid horse which they had sent her as a present, rode to meet them, the brethren in full armour and once more bestriding flame and smoke

beside her, and a guard of Saladin's own Mommelukes behind. Solem, turbaned men, who had been commanded so to do by messengers, from the sultan, brought her the keys of the gates on a cushion. Minstrels and soldiers marched before her, whilst crowding the walls and running alongside, came the citizens in their thousands. Thus she went on, through the open gates, past the towering columns of ruined temples, once a home of the worship of heathen gods, through courts and vaults to the citadel, surrounded by its gardens, that in the dead ages had been the acropolis of forgotten Roman empress. Here in the portico, Rosamond turned her horse

and received the salutations of the multitude, as though she also were one of the world's rulers. Indeed, it seemed to the brethren watching her as she sat upon the great white horse and surveyed the shouting, bending crowd with flashing eyes, splendid in her bearing and beautiful to see. a prince at her stirrup and an army at her back, that none of those who had trod that path before her

could have seemed greater or more glorious in the hour of their pride than did this English girl, who by the whim of fate had suddenly been set so high. Truly by blood and nature, she was fitted to be a queen. Yet as Rosamond sat thus, the pride passed from her face, and her eyes fell. Of what are you thinking? asked Godwin at her side. That I would, we were back among the summer fields at steeple, she answered.

For those who are lifted high fall low. Prince Hassan, give the captains and people my thanks, and bid them be gone. I would rest. Thus for the first and last time did Rosamond behold her ancient feet. of Balbek, which her grandsire, the great Ayub, had ruled before her. That night there was feasting in the mighty immemorial halls, and singing and minstrelsy, and the dancing of fair women and the giving of gifts. For Balbeck, where birth and beauty were ever welcome, did honour to its lady the favourite niece of the mighty Salaritin. Yet there was

Some who murmured that she would bring no good fortune to the sultan or this his city, who was not all of the blood of Ayub, but half a frank, and a cross-worshiper, though even these praised her beauty and her royal bearing. The brethren they praised also, although these were unbelievers, and the tale of how Wolf had fought the traitor knight upon the narrow way, and of how they had led their kinswomen from the horse. haunted fortress of Masyaf was passed from mouth to mouth. At dawn the next day, on orders received from the sultan, they left Balbek, escorted by

the army and many of the notables of the town. That afternoon they drew rain upon the heights which overlooked the city of Damascus, bride of the earth, set amidst its seven streams and ringed about with gardens, one of the most beautiful and perhaps the most ancient city in the world. Then they rode down to the bounteous plain, and as night fell, having passed the encircling gardens, were escorted through the gates of Damascus, outside of which most of the army halted and encamped. Along the narrow streets, bordered by yellow flat-roved houses, they rode slowly, looking now at the motley many coloured crowds who watched them with grave interest,

and now at the stately buildings domed mosques and towering minarets, which everywhere stood out against the deep blue of the evening sky. Thus at length they came to an open space planted like a garden, beyond which was seen a huge and fantastic castle that Hassan told them was the palace of Salarredin. In its courtyard they were parted. Rosamund being led away by officers of state,

whilst the brethren were taken to chambers that had been prepared. Where after they had bathed, they were served with food. Scarcely had they eaten it, when Hassan appeared and bade them follow him. Passing down various passages

and across a court, they came to some guarded doors where the soldiers demanded that they should give up their swords and daggers. It is not needful, said Hassan, and they let them go by. Next came more passages and a curtain, beyond which they found themselves in a small domed room, lit by hanging silver lamps and paved in tessellated marbles, strewn with rich rugs, and furnished with cushioned couches.

At a sign from Hassan, the brethren stood still in the centre of this room and looked about them wondering. The place was empty and very silent. They felt afraid of what they knew not. Presently curtains upon its further side opened, and through them came a man turbanned and wrapped in a dark robe, who stood a while in the shadow, gazing at them beneath the lamps. The man was not very tall and slight in build, yet about him was much majesty, although his garb was such as the humblest might have worn. He came forward, lifting his head, and they saw that his features were small and finely cut,

that he was bearded, and beneath his broad brow shone thoughtful yet at times piercing eyes, which were brown in hue. Now the Prince Hassan sank to his knees and touched the marble with his forehead and guessing that they were in the presence of the mighty monarch Saladin the brethren saluted in their western fashion. Presently the sultan spoke in a low even voice to Hassan to whom he motioned that he should rise saying

I can see that you trust these knights, Imir and he pointed to their great swords. Sire was the answer. I trust them as I trust myself. They are brave and honourable men, although they be infidels. The sultan stroked his beard. A, he said, infidels.

It is a pity. Yet doubtless they worship God after their own fashion. Noble to look on also like their father. whom I remember well, and if all I hear is true, brave indeed. Sir knights, do you understand my language? Sufficiently to speak it, Lord, answered Godwin, who have learnt it since childhood, yet ill enough. Good, then tell me as soldiers to a soldier,

what do you seek from Salahedin? Our cousin, the Lady Rosamond, who by your command, Lord, was stolen from our home in England. Knights, she is your cousin that I know, as surely as I know that she is my niece. Tell me now, is she aught more to you? And he searched them with those piercing eyes.

Godwin looked at Wolf, who said in English, Speak the whole truth, brother, from that man nothing can be hid. Then Godwin answered, Sire, we love her, and or affiance to her. The sultan stared at them in surprise. What, both of you? He asked.

Yes, both. And does she love you both? Yes, replied Godwin. Both, or so she says. Saladin stroked his beard and considered them, while Hassan smiled a little. They're knights, he said presently. Tell me, which of you does she love best?

That sire is known to her alone. When the time comes she will say, and not before. I perceive, said Saladin, that behind this riddle hides a story. If it is your good pleasure, be seated, and set it out to me. So they sat down on the divan and obeyed, keeping nothing back from the beginning to the end, nor although the tale was long did the sultan weary of listening a great story truly he said when at length they had finished and one in which i seemed to see the hand of allah sir knights you will think that i have wronged you eh and your uncle sir andrew who was once my friend although an older man than i and who by stealing away my sister laid the foundations of this house of love and war and woe,

and perchance of happiness unforeseen. Now listen. The tale that those two Frankish knaves, the priest and the false knight Luzel, told to you was true. As I wrote to your uncle in my letter, I dreamed a dream. Thrice I dreamt it,

that this niece of mine lived, and that if I could bring her here to dwell at my side, she should save the shedding of much blood by some noble deed of hers, a of the blood of tens of thousands, and in that dream I saw her face, therefore I stretched out my arm, and took her from far away. And now through you, yes, through you,

she has been snatched from the power of her, of the great assassin and is safe in my court, and therefore henceforth I am your friend. Sire, have you seen her? asked Godwin. Nights, I have seen her, and the face is the face of my dreams, and therefore I know full surely that in those dreams God spoke. Listen, Sir Godwin and Sir Wolf. Saladin went on in a changed voice, a stern commanding voice. Ask of me what you will, and Franks though you are, it shall be given you for your services sake. Wealth, lands, titles, all that men desire and I can grant. But ask not of me my niece, Rose of the World, Princess of Balbeck,

whom Allah has brought to me for his own purposes. Know moreover that if you strive to steal her away, you shall certainly die, and that if she escapes from me and I recapture her, then she shall die. These things I have told her already, and I swear them in the name of Allah. Here she is, and in my house she must abide until the vision be fulfilled. Now in their dismay the brethren looked at each other, for they seemed further from their desire than they had been even in the castle of Sinan. Then a light broke upon the face of Godwin, and he stood up and answered, Dread Lord of all the east, we hear you and we know our risk.

You have given us your friendship, we accept it, and are grateful, and seek no more. God, you say, has brought our Lady Rosamond to you for his own purposes, of which you have no doubt, since her face is the very face of your dreams. Then let his purposes be accomplished according to his will, which may be in some way that we little guess. We abide his judgment, who has guided us in the past, and will guide us in the future. Well spoken, replied Saladin. I have warned you, my guests, therefore blame me not if I keep my word, but I ask no promise from you who would not tempt noble knights to lie. Yes, Allah has set the strange riddle.

By Allah, let it be answered in his season. Then he waved his hand to show that the audience was ended. End of chapter 16. chapter seventeen of the brethren by h rider haggard this librivox recording is in the public domain read by elroy the brethren depart from damascus at the court of saladin godwin and wolf were treated with much honour a house was given them to dwell in and a company of servants to minister to their comfort and to guard them mounted on their swift horses flame and smoke they were taken out into the deserts to hunt, and had they so willed, it would have been easy for them to outdistance their retinue and companions, and ride away to the nearest Christian town. Indeed, no hand would have been lifted to stay them, who were free to come or go. But whither were they to go without Rosamond?

Saladin they saw often, for it pleased him to tell them tales of those days when their father and uncle were in the east, or to talk with them of England and the Franks, and even now and again to reason with Godwin on matters of religion. Moreover, to show his faith in them, he gave them the rank of officers of his own bodyguard, and when wearing of their idleness they asked it of him, allowed them to take their share of duty in the guarding of his palace and person. This at a time when peace still reigned between Frank and Saracen, the brethren were not ashamed to do, who received no payment for their services. Peace reigned indeed, but Godwin and Wolf could guess that it would not rain for long. Damascus and the plain around it were one great camp, and every day new thousands of wild tribesmen poured in and took up the quarters,

that had been prepared for them. They asked Masuda, who knew everything, what it meant. She answered, It means the jihad, the holy war, which has been preached in every mosque throughout the east. It means that the great struggle between Cross and Crescent is at hand, and then pilgrims Peter and John. You will have to choose your standard.

There can be little doubt about that, said Wolf. none replied masuda with one of her smiles only it may pain you to have to make war upon the princess of baalbeck and her uncle the commander of the faithful then she went still smiling for this was the trouble of it rosamond their cousin and their love had in truth become the princess of baalbeck for them she lived in great state and freedom as sulladon had promised that she would live in her his letter to Sir Andrew Darcy. No insult or violence were offered to her faith, no suitor was thrust upon her, but she was in a land where women do not consort with men, especially if they be high-placed. As a princess of the Empire of Saladin, she must obey its rules, even to veiling herself when she went abroad, and exchanging no private words with men. Godwin and Wolf pray that Saladin, that they might be allowed to speak with her from time to time. But he only answered shortly.

Sir Knights, our customs are our customs. Moreover, the less you see of the princess of Balbeck, the better I think it will be for her, for you, whose blood I do not wish to have upon my hands, and for myself, who await the fulfillment of that dream which the angel brought. Then the brethren left his presence, sore at heart, for although they saw her from time to time at feasts and festivals, Rosamond was as far apart from them as though she sat in steeple hall, and further. Also they came to see that of rescuing her from Damascus, there was no hope at all. She dwelt in her own palace, whereof the walls were guarded night and day by a company of the sultan's mamelukes, who knew that they were answerable for her with their lives. Within its walls, again,

lived trusted eunuchs under the command of a cunning fellow named Messrur, and her retinue of woman, all of them spies and watchful. How could two men hope to snatch her from the heart, of such a host, and to spirit her out of Damascus and through its encircling armies? One comfort however was left to them. When she reached the court, Rosamund had prayed of the sultan that Masuda should not be separated from her, and this because of the part she had played in his niece's rescue from the power of Sinan, he had granted, though doubtfully. Moreover, Missouda, being a person of no account, except for her beauty and a heretic,

was allowed to go where she would, and to speak with whom she wished. So as she wished to speak often with Godwin, they did not lack for tidings of Rosamond. From her they learnt that in a fashion the princess was happy enough, who would not be that had just escaped from Aljabal, yet weary of the strange eastern life, of the restraints, upon her, and of her aimless days, vexed also that she might not mix with the brethren. Day by day she sent them her greetings, and with them warnings to attempt nothing, not even to see her, since there was no hope that they would succeed.

So much afraid of them was the sultan, Rosamond said, that both she and they were watched day and night, and of any folly their lives would pay the price. When they heard all this, the brethren began to despair, and their spirits sank so low that they cared not what should happen to them. Then it was that a chance came to them, of which the issue was to make them still more admired by Saladin, and to lift Masuda to honour. One hot morning, they were seated in the courtyard of their house beside the fountain, staring at the passes by through the bars of the bronze gates, and at the centuries who marched to and fro before them. This house was in one of the principal thoroughfares of Damascus, and in front of it flowed continually an unending many-coloured stream of folk.

There were white-robed Arabs of the desert, mounted on their grumbling camels, caravans of merchandise from Egypt or elsewhere, asses laden with firewood, or the grey prickly growth of the wild times, for the baker's ovens. Water cellars were their goat-skin bags and chinking brazen cups, vendors of birds or sweetmeats, women going to the bath in closed and curtained litters, escorted by the eunuchs of their households, great lords riding on their arab horses and preceded by their runners, who thrust the crowd asunder and beat the poor with rods. Beggers halt maimed and blind, besieged.

arms, lepers from whom all shrank away, who wailed their woes aloud, stately companies of soldiers, some mounted and some afoot, holy men who gave blessings and received arms, and so forth, without number and without end. Godwin and Wolfe seated in the shade of the painted house watched them gloomily. They were weary of this ever-changing sameness, weary of the eternal glare and glitter of this unfamiliar life, weary of the insistent cries of the mullahs on the minarets, of the flash of the swords that would soon be red with the blood of their own people, weary too of the hopeless task to which they were sworn. Rosamond was one of this multitude, She was the Princess of Balbeck, half an Eastern by her blood, and growing more Eastern day by day,

or so they thought in their bitterness. As well my two Saracens hoped to snatch the Queen of England from her palace at Westminster, as they to drag the Princess of Balbeck out of the power of a monarch more absolute than the King of England. So they sat silent since they had nothing to say And stayed now at the passing crowd And now at the thin stream of water Falling continually into the marble basin Presently they heard voices at the gate

And looking up saw a woman wrapped in a long cloak Talking with a guard Who with a laugh thrust out his arm As though to place it around her Then a knife flashed And the soldier stepped back still laughing, and opened the wicked. The woman came in. It was Masuda. They rose and bowed to her, but she passed before them into the house. Thither they followed, while the soldier at the gate laughed

again, and at the sound of his mockery Godwin's cheeks grew red. Even in the cool, darkened room she noticed it, and said bitterly enough. What does it matter? Such insults are my daily bread whom they believe, and she stopped. They had best say nothing of what they believe to me, muttered Godwin. I thank you, the Suda answered, with a sweet swift smile, and throwing off her cloak,

stood before them unveiled, clad in the white robes that befitted her tall and graceful form so well, and were blasened on the breast with the cognizance of Balbeck. Well for you, she went on, that they hold me to be what i am not since otherwise i should win no entry to this house what of our lady rosamund broken wolf awkwardly for like godwin he was pained msouda laid her hand upon her breast as though to still its heaving then answered the princess of bilebeck my mistress is well and as ever beautiful though somewhat weary of the pomp in which she finds no joy she sent her greetings but did not say to which of you they should be delivered so pilgrims you must share them godwin winced but wolf asked if there were any hope of seeing her to which ms said to which msudah answered to which msudah answered none, adding in a low voice, I came upon another business. Do you brethren wish to do Salahedinus service?

I don't know, what is it? asked Godwin gloomily, only to save his life, for which he may be grateful or may not, according to his mood. Speak on, said Godwin, and tell us how we two Franks can save the life of the Sultan of the East. do you still remember sin none and his fedais yes they are not easily forgotten are they well to-night he has plotted to murder selahydin and afterwards to murder you if he can and to carry away your lady rosamund if he can or failing that to murder her also oh the tale is true enough i have it from one of them under the signet surely that signet has served us well Who believes, poor fool, that I am in the plot? Now you are the officers of the bodyguard who watch in the antechamber tonight, are you not? Well, when the guard is changed at midnight, the eight men who should replace them at the doors of the room of Salachidin will not arrive. They will be decoyed away by a false order.

In their stead will come eight murderers, disguised in the robes and arms of Mamalukes. They look to deceive and cut you down, kill Salarredin and escape by the further door. Can you hold your own a while against eight men, think you? We have done so before and we'll try, answered Wolf. But how shall we know that they are not Mamalukes? Thus, they will wish to pass the door and you will say, Nay, sons of Sinan, whereon they will spring on you to kill you. Then be ready and shout aloud.

and if they overcome us asked godwin then the sultan would be slain nay for you must lock the door of the chamber of salaridin and hide away the key the sound of the fighting will arouse the outer guard ere hurt can come to him or she added after thinking awhile perhaps it will be best to reveal the plot to the sultan at once no no answered wolf let us take the chance i wearer of doing nothing here. Hassan guards the outer gate. He will come swiftly at the sound of blows. Good, said Masuda. I will see that he is there and awake. Now farewell, and pray that we may meet again. I say nothing of this story to the Princess Rosamond until it is done with. Then throwing her cloak about her shoulders, she turned and went. Is it true, thank you? asked Wolf of We have never found Masuda to be a liar, was his answer. Come, let us see to our armour, for the nars of those feda'i are sharp.

It was near midnight, and the brethren stood in the small domed antechamber, from which a door opened into the sleeping rooms of Saladin. The guard of eight Mamalukes had left them to be met by their relief in the courtyard, according to custom, but no relief had as yet appeared in the anti-cham. chamber. It would seem that Mersuda's tale is true, said Godwin, and going to the door he locked it, and hid the key beneath a cushion. Then they took their stand in front of the locked door, before which hung curtains, standing in the shadow with a light from the hanging silver lamps pouring down in front of them. Here they waited a while in silence, till at length they heard

the tramp of men, and eight Mommelukes clad in yellow above their mail. marched in and saluted. Stand, said Godwin, and they stood a minute, then began to edge forward. Stand, said both the brethren again, but still they edged forward. Stand, sons of Sinan. They said a third time, drawing their swords. Then with a hiss of disappointed rage, the Fedai came at them. Da'a-si, Adasi, help for the Sultan.

turn, shouted the brethren, and the fray began. Six of the men attacked them, and while they were engaged with these, the other two slipped round and tried the door, only to find it fast. Then they also turned upon the brethren, thinking to take the key from off their bodies. At the first rush two of the Fedai went down beneath the sweep of the long swords, but after that the murderers would not come close, and while some engaged with them in front, Others strove to pass and stab them from behind. Indeed, a blow from one of their long knives fell upon Godwin's shoulder,

but the good male turned it. Give way, he cried to Wolf, or they will best us. So suddenly they gave way before them till their backs were against the door, and there they stood shouting for help, and sweeping around them with their swords into reach of which the Fedaii dare not come. now from without the chamber rose a cry and tumult, and the sound of heavy blows falling upon the gates that the murderers had barred behind them, while upon the further side of the door, which he could not open,

was heard the voice of the sultan demanding to know what passed. The fedai heard these sounds also, and dreading them their doom. For getting caution in their despair and rage, they hold themselves upon the brethren, for they thought that if they could get them down, they might still break through the door and slay Salachidin before they themselves were slain. But for a while, the brethren stopped their rush with point and butler,

wounding two of them sorely, and when at length they closed in upon them, the gates were burst, and Hassan and the outer guard were at hand. A minute later, and but little hurt, Godwin and Wolf were leaning on their swords, and the fedai some of them dead or wounded, and some of them captive, lay before them on the marble floor. Moreover, the door had been opened, and through it came the sultan in his night gear. What has chanced? he asked, looking at them doubtfully.

Only this Lord, answered Godwin, these men came to kill you, and we held them off till help arrived. Kill me. My own God, kill me. They are not your God, they are fed a-e, disguised as your God, and sent by El-Jabal, as he promised. Now Salahedin turned pale, for he who feared nothing else was all his life afraid of the assassins and their lord, who thrice had striven to murder him. Strip the armour from those men, went on Godwin, and I think that you will find truth in my words, or if not, question such of them as still live they obeyed and there upon the breast of one of them burnt into his skin was the symbol of the blood-red dagger now saladin saw and beckoned the brethren aside how knew you of this he asked searching them with his piercing eyes msuda the lady rosamund's waiting woman warned us that you lord and we were to be murdered to-night by eight men so we made ready why then did you not tell me because answered wolf we were not sure that the news was true and did not wish to bring false tidings and be made foolish because also my brother and i thought that we could hold our own awhile against eight of sinan's rats disguised as soldiers of saladon

you have done it well though yours was a mad counsel answered the sultan then he gave his hand first to one and next to the other and said simply sir knights zalahedin owes his life to you should it ever come about that you owe your lives to salahedin he will remember this Thus this business ended. On the morrow, those of the Fedaii who remained alive were questioned, and confessing freely that they had been sent to murder Salaridin, who had robbed their master of his bride, the two Franks who had carried her off, and the woman Masuda, who had guided them, they were put to death cruelly enough. Also many others in the city were seized and killed on suspicion, so that for a while there was no more fear from the asylum. assassins. Now from that day forward, Saladin held the brethren in great friendship and pressed gifts

upon them and offered them honours, but they refused them all, saying that they needed but one thing of him, and he knew what it was, an answer at which his face sank. One morning he sent for them, and except for the presence of Prince Hassan, the most favourite of his emirs, and a famous imam, or priest of his religion received them alone. Listen, he said briefly, addressing Godwin, I understand that my niece, the princess of Balbeck, is beloved by you. Good. Subscribe the Quran, and I give her to you in marriage.

For thus also she may be led to the true faith, whom I have sworn not to force there to, and I gain a great warrior and paradise. a brave soul. The imam here will instruct you in the truth. Thus he spoke, but Godwin only stared at him, with eyes set wide in wonderment, and answered, Sire, I thank you, but I cannot change my faith to win a woman, however dearly I may love her. So I thought, said Saladin with a sigh, though indeed it is sad that superstition should thus blind so brave and good a man. Now Sir Wolf, it is your turn.

What say you to my offer? Will you take the princess and her dominions with my love thrown in as a marriage portion? Wolf thought a moment, and as he thought there arose in his mind a vision of an autumn afternoon that seemed years and years ago, when they too and Rosamond had stood by the shrine of St. Chad on the shores of Essex and gestured of this very matter of a change of faith. Then he answered with one of his great laughs, I, sir, but on my own terms, not on yours,

for if I took these, I think that my marriage would lack blessings, nor indeed would Rosamond wish to wed a servant of, of your prophet, who, if it pleases him, might take other wives. Saladin lent his head upon his hand, and looked at them with disappointed eyes, yet not unkindly. The knight-lazal was a cross-worshipper, he said, but you two are very different from the knight-lazal, who accepted the faith when it was offered to him. To win your trade, said Godwin bitterly. I know not, answered Saladin.

Though it is true the man seems to have been a Christian among the Franks, who here was a follower of the prophet. At least he is dead at your hands, and though he sinned against me and betrayed my niece to Sinan, peace be with his soul. Now I have one more thing to say to you, that Frank, Prince Arnath, of Karak, whom you call Reginald de Chattalon,

a curse it be his name, and he spat upon the ground. Has once more broken the peace between me and the king of Jerusalem, slaughtering my merchants and stealing my goods. I will suffer the shame no more, and very shortly I unfurl my standards, which shall not be folded up again, until they float upon the mosque of,

of Omar and from every tower top in Palestine. Your people are doomed. I, Yusuf Salahedin, and he rose as he said the words, his very beard bristling with wrath. Declare the holy war and will sweep them to the sea. Choose now, you brethren, do you fight for me or against me?

or will you give up your swords and bide here as my prisoners? We are the servants of the cross, answered Godwin, and cannot lift steel against it and thereby lose our souls. Then he spoke with Wolf and added, As to your second question, whether we should bide here in chains, it is one that our Lady Rosamond must answer, for we are sworn to her service. we demand to see the princess of Baalbeck.

Send for her, Emir, said Saladin to the prince Hassan, who bowed and departed. A while later Rosamond came, looking beautiful, but as they saw when she threw back her veil, very white and weary. She bowed to Saladin, and the brethren who were not allowed to touch her hand, bowed to her, devouring her face with eager eyes. greetings my uncle she said to the sultan and to you my cousins greetings also what is your pleasure with me saladan motioned to her to be seated and bade godwin set out the case which he did very clearly ending is it your wish rosamond that we stay in this court as prisoners or go forth to fight with the franks in the great war that is to be Rosamond looked at them a while, then answered, To whom were you sworn the first? Was it to the service of our Lord, or to the service of a woman? I have said.

Such words as we expected from you, being what you are, exclaimed Godwin, while Wolf nodded his head in assent and added, Sultan, we ask your safe conduct to Jerusalem, and leave this lady in your child. relying on your plighted word to do no violence to her faith and to protect her person. My safe conduct you have, replied Saladin, and my friendship also. Nor indeed should I have thought well of you had you decided otherwise. Now henceforth, we are enemies in the eyes of all men, and I shall strive to slay you,

as you will strive to slay me. But as regards this lady, have no fear. What I have promised shall be fulfilled, but her farewell, whom you will see no more. Who taught your lips to say such words, O Sultan? Asked Godwin. Is it given to you to read the future and the decrees of God? I should have said, answered Saladin.

whom you will see no more if I am able to keep you apart. Can you complain who both of you have refused to take her as a wife? Here Rosamond looked up wondering and Wolf broke in, Tell her the price. Tell her that she was asked to wed either of us who would bow the knee to Muhammad and to be the head of his harem, and I think that she will not blame us. never would i have spoken again to him who answered otherwise exclaimed rosamond and saladin frowned at the words oh my uncle she went on you have been kind to me and raised me high but i do not seek this greatness nor are your ways my ways who am of a faith that you call a cursed let me go i beseech you in care of these my kinsmen And your lovers, said Saladin bitterly.

Niece, it cannot be. I love you well. But did I know even that your life must pay the price of your sojourn here? Here you still should stay. Since, as my dream told me, on you hang the lives of thousands. And I believe that dream. What then is your life, or the lives of these? nights or even my life, that any or all of them should turn the scale against those of thousands.

Oh, everything that my empire can give is at your feet, but here you stay until the dream be accomplished, and, he added, looking at the brethren, death shall be the portion of any who would steal you from my hand. Until the dream be accomplished, said Rosamond, catching at the words. Then when it is accomplished shall I be free? A, answered the sultan, free to come or to go, unless you attempt escape, for then you know your certain doom. It is a decree. Take note, my cousins. It is a decree. And you, Prince Hassan, remember it also. Oh, I pray with all my soul, I pray that it was no lying spirit who brought you that dream, my uncle.

Though how I shall bring peace, who hitherto have brought nothing except war and bloodshed, I know not. Now go, my cousins. But if you will, leave me Musuda. who has no other friends, go and take my love and blessing with you, and the blessing of Jesus and his saints which shall protect you in the hour of battle and bring us together again. So spoke Rosamond, and threw her veil before her face that she might hide her tears. Then Godwin and Wolf stepped to where she stood by the throne of Saladin, bent the knee before her, and taking her hand kissed it in farewell,

nor did the sultan say them nay. But when she was gone and the brethren were gone, he turned to the Emir Hassan and to the great Imam, who had sat silent all this while and said, Now tell me, you who are old and wise, which of those men does the lady love? Speak, Hassan, you who know her well. But Hassan shook his head

One or the other Both or neither I know not He answered Her counsel is too close for me Then Saladin turned to the imam A cunning silent man When both the infidels are about to die

Before her face As I still hope to see them do We may learn the answer But unless she wills it never before he replied, and the sultan noted his saying. Next morning, having been warned that they would pass there by Masuda, Rosamund, watching through the lattice of one of her palace windows, saw the brethren go by.

They were fully armed and mounted on their splendid charges, flame and smoke, looked glorious men, as followed by their escort of Swarthy, turbaned Mamalukes. They rode proudly side by side. the sunlight glinting on their mail. Opposite to her house they halted a while, and knowing that Rosamond watched, although they could not see her, drew their swords and lifted them in salute.

Then sheathing them again, they rode forward in silence, and soon were lost to sight. Little did Rosamond guess how different they would appear when their three met again. Indeed she scarcely dared to hope that they would ever meet, for she knew well that even if the war went in favor of the Christians,

she would be hurried away to some place where they would never find her. She knew well also that from Damascus, her rescue was impossible, and that although Saladin loved them, as he loved all who were honest and brave, he would receive them no more as friends, for fear lest they should rob him of her, whom he hoped in some way unforeseen, would enable him to end up. his days in peace. Moreover, the struggle between cross and crescent would be fierce and to the death, and she was sure that where was the closest fighting there in the midst of it would be found

Godwin and Wolf. Well-mited chance, therefore, that her eyes had looked their last upon them. Oh, she was great, gold was hers, with gems more than she could count. and few were the weeks that did not bring her added wealth or gifts. She had palaces to dwell in, alone, gardens to wander in, alone, eunuchs and slaves to rule over, alone. But never a friend had she, saved the woman of the assassins, to whom she clung because she, Masuda, had saved her from Sinan,

and who clung to her, why, Rosamund could not be sure, for there was a veil between their spirits. They were gone, they were gone. Even the sound of their horses' hooves had died away, and she was desolate as a child lost in a city full of folk. Oh, and her heart was filled with fears for them, and most of all for one of them. If he should not come back into it, what would her life be?

Rosamond bowed her head and wept. then hearing a sound behind her turned to see that Masuda was weeping also Why do you weep? she asked The maid should copy her mistress answered Masuda with a hard laugh But lady why do you weep At least you are beloved

And come what may nothing can take that from you You are not of less value than the good horse between the rider's knees Or the faithful hound that runs at his side A thought rose in Rosamond's mind, a new and terrible thought. The eyes of the two women met, and those of Rosamond asked, Which? Anxiously, as once in the moonlight, she had asked it with her voice from the gate above the narrow way. Between them stood a table, inlaid with ivory and pearl,

where on the dust from the street had gathered through the open lattice. Masuda leant over, and with her four-fingered, wrote a single Arabic letter in the dust upon the table, then passed her hand across it. Rosamond's breast heaved twice or thrice and was still. Then she asked, Why did not you who are free go with him? Because he prayed me to bide here and watch over the lady whom he loved. So to the death I watch. Slowly Masuda spoke. and the heavy words seemed like blood dropping from a death wound. Then she sank forward into the arms of Rosamond.

End of Chapter 17. Chapter 18 of The Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Read by Elroy. Wolf pays for the drugged wine. Many a day had gone by since the brethren bade farewell to Rosamond at Damascus. Now one burning July night, they sat upon their horses, the moonlight gleaming on their mail. Still as statues they sat, looking out from a rocky mountain top, across that grey and arid plain,

which stretches from near Nazareth to the lip of the hills at whose foot lies Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. beneath them camped around the fountain of Sephiria were spread the hosts of the Franks to which they did Sentinel 1,300 nights 20,000 foot and hordes of Turquipoles that is natives of the country

armed after the fashion of the Saracens two miles away to the south-east glimmered the white houses of Nazareth set in the lap of the mountains. Nazareth, the Holy City, where for thirty years lived and toiled the saviour of the world. Doubtless, thought Godwin, his feet had often trod that mountain whereon they stood, and in the watered veils below, his hands had sped the plough or reaped the corn. Long, long had his voice been silent. Yet to Godwin's ears, it still seemed to speak in the murmur of the vast camp,

and to echo from the slopes of the Galilean hills, and the words it said were, I bring not peace, but a sword. Tomorrow they were to advance, so rumours said, across yonder desert plain, and give battle to Saladin, who lay with all his power by Hatin, above Tiberius. Godwin and his brother thought that it was a madness,

for they had seen the might of the Saratine, and ridden across that thirsty plain beneath the summer sun. But who were they, two wandering unattended nights, that they should dare to lift up their voices against those of the lords of the land, skilled from their birth in desert warfare? Yet Godwin's heart was troubled, and feared to cull of him not for himself, but for all the countless army that lay asleep yonder,

and for the cause of Christendom, which stills, It staked its last throw upon this battle. I go to watch yonder, bide you here, he said a wolf, and turning the head of flame, rode some sixty yards over a shoulder of the rock to the further edge of the mountain, which looked towards the north. Here he could see neither the camp nor wolf, nor any living thing, but indeed was utterly alone, dismounting and bidding the horse stand which it would do like a dog, he walked forward a few steps to where there was a rock,

and kneeling down began to pray with all the strength of his pure warrior heart. O Lord, he prayed, who once wast man and a dweller in these mountains, and knowest what is in man, hear me. I am afraid for all the thousands Who sleep round Nazareth Not for myself Who care nothing for my life

But for all those Thy servants and my brethren Yes and for the cross Upon which thou didst hang And for the faith itself throughout the east O give me light O let me hear and see That I may warn

them unless my fears are vain. So he murmured to heaven above and beat his hands against his brow, praying, ever praying, as he had never prayed before, that wisdom and vision might be given to his soul. It seemed to God when that a sleep fell on him. At least his mind grew clouded and confused. Then it cleared again slowly, as stirred water clears, till it was bright and still. Yet another mind to that which was his servant day by day, which never could see or hear those things he saw and heard in that strange hour. Lo, he heard the spirits pass, whispering as they went, whispering, and as it seemed to him weeping also, for some great woe which was to be, weeping yonder over Nazareth. then like curtains the veils were lifted from his eyes and as they swung aside he saw further

and yet further he saw the king of the Franks in his tent beneath and about him the council of his captains among them the fierce-eyed master of the Templars and a man whom he had seen in Jerusalem where they had been dwelling and knew for Count Raymond of Tripoli

the Lord of Tiberius They were reasoning together, till presently in a rage, the master of the Templars drew his sword and dashed it down upon the table. Another veil was lifted, and lo, he saw the camp of Saladin, the mighty endless camp, with its ten thousand tents, amongst which the Saracens cried to Allah through all the watchers of the night. He saw the royal pavilion And in it the sultan Walked to and fro alone

None of his emirs Not even his son were with him He was lost in thought And Godwin read his thought It was Behind me the Jordan And the Sea of Galilee Into which if my flanks were turned

I should be driven I and all my host. In front the territories of the Franks, where I have no friend, and by Nazareth their great army, Allah alone can help me. If they sit still and force me to advance across the desert and attack them before my army melts away, then I am lost. If they advance upon me round the mountain Tabor, and by the watered land, I may be lost. But if? Oh, if Allah should make them mad,

and they should strike straight across the desert, then they are lost, and the reign of the cross in Syria is forever at an end. I will wait here. I will wait here. Look, near to the pavilion of Saladin stood another tent, closely guarded, and in it on a cushioned bed lay two women.

One was Rosamund, but she slept sound, and the other was Masuda, and she was waking, for her eyes met his in the darkness. The last veil was withdrawn, and now Godwin saw a sight at which his soul shivered, a fire-blackened plain, and above it a frowning mountain, and that mountain thick, thick with dead,

thousands and thousands and thousands of dead among which the hyenas wandered and the nightbirds screamed. He could see their faces, many of them he knew again as those of living men whom he had met in Jerusalem at elsewhere or had noted with the army. He could hear also the moanings of the few who were yet alive. About that field, yes, and in the camp of Saladin where lay more dead, his body seemed to wonder searching for something he knew not what till it came to him that it was the corpse of wolf for which he sought and found it not nay nor his own either

then once more he heard the spirits pass a very great company for to them were gathered all those dead heard them pass away wailing ever more faintly wailing for the lost cause of christ wailing over nazareth Godwin awoke from his dream trembling, mounted his horse and rode back to Wolf. Beneath as before lay the sleeping camp, yonder stretched the brown desert, and there sat wolf watching both. Tell me, said Godwin, how long is it since I left you?

Some few minutes, ten perhaps, answered his brother. A short while to have seed so. much, replied Godwin. Then Wolf looked at him curiously and asked, What have you seen? If I told you Wolf, you would not believe. Tell me and I will say. So Godwin told him all, and at the end asked him, What think you? Wolf considered a while and answered, well, brother, you have touched no wine today, so you are not drunk, and you have done nothing foolish, so you are not mad. Therefore it would seem that the saints have been talking to you, or at least, so I should think of any other man whom I knew to be as good as you are. Yet it is folk like you that see visions,

and those visions are not always true, for sometimes I believe the devil is their showmen. Our watch is ended, for I hear the horses of the knights who come to relieve us. Listen, this is my council. In the camp yonder is our friend with whom we traveled from Jerusalem, Egbert, the bishop of Nazareth, who marches with a host. Let us go to him and lay this matter before him, for he is a holy man and learned, no false self-seeking priest. Godwin nodded in assent, and presently when the other knights were come, and they had made their report to them, they rode off together to the tent of Egbert, and leaving their horses in charge of a servant entered. Egbert was an Englishman, who had spent more than thirty years of his life in the east,

whereof the suns attanned his wrinkled face to the hue of bronze, that seemed the darker in contrast with his blue eyes and snow-white hair and beard. Entering the tent, they found him at his prayers before a little image of the Virgin, and stood with bowed heads until he had finished. Presently he rose and greeted them with a blessing. Ask them what they needed. Your counsel, holy father, answered Wolf. Godwin set out your tail.

So having seen that the tent flap was closed and that none lingered near, Godwin told him his dream. The old man listened patiently, nor did he seem surprised at this strange story since in those days men saw or thought they saw many such visions which were accepted by the church as true. When he had finished, Godwin asked of him as he had asked of Wolf. What think you, Holy Father? Is this a dream or is it a message?

And if so, from whom comes the message? Godwin Darcy, he answered. In my youth, I knew your father. It was I who shrove him when he lay dying of his wounds, and a nobler soul never passed from earth to heaven. After you had left Damascus, when you were the guest of Saladin, we dwelt together in the same lodging in Jerusalem. And together we traveled here, during all which time I learned to know you also as the worthy son of a worthy sire. no dissolute knight, but a true servant of the church. It well may be that to such a one as you, foresight has been given,

that through you those who rule us may be warned, and all Christendom saved from great sorrow and disgrace. Come, let us go to the king and tell this story, for he still sits in council yonder. so they went out together and rode to the royal tent here the bishop was admitted leaving them without presently he returned and beckoned to them and as they passed the guards whispered to them a strange council sirs and a fateful already it was near midnight but still the great pavilion was crowded with barons and chief captains who sat in groups or sat round a narrower table made of boards placed upon trestles At the head of that table sat the king, Guy of Lucignal, a weak-faced man, clad in splendid armour. On his right was the white-haired Count Raymond of Tripoli, and on his left the black-bearded frowning master of the Templars,

clad in his white mantle on the left breast of which the Red Cross was blazened. Words had been running high, their faces showed it, but just then, a silence reigned as though the disputants were weary, and the king leaned back in his chair, passing his hand to and fro across his forehead. He looked up and seeing the bishop, asked peevishly, What is it now? Oh, I remember, some tale from those tall twin knights will bring them forward and speak it out, for we have no time to lose. So the three of them came forward, and at Godwin's prayer, the Bishop Egbert told of the vision that had come to him not more than an hour ago, while he kept watch upon the mountaintop. At first one or two of the barons seemed disposed to laugh. But when they looked at Godwin's high and spiritual face, their laughter died away, for it did not seem wonderful to them that such a man should see visions.

indeed as the tale of the rocky hill and the dead who was stretched upon it went on they grew white with fear and whitest of them all was the king gie of lucienio is this all true sir godwin he asked when the bishop had finished it is true my lord king answered godwin his word is not enough broke in the master of the templars let him swear it on the holy rude, knowing that if he lies, it will blast your soul to all eternity. And the council muttered, A, let him swear. Now there was an annex to the tent,

rudely furnished as a chapel, and at the end of this annex, a tall veiled object, Rufinus, the bishop of Akur, who was clad in the armour of a knight, went to the object, and drawing the veil, revealed a broken, blackened cross, set around with jewels that stood about the height of a man above the ground, for all the lower part was gone. At the sight of it, Godwin and every man present there fell upon his knees, for since St. Helena found it, over seven centuries before, this had been accounted the most precious relic in all. all Christendom, the very wood upon which the Saviour suffered, as indeed it may have been.

Millions had worshipped it, tens of thousands had died for it, and now, in the hour of this great struggle between Christ and the false prophet, it was brought from its shrine that the host which escorted it might prove invincible in battle. Soldiers who fought round the very cross could not be defeated, they said. For if need were, legions of angels would come to aid them. Godwin and Wolf stared at the relic with wonder, fear and adoration. There were the nail marks. There was the place where the scroll of Pilate had been affixed above the holy head. Almost could they seem to see that form divine and dying. Now, broke in the voice of the master of the world.

Templars. Let Sir Godwin Darcy swear to the truth of his tale upon this rude. Rising from his knees, Godwin advanced to the cross, and laying his hand upon the word said, upon the very rude, I swear that not much more than an hour ago, I saw the vision which has been told to the King's Highness and to all, that I believe this vision was sent to me. me in answer to my prayer, to preserve our host and the holy city from the power of the Saracen, and that it is a true foreshadowing of what will come about should we advance upon the Sultan. I can say no more, I swear, knowing that if I lie, eternal damnation is my doom. The bishop drew back the covering over the cross, and in silence the countess the count.

took their seats again about the table. Now the king was very pale and fearful. Indeed a gloom lay upon all of them. It would seem, he said, that here a messenger has been sent to us from heaven. Dare we disobey his message? The Grand Templar lifted his rugged, frowning face. A messenger from heaven, said you, king, to me he seems more like a messenger from salient.

in. Tell us, Sir Godwin, were not you and your brother once the Sultan's guests at Damascus? That is so, my Lord Templar. We left before the war was declared. And went on the master.

Were you not officers of the Sultan's bodyguard? Now all looked intently at Godwin, who hesitated a little, for seeing how this answer would be read, whereon Wolf spoke in his loud voice. A, we acted as such for a while, and doubtless you have heard this story,

saved Saladin's life while he was attacked by the assassins. Oh, said the Templar with bitter sarcasm. You saved Saladin's life, did you? I can well believe it. You being Christians who above everything should desire the death of Saladin, save his life. Now, Sir Knights, answer me one more question. Sir Templar with my tongue or my sword, broken wolf, but the king held up his hand and bade him be silent. A truce to your tavern ruffling young sir and answer went on the Templar. Or rather do you answer, Sir Godwin, is your cousin Rosamond, the daughter of Sir Andrew Darcy, a niece of Saladin? And has she been created by him, Princess of Bale Beck?

and is she at this moment in his city of Damascus? She is his niece, answered Godwin quietly. She is the princess of Baalbek, but at this moment she is not in Damascus. How do you know that, Sir Godwin? I know it because in the vision of which you have been told, I saw her sleeping in a tent in the camp of Saladin. Now the council began to laugh

But Godwin with a set white face Went on Ay my lord Templar And near that very blasened tent I saw scores of the Templars And of the hospitlers Lying dead Remember it when the dreadful hour comes

And you see them also Now the laughter died away And a murmur of fear ran around the board mixed with such words as wizardry he has learnt it from the panems a black sorcerer without doubt

only the Templar who feared neither man nor spirit laughed and gave him the lie with his eyes you do not believe me said Godwin nor will you believe me when I say that while

I was on God on yonder hilltop I saw you wrangling with the count of Tripoli, eh, and draw your sword and dash it down in front of him upon this very table. Now again the council stared and muttered, for they too had seen this thing, but the master answered, he may have learnt it otherwise than from an angel. Folk have been in and out of this tent. My lord king, have we more time to waste upon these visions of knight, of whom all we know for certain is that like his brother he has been in the service of Saladin, which they left, he says, in order to fight against him in this war. It may be so.

It is not for us to judge. Though were the times different, I would inform against Sir Godwin Darcy as a sorcerer and one who has been in traitorous communication with our common foe. And I would thrust the lie down your throat with my sword's point, shouted Wolf. But Godwin only shrugged his shoulders and said nothing, and the master went on, taking no heed. King, we await your word, and it must be spoken soon, for in four hours it will be dawn. Do we march against Saladin like bold Christian men, or do we buy it here like cowards? Then Count Raymond of Tripoli Rose, and said, Before you answer King, hear me,

if it be for the last time, who am old in war, and know the Saracens. My town of Tiberius is sacked, my vassals have been put to the sword by thousands. My wife is imprisoned in her citadel, and soon must yield if she be not rescued. Yet I say to you,

and to the barons here assembled, better so than that you should take advance across the desert to attack Saladin. Leave Tiberius to its fate and my wife with it and save your army, which is the last hope of the Christians of the East. Christ has no more soldiers in these lands. Jerusalem has no other shield. The army of the Sultan is larger than yours. His cavalry are more skilled.

turn his flank or better still bide here and await his attack and victory will be to the soldiers of the cross advance and the vision of that knight at whom you scoff will come true

and the cause of Christendom will be lost in Syria I have spoken and for the last time like his friend the Knights of Visions sneered the Grandmaster. The Count Raymond is an old ally of Saladin.

Will you take such coward counsel? On, on! And smite these heathen dogs, or be forever shamed. On in the name of the cross. The cross is with us. A, answered Raymond, for the last time. Then there arose a tumult. which every man shouted to his fellow, some saying one thing and some another, while the king sat

at the head of the board, his face hidden in his hands. Presently he lifted it and said, I command that we march at dawn. If the Count Raymond and those brethren think the words unwise, let them leave us and remain here under God until the issue be known. Now followed a great silence, for all they knew that the words were fateful in the midst of which Count Raymond said, Nay, I go with you, while Godwin echoed, and we go also to show whether or not we are the spies of Saladah. Of these speeches none of them seemed to take heed, for all were lost in their own thoughts. One by one they rose, bowed to the king, and left the tent to give their commands and rest a while, before it was time to ride.

Godwin and Wolf went also, and with them the Bishop of Nazareth, who wrung his hands and seemed ill at ease. But Wolf comforted him, saying, Grieved no more, Father, let us think of the joy of battle, not of the sorrow by which it may be followed. I find no joy in battles, answered the Holy Egbert.

When they had slept a while, Godwin and Wolf wrote, and fed their horses. After they had washed and groomed them, they tested and did on their armour, then took them down to the spring to drink their fill, as their masters did. Also Wolf, who was cunning in war, brought with him four large wine-skins, which he had provided against this hour, and filling them with pure water, fastened two of them with thongs behind the saddle of Godwin and two behind his own. Further he filled the water-bottle, at their saddle-bows, saying,

At least we will be among the last to die of thirst. Then they went back, and watched the host break its camp, which it did with no light heart, for many of them knew of the danger in which they stood. Moreover, the tale of Godwin's vision had been spread abroad. Not knowing where to go, they and Egbert the Bishop of Nazareth,

who was unarmed and rode upon a mule, for stay behind he would not, joined themselves to the great body of knights who followed the king. As they did so, the Templars, five hundred strong, came up, a fierce and gallant band, and the master, who was at their head,

saw the brethren and called out, pointing to the wineskins which were hung behind their saddles. What do these water carriers here among brave knights who trust in God alone? Wolf would have answered, but Godwin bade him be silent, saying, Fall back, we will find less ill-omened company. So they stood on one side and bowed themselves as the cross went by,

guarded by the mailed Bishop of Akar. Then came Reginald of Chattinor, Saladin's enemy, the cause of all this woe, who saw them and cried, Sir Knights, whatever they may say, I know you for brave men, for I have heard the tale of your doings among the assassins. There is room for you among my suit. Follow me.

As well him as another, said Godwin. Let us go where we are led. So they followed him. By the time that the army reached Kenner, where once the water was made wine, the July sun was already hot, and the spring was soon drawn. drunk dry that many men could get no water. On they pushed into the desert lands below,

which lay between them and Tiberius, and were bordered on the right and left by hills. Now clouds of dust were seen moving across the plains, and in the heart of them bodies of Saracen horsemen, which continually attacked the vanguard under Count Raymond, and as continually retreated before they could be crushed, slaying many were their sands. spears and arrows. Also these came round behind them and charged the rearguard where marched the Templars and the light-armed troops named Turquipoles and the band of Reginald de Chattelior, with which rode the brethren. From noon till near sundown, the long harassed line, broken now into fragments, struggled forward across the rough stony plain, the burning heat beating upon their

armor, till the air danced about as it does before a fire. Towards evening men and horses became exhausted, and the soldiers cried to their captains to lead them to water, but in that place there was no water. The rearguard fell behind, worn out with constant attacks that must be repelled in the burning heat, so that there was a great gap between it and the king who marched in the centre. Messages reached them to push on, but they could not, and at length camp was pitched in the desert near a place called Marascalsia. And upon this camp, Raymond and his vanguard were forced back.

As Godwin and Wolf rode up, they saw him come in bringing his wounded with him, and heard him pray the king to push on, and at all hazards to cut his way through to the lake where they might drink. and heard the king say that he could not, since the soldiers would march no more that day. Then Raymond wrung his hands in despair, and rode back to his men crying aloud, Alas, alas, O Lord God, alas,

We are dead, and thy kingdom is lost. That night none slept, for all were a thirst, and who can sleep with a burning throat. Now also Godwin and Wolf were no longer laughed at because of the water skins they carried on their horses. Rather did great nobles come to them and almost on their knees crave for the boon of a single cup. Having watered their horses sparingly from a bowl,

they gave what they could till at length only two skins remained. And one of these was spilt by a thief, who crept up and slashed it with his knife, that he may drink while the water ran to waste. After this the brethren drew their swords and watched, swearing that they would kill any man who so much as touched the skin which was left. All that long night through,

there arose a confused clamour from the camp, of which the burdens seemed to be, Water, give us water! While from without came the shamed. shouts of the Saracens calling upon Allah. Here too the hot ground was covered with scrub dried to tinder by the summer drought and to this the Saracens set fire so that the smoke rolled down on the Christian host and choked them and the place became a hell. Day dawned at last and the army was formed up in order of battle, its two wings being thrown forward.

Thus they struggled on, those of them that were not too weak to stir, who was slaughtered as they lay. Nor as yet did the Saracens attack them, since they knew that the sun was stronger than all their spears. On they laboured towards the northern wells, till about midday the battle began with a flight of arrows so thick that for a while it hid the heavens. after this came charge and counter-charge, attack and repulse, and always above the noise of war that dreadful cry for water. What chanced Godwin and Wolf never knew, for the smoke and dust blinded them so that they could see but a little way. At length there was a last furious charge,

and the knights with whom they were clove the dense mass of Saracens like a serpent of steel, leaving a broad trail of dead behind them. When they pulled the rain and wiped the sweat from their eyes, it was to find themselves with thousands of others upon the top of a steep hill, of which the sides were thick with dry grass and bush that already was being fired. The rude, the rude, rally around the rude, said a voice. And looking behind them they saw the black, and jeweled fragment of the true cross set upon a rock, and by it the bishop of Akar.

Then the smoke of the burning grass rose up and hid it from their sights. Now began one of the most hideous fights that is told of in the history of the world. Again and again the Saracens attacked in thousands, and again and again they were driven back by the desperate valour of the Franks, who fought on their jaws agape with thirst. A black-bearded man stumbled up to the brethren, his tongue protruding from his lips, and they knew him for the master of the Templars.

For the love of Christ, give me to drink, he said recognizing them as the knights at whom he had mocked as water carriers. They gave him of the little they had left, and while they and their horses drank the rest themselves, saw him rush down the hill refreshed, shaking his red sword. Then came a pause, and they heard the voice of the bishop of Nazareth, who had clung to them all this while saying as though to himself. And here it was that the Saviour preached the sermon on the mount.

Yes, he preached the words of peace upon this fairy spot. oh it cannot be that he will desert us. It cannot be. While the Saracens held off, the soldiers began to put up the king's pavilion and with it other tents round the rock on which stood the cross. Do they mean to camp here? asked Wolf bitterly.

Peace, answered Godwin. They hoped to make a wall about the rude, but it is of no avail, for this is the place of my dream. Wolf shrugged his shoulders. At least let us die well. Then the last attack began. Up the hillside rose dense volumes of smoke, and with the smoke came the Saracens.

Thrice they were driven back, thrice they came on. At the fourth onset, few of the Franks could fight more. For thirst had conquered them, on this waterless hill of Ghatin. They laid down upon the dry grass with gaping jaws and protruding tongues and let themselves be slain or taken prisoners. A great company of Saracen horsemen broke through the ring and rushed at the scarlet tent. It rocked to and fro, then down it fell in a red heap, entangling the king in its folds.

At the foot of the cross, Rufinus, the Bishop of Akr, still fought on bravely. Suddenly an arrow struck him in the throat, and throwing his arms wide, he fell to earth. Then the Saracens hurled themselves upon the rude, tore it from its place, and with mockery and spittings bore it down the hill towards their camp, as ants may be seen carrying a little stick into their neck. while all who were left alive of the Christian army stared upwards as though they awaited some miracle from heaven. But no angels appeared in the brazen sky, and knowing that God had deserted them, they groaned aloud in their shame and wretchedness.

Come, said Godwinter Wolf, in a strange quiet voice, We have seen enough. It is time to die. Look, yonder below us are the Mamalukes, our old regiment, and amongst them Saladin, for I see his banner. Having had water, we and our horses are still fresh and strong. Now let us make an end of which they will tell in Essex yonder. Charge for the flag of Saladin. Wolf nodded, and side by side they sped down the hill.

Simitars flashed at them, arrows struck upon their mail, and the shields blazened with a death's head, Darcy crest. Through it all they went unscathed, and while the army of the Saracen stared, at the foot of the horn of Gatine, turned their horses' heads straight for the royal standard of Saladin. On they struggled, felling or riding down a foe at every stride.

On, still on, although flame and smoke bled from a score of wounds. They were among the Mamalukes, where their line was thin. By heaven they were through them, and riding straight at the well-known figure of the sultan, mounted on his white horse with his young son and his emir, the prince Hassan at his side. Saladin for you, Hassan for me, shouted wolf.

Then they met. and all the host of Islam cried out in dismay as they saw the commander of the faithful and his horse spawned to the earth before the last despairing charge of these mad Christian knights. Another instant and the sultan was on his feet again and a score of cimitars was striking at Godwin. His horse flame sank down, dying, but he sprang from the saddle swinging the long sword. Now Saladin recognized the crest upon the buckler And cried out Yield you, Sir Godwin

You have done well Yield you But Godwin who would not yield Answered when I am dead Not before Thereupon Saladin spoke a word And while certain of his Mama Luke's Engaged Godwin in front

Keeping out of reach of that red and terrible sword Others crept up behind, and springing on him, seized his arms, and dragged him to the ground, where they bound him fast. Meanwhile, Wolf had fared otherwise, for it was his horse smoke already stabbed to the vitals that fell as he plunged on Prince Hassan. Yet he also arose but little hurt, and cried out, Thus, Hassan, old fear and friend, we meet at last in war. I would pay the debt I owe you for that drugged wine, man to man and sword to sword. Indeed it is due, Sir Wolf, answered the prince, laughing. Gods, touch not this brave knight, who has dared so much to reach me.

Sultan, I ask, a boon. Between Sir Wolf and me, there is an ancient quarrel that can only be washed away in blood. Let it be decided here and now. and let this be your decree, that if I fall in fair fight, none shall set upon my conqueror, and no vengeance shall be taken for my blood. Good, said Saladin. Then so, wolf shall be my prisoner, and no more, as his brother is already. I owe it to the men who saved my life when we were friends.

give the frank to drink that the fight may be fair. So they gave Wolf a cup of which he drank, and when he had done it was handed to Godwin. For even the Mammaelukes knew and loved these brethren, who had been their officers, and praised the fierce charge that they had dared to make a loan. Hassan sprang to the ground, saying, Your horse is dead, Sir Wolf, so we must fight a fervouser.

foot. Generous as ever, laughed Wolf. Even the poisoned wine was a gift. If so, for the last time, I fear me, answered his son with a smile. Then they faced each other, and oh, the scene was strange. Up on the slopes of Khatin, the fight still raged. There amidst the smoke and fires of the burning grass, little companies of soldiers stood back to back, while the Saracens wheeled round them, thrusting and cutting at them, till they fell. Here and there knights charged singly or in groups, and so came to death or capture. About the plain, hundreds of foot soldiers were being slaughtered, while their officers were taken prisoners.

Towards the camp of Saladin, a company advanced with sounds of triumph, carrying a lot to black stump, which was the holy route, while others drove or led mobs of prisoners, among them the king and his chosen knights. The wilderness was red with blood, the air was rent with shouts of victory, and cries of agony or despair. And there, in the midst of it all, ringed round with grave courteous saracens, stood the emir, clad above his mail in his wife. white robe and jeweled turban, facing the great Christian night, with harness hacked and dreadened, the light of battle shining in his fierce eyes, and a smile upon his stained features. For those who watched the battle was forgotten, or rather its interest was centred on this point.

It will be a good fight, said one of them to Godwin, whom they had suffered to rise, for though your brother is the younger and heavier man. He is hurt and weary, whereas the emir is fresh and unwounded. Ah, they are at it. Hassan had struck first, and the blow went home. Falling upon the point of wool steel helm, the heavy razor-edged scimitar glanced from it, and shore away the links from the flap, which hung upon his shoulder, causing the frank to stagger. Again he struck, this time a upon the shield and so heavily that Wolf came to his knees. Your brother is sped, said the Saracen captain to Godwin, but Godwin only answered, wait. As he spoke, Wolf twisted his body out of reach of a third blow, and while her son staggered

forward with the weight of the mist stroke, placed his hand upon the ground, and springing to his feet ran back with six or eight paces. He flies, cried the Sarasen. But again Godwin said, wait, nor was there long to wait. For now throwing aside his buckler and grasping the great sword in both his hands with a shout of, Adasi! Adasi! Wolf leapt at Hassan as a wounded lion leaps. The sword wheeled and fell, and lo the shield of the Saracen was severed in two.

again it fell and his turbaned helm was cloven a third time and the right arm and shoulder with a scimitar that grasped it seemed to spring from his body and Hassan sank dying to the ground

Wolf stood and looked at him while a murmur of grief went up from those who watched for they loved this emir Gassan beckoned to the victor with his left hand and throwing down his sword to show that he feared no treachery,

Wolf came to him and knelt beside him. A good stroke, Hassan said faintly, that could shear the double links of Damascus still as though it was silk. Well, as I told you long ago, I knew that the hour of our meeting in war would be an ill hour for me,

and my debt is paid farewell, brave night. Would I could hope that we should meet in paradise? Take that star jewel, the badge of my house, from our turban, and wear it in memory of me. Long, long and happy be your days. Then while Wolf held him in his arms, Saladin came up and spoke to him, until he fell back and was dead. Thus died Hassan and thus ended the Battle of Khatin,

which broke the power of the Christians in the East. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of the Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Elroy. Before the walls of Ascalon. When Hassan was dead, at a sign from Saladin, a captain of the Mamelukes named Abdullah unfastened the jewel from the Emir's turban and handed it to wolf. It was a glorious star-shaped thing, made of great emeralds set round with diamonds,

and the captain Abdullah, who, like all Easterns, loved such ornaments, looked at it greedily and muttered, alas, that an unbeliever should wear the enchanted star, the ancient luck of the house of Hassan. A saying that wolf remembered, he took the jewel, then turned to Saladin and said, pointing to the dead body of Hassan. Have I your peace, sultan, after such a deed? Did I not give you and your brother to drink? asked Saladin with meaning. whoever dies, you are safe. There is but one sin which I will not pardon you. You know what it is.

And he looked at them. As for his son, he was my beloved friend and servant, but you slew him in a fair fight, and his soul is now in paradise. None in my army will raise a blood feud against you on that score. then dismissing the matter with a wave of his hand, he turned to receive a great body of Christian prisoners that panting and stumbling like overdriven sheep

were being thrust on towards the camp with curses, blows and mockery by the victorious Saracens. Among them the brethren rejoiced to see Egbert, the gentle and holy bishop of Nazareth whom they had thought dead, also wounded in many places his hacked harness hanging about him like a beggar's rags there was the black-browed master of the templars who even now could be fierce and insolent so i was right he mocked in a husky voice and here you are safe with your friends the saracens sir knights of the visions and the water-skins from which you were glad enough to drink just now

said Godwin. Also, he added sadly, all the vision is not done. And turning he looked towards a pleasant tent, which were the Sultan's great pavilion and not far behind it, was being pitched by the Arab camp-setters. The master saw and remembered Godwin's vision of the dead Templars. Is it there that you mean to murder me, traitor and wizard? He used. He was there. He was he, asked. Then rage to Cold of Godwin, and he answered him, Were it not for your plight here and now, I would thrust those words

down your throat, as should we both live, I yet shall hope to do. You call us traitors. Is it the work of traitors to have charged alone through all this host until our horses died beneath us? He pointed to where smoke and flame lay with glazing eyes. to have unhorsed Saladin, and to have slain this prince in single combat.

And he turned to the body of the Emir Ghassan, which his servants were carrying away. You speak of me as wizard and murderer, he went on, because some angel brought me a vision which had you believed a Templar, would have saved tens of thousands from a bloody death, the Christian kingdom from destruction and yonder holy thing from mockery. And with a shudder he glanced at the rude, which its captors had set up upon a rock not far away, with a dead knight tied to its black arms.

You, Sir Templar, are the murderer who by your madness and ambition, have brought ruin on the cause of Christ, as was foretold by the Count Raymond. That other traitor who also has escaped, snarled the master. Then Saracen guards dragged him away, and they were parted. By now the pavilion was up, and Saladin entered it, saying, Bring before me the king of the Franks, and Prince Arnott, he who is called Reginald of Chatello.

Then a thought struck him, and he called Godwin and Wolfe, saying, Sir knights, you know our tongue, give up your swords to the officer. They will be returned to you, and come, be my interpreters. So the brethren followed him into the tent, where presently were brought the wretched king and the grey-haired reginald of Chateinot, and with them a few other great knights, who, even in the midst of their misery, stared at Godwin and Wolf in wonderment. Saladin read the look and explained lest their presence should be misunderstood.

King and nobles, be not mistaken, these knights are my prisoners as you are, and none have shown themselves braver today, or done me and mine more damage. Indeed, had it not been for my guards within the hour, I should have fallen beneath the sword of Sir Godwin. but as they know Arabic, I have asked them to render my words into your tongue. Do you accept them as interpreters? If not, others must be found. When they had translated this, the king said that he accepted them, adding to Godwin, Would that I had also accepted you, two nights gone as an interpreter of the will of heaven?

The Sultan bade his captains be seated, and seeing their terrible thirst, commanded slaves to bring a great bowl of Sherbet, made of rose water cooled with snow, and with his own hand gave it to King Gee. He drank in great gulps, then passed the bowl to Reginald de Chateaulon, whereon Saladin cried out to Godwin, say to the king it is he and not I who gives this man to drink. There is no bond of salt between me and the prince Arnaut. Godwin translated sorrowfully enough, and Reginald, who knew the habits of the Saracens, answered, No need to explain, sir knight, those words are my death warrant, while I never expected less. Then Saladin spoke again. Prince Arnath, you strove to take the holy city of Mecca and to desecrate the tomb of the prophet,

and then I swore to kill you. Again when in a time of peace a caravan came from Egypt, and passed by Esch-Shobek, where you were, forgetting your oath, you fell upon them and slew them. they asked for mercy in the name of Allah, saying that there was truce between Saracen and Frank. But you mocked them, telling them to seek aid from Muhammad, in whom they trusted. Then for the second time I swore to kill you. Yet I gave you one more chance.

Will you subscribe the Quran and embrace the faith of Islam? Or will you die? Now the lips of Reginald turned pale And for a moment he swayed upon his seat Then his courage came back to him And he answered in his strong voice Sultan, I will have none of your mercy at such a price Nor do I bow the knee to your dog of a false prophet

Who perish in the faith of Christ And being weary of the world I'm content to go to him Saladin sprang to his feet his very beard bristling with wrath, and drawing his sabre shouted aloud, You scorn Muhammad! Behold, I avenge Muhammad upon you. Take him away.

And he struck him with a flat of his scimitar. Then Mambalukes leapt upon the prince, dragging him to the entrance of the tent. They forced him to his knees, and there beheaded him in sight of the soldiers, and of the other prisoners. Thus bravely enough, died Reginald Deschatilio, whom the Saracens called Prince Arnath. In the hush that followed this terrible deed,

King Guy said to Godwin, Ask the Sultan if it is my turn next. Nay, answered Saladin, kings do not kill kings, but that truce-breaker has met with no more than he deserts. Then came a scene still more dreadful. Saladin went to the door of his tent

and standing over the body of Reginald, bade them parade the captive Templars and hospitlers before them. They were brought to the number of over 200, for it was easy to distinguish them by the red and white crosses on their breasts. These are also faith-breakers, He shouted, and of their unclean tribes will I rid the world. Ho, my emirs and doctors of the law.

And he turned to the great crowd of his captains about him. Take each of you one of them and kill him. Now the emirs hung back, for though fanatics they were brave, and loved not the slaughter of defenseless men, and even the Mameluk's murmured aloud. But Saladin cried again, they are worthy of death and he who disobeys my command shall himself be slain sultan said godwin we cannot witness such a crime we ask that we may die with them nay he answered you have eaten of my salt and to kill you would be murder get you to the tent of the princess of baalbeck yonder for there you will see you will see you will see you will see you will

see nothing of the death of these Franks, your fellow worshippers. So the brethren turned, and led by Mamaluk, fled Agost for the first time in their lives, past the long lines of Templars and hospitlers, who in the last red light of the dying day knelt upon the sand and prayed, while the emirs came up to kill them. They entered the tent, none forbidding them, and at the end of its sort of, two women crouched together on some cushions, who rose clinging to each other. Then the woman saw also and sprang forward with a cry of joy, saying, So you live, you live, I rosamond, answered Godwin, to see this shame, would God that we did not,

whilst others die. They murder the knights of the Holy Orders, to your knees and pray for their passing souls. So they knelt down and prayed till the tumult died away, and they knew that all was done. Oh, my cousins, said Rosamond, and she staggered to her feet at length. What a hell of wickedness and bloodshed is this in which we dwell. Save me from it if you love me. I beseech you, save me. We will do our best. They are. answered. But let us talk no more of these things which are the decree of God, lest we should go mad. Tell us your story. But Rosamond had little to tell, except that she had been well-treated,

and always kept by the person of the sultan, marching to and fro with his army, for he awaited the fulfillment of his dream concerning her. Then they told her all that had chance to them, also of the vision of Godwin and its dreadful accomplishment and of the death of Rassan beneath the sword of wolf. At that story Rosamond wept and shrank from him a little, for though it was this prince who had stolen her from her home, she loved Rassan. Yet when Wolf said humbly, The fault is not mine, it was so fated. Would that I had died instead of the Saracen. Rosamond answered

No, no I am proud that you should have conquered But Wolf shook his head and said I am not proud Although weary with that awful battle I was still the younger and stronger man Though at first he well now mastered me by his skill and quickness At least we parted friends

Look he gave me this And he showed her the great emerald badge which the dying prince had given him. Masudo all this while had sat very quiet, came forward and looked at it. Do you know, she asked, that this jewel is very famous, not only for its value,

but because it is said to have belonged to one of the children of the prophet and to bring good fortune to its owner. Wolf smiled. It brought little to Puagha's son but now. when my grandsire's sword shore the Damascus still as though it were wet clay, and sent him swift to paradise where he would be at the hands of a gallant foe, answered Masuda. Nay all his life this emir was happy and beloved, by his sovereign, his wives, his fellows and his servants,

nor do I think that he would have desired another end, whose wish was to die in battle with the Franks. at least there is scarce a soldier in the sultan's army who would not give all he has for yonder trinket which is known throughout the land as the star of Hassan so beware sir wolf lest you be robbed or murdered although you have eaten the sultan of Salahedin I remember the captain Abdullah looking at it greedily and lamenting that the luck of the house of Hassan

should pass to an unbeliever said wolf Well enough of this jewel and its dangers, I think Godwin has words to say, Yes, said Godwin, we are here in your tent through the kindness of Saladin, who did not wish us to witness the death of our comrades. But tomorrow we shall be separated again. Now if you are to escape, I will escape, I must escape, even if I am recaptured and die for it, broken Rosamond passionately.

Speak low, said Massouda. I saw the eunuch, Miss Rour past the door of the tent, and he is a spy. They are all spies. If you are to escape, repeated Godwin in a whisper, it must be within the next few weeks, while the army is on the march. The risk is great to all of us,

to you, and we have no plan. But, Masuda, you are clever, make one, and tell it to us. She lifted her head to speak, when suddenly a shadow fell upon them. It was that of the head eunuch, Misrur, a fat, cunning-faced man, with a cringing air. Lo he bowed before them saying. Your pardon, O princess, a messenger has come from Salachideen demanding the presence of these nights at the banquet that he has made ready for his noble prisoners, we obey, said Godwin, and rising they bowed to Rosamund and to Musuda, then turned to go, leaving the star jewel where they had been seated. Very skillfully, Mizr covered it with the fold of his robe, and under shelter of the fold, slipped down his hand and grasped it, not knowing that although she seemed to be turned

away. Masuda was watching him out of the corner of her eye. Waiting till the brethren reached the tent door, she called out. So, Wolf, are you already weary of the enchanted star of fortune? Or would you bequeathed to us? Now Wolf came back, saying heavily,

I forgot the thing. Who would not at such a time? Where is it? I left it on the cushion. Try the hand of mesrur, said Masuda. Whereat with a very crooked smile, the eunuch produced it, and said, I wish to show you, sir knight, that you must be careful with such gems as these,

especially in a camp where there are many dishonest persons. I thank you, answered Wilf as he took it. You have shown me. Then followed by the sound of Musuda's mocking laughter, they left the tent. The sultan's messenger led them forward across the ground, strewn with the bodies of the murder templars and hospitalers, lying as Godwin had seen them in his dream on the mountaintop near Nazareth. Over one of these corpses Godwin stumbled in the gloom,

so heavily that he fell to his knees. He searched the face in the starlight, to find it was that of a knight of the hospitalers of whom he had made a friend at Jerusalem, a very good and gentle Frenchman who had abandoned high station and large lands to join the order for the love of Christ and charity. Such was his reward on earth, to be struck down in cold blood like an ox by its butcher. Then muttering a prayer for the repose of this night's soul, Godwin rose, and filled with horror, followed on to the royal pavilion, wondering why, as such things were. Of all the strange feasts that they ever ate,

the brethren found this the strangest and the most sad. Saladin was seated at the head of the table with guards and officers standing behind him, and as each dish was brought, he tasted it, and no more, to show that it was not poisoned. Not far from him sat the king of Jerusalem and his brother, and all down the board great captive nobles to the number of fifty or more. Sorry spectacles were these gallant knights in their hewn and blood-stained armour, pale-faced too, with eyes set wide in horror at the dread deeds they had just seen done.

Yet they ate and ate ravenously, for now that their thirst was satisfied, they were mad with hunger. 30,000 Christians lay dead on the horn and plain of Khatin. The kingdom of Jerusalem was destroyed and its king a prisoner. The Holy Rood was taken as a trophy. 200 knights of the sacred orders lay within a few score of yards of them, butchered cruelly by those very emirs and doctors of the law who stood grave and silent behind their master's seat. at the express command of that merciless master.

Defeated, shamed, bereaved, yet they ate, and being human could take comfort from the thought that having eaten by the law of the Arabs, at least their lives were safe. Saladin called Godwin and Wolf to him that they might interpret for him and gave them food and they also ate who were compelled to it by hunger. have you seen your cousin the princess he asked and how found you her he asked presently then remembering over what he had fallen outside her tent and looking at those miserable feasters anger took hold of godwin and he answered boldly sire we found her sick with the sights and sounds of war and murder shamed to know also that her uncle the conquering sovereign of the East had slaughtered 200 unarmed men.

Wolf trembled at his words, but Saladin listened and showed no anger. Doubtless, he answered, she thinks me cruel, and you also think me cruel, a despot who delights in the death of his enemies. Yet it is not so, for I desire peace and to save life. not to destroy it. It is you Christians who for hard upon a hundred years have drenched these sands with blood because you say that you wish to possess the land

where your prophet lived and died more than 11 centuries ago. How many Saracens have you slain? Hundreds of thousands of them. Moreover, with your peace is no peace. Those orders that I destroyed tonight have broken it a score of times. Well, I will bear no more. Allah has given me and my army the victory,

and I will take your cities and drive the Franks back into the sea. Let them seek their own lands, and worship God there after their own fashion, and leave the east in quiet. Now, Sir Godwin, tell these captives for me that tomorrow I send those of them who are unwounded to Damascus, thereto await ransom while I besieged Jerusalem and the other Christian cities. Let them have no fear.

I have emptied the cup of my anger. No more of them shall die. And a priest of their faith, the Bishop of Nazareth, shall stay with their sick in my army to minister to them after their own rights. So Godwin Rosen told them, and they answered not a word, who had lost all hope and courage. Afterwards he asked whether he and his brother were also to be sent to Damascus. Saladin replied, No, he would keep them for a while to interpret. Then they might go their ways without ransom.

On the morrow accordingly the captives was sent to Damascus And that day Saladin took the castle of Tiberius Setting at liberty as Shiva The wife of Raymond and her children Then he moved on to Akar Which he took relieving 4,000 Muslim captives And so on to other towns All of which fell before him

Till at length he came to Ascalon which he besieged in form, setting up his manganals against its walls. The night was dark outside of Ascalon, save when the flashes of lightning in the storm that rolled down from the mountains to the sea lit it up, showing the thousands of white tents, set round the city, the walls and the sentries who watched upon them, the feathery palms that stood against the sky, the mighty snow-crowned range of Lebanon,

and encircling all the black breast of the troubled ocean. In a little open space of the garden of an empty house that stood without walls, a man and a woman were talking, both of them wrapped in dark cloaks. They were Godwin and Masuda. Well, said Godwin eagerly, is already. She nodded and answered. at length all.

Tomorrow afternoon an assault will be made upon Asgallon, but even if it is taken the camp will not be moved that night. There will be great confusion, and Abdullah, who is somewhat sick, will be the captain of the guard over the princess's tent. He will allow the soldiers to slip away, to assist in the sack of the city, nor will they betray him.

At sunset but one eunuch will be on watch, mesrur and i will find means to put him to sleep abdhullah will bring the princess to this garden disguised as his young son and there you two and i shall meet them what then asked godwin do you remember the old arab who brought you the horses flame and smoke and took no payment for them he who is named son of the sand well as you know he is my uncle and he has more horses of that breed. I have seen him, and he is well pleased at the tale of flame and smoke, and the knights who rode them, and more particularly at the way in which they came to their end, which he says has brought credit to their ancient blood. At the foot of this garden is a cave, which was once a sepulchre. There we shall find the horses, four of them, and with them my uncle, son of the sand. And by the morning light we will be a hundred miles away

and lie ahead with his tribe until we can slip to the coast and board a Christian ship. Does it please you? Very well, but what is Abdullah's price? One only, the enchanted star, the luck of the house of Hassan, for nothing else will he take such risks. Will Sir Wolf give it?

surely answered godwin with a laugh good then it must be done tonight when i return i will send up dula to your tent fear not if he takes the jewel he will give the price since otherwise he thinks it will bring him ill fortune does the lady rosamond know asked godwin again she shook her head nay she is mad to escape she thinks of little else all day long but what What is the use of telling her till the time comes? The fewer in such a plot the better. And if anything goes wrong, it is well that she should be innocent, for then. Then death and farewell to all things, said Godwin. Nor indeed should I grieve to say then goodbye. But, Miss Suda, you run great peril.

Tell me now, honestly, why do you do this? As he spoke, the lightning flashed, and showed her face as she stood there against a background of green leaves and red lily flowers. There was a strange look upon it, a look that made Godwin feel afraid. He knew not of what. Why did I take you into my inn yonder in Beirut when you were the pilgrims Peter and John? Why did I find you the best horses in Syria and guide you to the Algebel? Why did I often dare death by torment for you?

there? Why did I save the three of you? And why, for all this weary while, have I, for after all, am nobly born, become the mock of soldiers and the tyre woman of the Princess of Balbeck? Shall I answer? She went on laughing. Doubtless in the beginning, because I was the agent of Sinan, charged to betray such knights as you are, into his hands, and afterwards because my heart was filled with pity and love for the lady rosamond again the lightning flashed and this time that strange look had spread from masuda's face to the face of godwin masuda he said in a whisper oh think me no vain fool but since it is best perhaps that both should know full surely tell me is it as i have sometimes fear broke in Masuda with a little mocking laugh. So, Godwin, it is so.

What does your faith teach? The faith in which I was bred and lost, but that now is mine again, because it is yours? That men and women are free, or so some read it. Well, it or they are wrong. We are not free. Was I free when first I saw your eyes in Beirut? The eyes for which I had been watching,

all my life, and something came from you to me, and I, the cast off plaything of Sinan, loved you, loved you, loved you, loved you to my own doom? Yes, and rejoiced that it was so, and still rejoice that it is so, and would choose no other fate, because in that love I learned that there is a meaning in this life, and that there is an answer to it in life. lives to be, otherware if not here. No, I speak not, I know your oath, nor would I tempt you to its breaking. But Sir Godwin, a woman such as the Lady Rosamond cannot love two men. And as she spoke, Masuda strove to search his face while the shaft went home.

But Godwin showed neither surprise nor pain. So you know what I have known for long, he said. said, so long that my sorrow is lost in the hope of my brother's joy. Moreover, it is well that she should have chosen the better night. Sometimes, said Miss Suda reflectively, sometimes I have watched the Lady Rosamond and said to myself, what do you lack? You are beautiful. You are high-born.

You are learned and you are brave and you are good. then i have answered you lack wisdom and true sight else you would not have chosen wolf when you might have taken godwin or perchance your eyes are blinded also speak not thus of one who is my better in all things i pray you said godwin in a vexed voice by which you mean whose arm is perhaps a little stronger and who at a pinch could cut down a few more saracens well it takes more than strength to make a man, you must add spirit. Miss Suda, went on Godwin, taking no note of her words. Although we may guess her mind, our lady has said nothing yet, also wolf may fall, and then I fill his place as best I can. I am no free man, Miss Suda.

The love-sick are never free, she answered. I have no right to love the woman who, loves my brother. To her are due my friendship and my reverence no more. She has not declared that she loves your brother. We may guess wrongly in this matter. They are your words, not mine. And we may guess rightly, what then? Then, answered Massouda, there are many nightly orders or monasteries for those who desire such places as you do in your heart. nay talk no more of all these things that may or may not be back to your tent sir godwin where i will send abdula to you to receive the jewel so farewell farewell he took her outstretched hand hesitated a moment then lifted it to his lips and went it was cold as that of a corpse and fell against her side again like the hand of a corpse

Masuda shrank back among the flowers of the garden as though to hide herself from him and all the world. When he had gone a few paces, eight or ten perhaps, Godwin turned and glanced behind him, and at that moment there came a great blaze of lightning. In its fierce and fiery glare he saw Massouda standing with outstretched arms, pale, upturned face, closed eyes and parted lips. illumined by the ghastly sheen of the leaven her face looked like that of one new dead and the tall red lilies which climbed up her dark pall-like robe to her throat yes they looked like streams of fresh-shed blood godwin shuddered a little and went his way but as she slid thence into the black embracing night messuda said to herself had i played a little more upon his gentleness and pity i think that he would have offered me his heart after rosamond had done with it and in payment for my services nay not his heart for he has none on earth but his hand and loyalty and being honourable he would have kept his promise,

and I, who have passed through the harem of Al-Gabal, might yet have become the Lady Darcy, and so lived out my life and nursed his babes. Nay, Sir Godwin, when you love me, not before, and you will never love me until I am dead. Snatching a bloom of the lilies into her hand, the hand that he had kissed. Masuda pressed it convulsively against her breast

till the red juice ran from the crushed flower and stained her like a wound. Then she glided away and was lost in the storm and the darkness. End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of The Brethren by H. Ryder Haggert The Sliberovox recording is in the public domain, read by Elroy. The Luck of the Star of Hassan an hour later the captain abdula might have been seen walking carelessly towards the tent where the brethren slept also had there been any who cared to watch something else might have been seen in that low moonlight

for now the storm and the heavy rain which followed it had passed namely the fat shape of the eunuch messr slipping after him wrapped in a dark camelhair cloak such as was commonly worn by camp followers, and taking shelter cunningly behind every rock and shrub and rise of the ground. Hidden among some picketed dromedaries, he saw Abdullah into the tent of the brethren, then waiting till a cloud crossed the moon, Mesru ran to it unseen, and throwing himself down on its shadowed side, lay there like a drunken man, and listened with all his ears. But the thick canvas was heavy with wet, nor would the ropes and the trench that was dug around permit him, who did not love to lie in the water, to place his head against it. Also, those within spoke low, and he could only hear single words, such as Garden, the Star, Princess.

So important did these seem to him, however, that at length Mesr crept under the cords, and although he shuddered at its cold, drew his body into the trench of water, and with the sharp point of his knife cut a little slit in the taut canvas. To this he set his eye, only to find that it served him nothing, for there was no light in the tent. Still the men were there who talked in the darkness. Good, said a voice. It was that of one of the brethren, but which he could not tell,

for even to those who knew them best they seemed to be the same. Good. Then it is settled. Tomorrow at the hour arranged. You bring the princess to the place agreed upon, disguised as you have said. In payment for the service I hand you the luck of Hassan which you covered. Take it, here it is, and swear to do your part, since otherwise it will bring no luck to you, for I will kill you the first time we need. yes and the other also. I swear it by Allah and his prophet, answered Abdullah in a horse-trembling voice.

It is enough. See that you keep the oath, and now away, it is not safe that you should tarry here. Then came the sound of a man leaving the tent. Passing round it cautiously, he halted, and opening his hand, looked at its contents to make sure that no trick had been played upon. him in the darkness. Mesrur screwed his head round to look also, and saw the light gleam faintly on the surface of the splendid jewel, which he too desired so eagerly. In so doing his foot struck a stone, and instantly Abdullah glanced down to see a dead or drunken man lying almost at his feet, with a swift movement he hid the jewel and started to walk away.

Then be thinking him that it would be worth. well to make sure that this fellow was dead or sleeping, he turned and kicked the prostrate Mesrure upon the back, and with all his strength. Indeed he did this thrice, putting the eunuch to the greatest agony. I thought I saw him move, Abdullah muttered after the third kick. It is best to make sure, and he drew his knife. Now had not terror paralysed him,

Mesrur would have cried out, but fortunately for himself, before he found his voice, Abdullah had buried the knife three inches deep in his fat thigh. With an effort, Mesrur bore this also, knowing that if he showed signs of life the next stroke would be in his heart. Then satisfied that this fellow, whoever he might be, was either a corpse or insensible, Abdullah drew out the knife, wiped it on his victim's robe and departed. Not long afterwards, Mesruh departed also, towards the sultan's house, bellowing with rage and pain and vowing vengeance.

It was not long delayed. That very night, Abdullah was seized and put to the question. In his suffering he confessed that he had been to the tent of the brethren, and received from one of them the jewel which was found upon him as a bribe to bring the princess to a certain garden outside the camp. But he named the wrong garden. Further, when they asked which of the brethren it was who bribed him, he said he did not know as their voices were alike, and their tent was in darkness. Moreover, that he believed there was only one man in it.

At least he heard or saw no other. he added that he was summoned to the tent by an arab man whom he had never seen before but who told him that if he wished for what he most desired and good fortune he was to be there at a certain hour after sunset then he fainted and was put back in prison till the morning by the command of sulladin when the morning came abdhila was dead who desired no more torments with doom at the end of them having made shift to strangle himself with his robe. But first he had scrawled upon the wall with a piece of charcoal. May that a cursed star of Hassan, which tempted me, bring better luck to others, and may hell receive the soul of Mesrur. Thus died Abdullah, as faithful as he could be in such sore straits,

since he had betrayed neither Musuda nor his son, both of whom were in the plot, and said that only one of the brethren was present in the tent, whereas he knew well that the two of them were there, and which of these spoke and gave him the jewel. Very early that morning, the brethren, who were lying wakeful, heard sounds without their tent, and looking out saw that it was surrounded by Mama Luke's.

The plot is discovered, said Godwin to Wolf quietly, but with despair in his face. Now, my brother, admit nothing, even under torture, less others perish with us. Shall we fight? asked Wolf, as they threw on their mail. But Godwin answered, Nay, it would serve us nothing to kill a few brave men. Then an officer entered the tent,

and commanded them to give up their swords and to follow him to Saladin, to answer a charge that had been laid against them both, nor would he say any more. So they went as prisoners, and after waiting a while, were ushered into a large room of the house where Saladin lodged, which was arranged as a court with the dais at one end. Before this they were stood, till presently the sultan entered through a further door, and with him certain of his emirs and secretaries. Also Rosamond, who looked very pale, was brought there,

and in attendance on her mesuda, calm-faced as ever. The brethren bowed to them, but Saladin, whose eyes were full of rage, took no notice of their salutation. For a moment there was silence. Then Saladin bade his secretary read the charge, which was brief. It was that they had conspired to steal away the princess of Balbeck. Where is the evidence against us? asked Godwin boldly. The Sultan is just and convicts no man save on testimony.

Again Saladin motioned to the secretary, who read the words that had been taken down from the lips of the captain Abdullah. They demanded to be allowed to examine the Captain Abdullah. and learned that he was already dead. Then the eunuch, Meisr, was carried forward, for walk he could not, owing to the wound that Abdullah had given him, and told all his tale, how he had suspected Abdullah and followed him, had heard him in one of the brethren speaking in the tent,

and the words that passed, and afterwards seen Abdullah with a jewel in his hand. When he had finished, Godwin asked, which of them he had heard speaking with Abdullah, and he answered that he could not say, as their voices were so alike, but one voice only had spoken. Then Rosamond was ordered to give her testimony, and said truly enough that she knew nothing of the plot,

and had not thought of this flight. Masuda also swore that she now heard of it for the first time. After this, the secretary announced, that there was no more evidence, and prayed of the Sultan to give judgment in the matter. Against which of us? asked Godwin, seeing that both the dead and the living witness, declare they heard but one voice, and whose that voice was they did not know. According to your own law, you cannot condemn a man against whom there is no good testimony. There is testimony against one of you, answered Saladin sternly,

that of two witnesses, as is required, and as I have warned you long ago, that man shall die. Indeed, both of you should die, for I am sure that both are guilty. Still, you have been put upon your trial according to the law, and as a just judge, I will not strain the law against you. Let the guilty one die by beheading at sundown, the hour at which he planned to commit his crime. The other may go free with the citizens of Jerusalem, who depart tonight, bearing my message to the Frankish leaders in that holy town. Which of us then is to die, and which to go free? asked Godwin. Tell us, that he who is doomed may prepare his soul.

Say you who know the truth, answered Saladin. We admit nothing, said Godwin. Yet if one of us must die, I as the elder claim that right. And I claim it as the younger. The jewel was Hassan's gift to me. Who else could give it to Abdullah? Added Wolf, speaking for the first time, whereat all the Saracens there.

assembled, brave men who loved a nightly deed, murmured in admiration, and even Saladin said, Well spoken both of you, so it seems that both must die. Then Rosamond stepped forward, and threw herself upon her knees before him, exclaiming, Sire, my uncle, such is not your justice, that two should be slain for the offence of one, if offence there be, If you know not which is guilty, spare them both. I beseech you. He stretched out his hand and raised her from her knees, then thought a while and said,

Nay, plead not with me, for however much you love him, the guilty man must suffer as he deserves. But of this matter, Allah alone knows the truth. Therefore let it be decided by Allah. and he rested his head upon his hand, looking at Wolf and Godwin as though to read their souls. Now behind Saladin stood that old and famous Imam, whom had been with him and Hassan when he commanded the brethren

to depart from Damascus, who all this while had listened to everything that passed with a sour smile. Leaning forward he whispered in his master's ear, who considered a moment, then answered him, It is good, do so. So the imam left the court, and returned presently, carrying two small boxes of sandalwood, tied with silk and sealed,

so like each other that none could tell them apart, which boxes he passed continually from his right hand to his left, and from his left hand to his right, then gave them to Saladin. In one of these, said Saladin, is that jewel known as the enchanted star and the luck of the house of Hassan, which the prince presented to his conqueror on the day of Hatin, and for the desire of which my captain Abdullah became a traitor, and was brought to death. In the other is a pebble of the same weight.

come, my niece, take you these boxes and give them to your kinsman, to each the box you will. The jewel that is called the Star of Hassan is magical and has virtue, so they say. Let it choose, therefore, which of these knights is ripe for death, and let him perish in whose box the star is found. now muttered the imam into the ear of the master now at length we shall learn which it is of these two men that the lady loves that is what i seek to know answered saladin in the same low voice as she heard this decree rosamond looked round wildly and pleaded oh be not so cruel i beseech you spare me this task let it be another hand that is chosen to deal death to one of those of my own blood with whom i have dwelt since childhood let me not be the blind sort of fate that frees his spirit lest it should haunt my dreams and turn all my will to woe spare me i beseech you

but saladon looked at her very sternly and answered princess you know why i have brought you to the east and raised you to great honour here why also i have made you my companion in these wars it is for my dream's sake the dream which told me that by some noble act of yours you should save the lives of thousands yet i am sure that you desire to escape and plots of are made to take you from me. Though of these plots you say that you and your woman, and he looked darkly at Masuda, know nothing. But these men know, and

it is right that you, for whose sake, if not by whose command the thing was done, should meet out its reward, and that the blood of him whom you appoint, which is spilt for you, should be on your and no other

head. Now do my bidding. For a moment Rosamund stared at the boxes, then suddenly she closed her eyes, and taking them up at hazard, stretched out her arms, leaning forward over the edge of the dais. Thereon calmly enough the brethren took each of them the box that was nearest to him, that in Rosamond's left hand falling to Godwin, and that in her right to Wolf. Then she opened her eyes again, stood still, and watched. Cousin, said Godwin, before we break this court that is our chain of doom, know well that whatever chances we blame you not at all. It is God who acts through you, and you are as innocent of the death of either of us as of that plot whereof we stand accused.

Then he began to unnot the silk which was bound about his box. Wolf, knowing that it would tell all the tale, did not trouble himself as yet, but looked round the room, thinking that whether he lived or died, never would he see a stranger's sight. Every eye in it was fixed upon the box in Godwin's hand. Even Saladin stared as though it held his own destiny. No, not everyone. For those of the old Imwam were fixed upon the face of Rosamond, which was piteous to see, for all its beauty had left it, and even her parted lips were ashy.

Masuda alone still stood upright and unmoved, as though she watched some play. But he noted that a rich-hued cheek grew pale, and that beneath her robe her hand was pressed upon her heart. The silence also was intense And broken only by the little grating noise of Godwin's nails As having no knife to cut it He patiently untied the silk Trouble enough about one man's life In a land where lives are cheap

Exclaimed Wolf thinking aloud And at the sound of his voice all men started As though it had thunded suddenly in a summer sky Then with a laugh he tore the silk about his box asunder with his strong fingers And breaking the seal shook out its contents Lo they on the floor before him gleaming green and white With emerald and diamond lay the enchanted star of Hassan Masuda saw and the colour crept back to her cheek

Rosamond saw also and nature was too strong for her for in one bitter cry the truth broke from her lips at last not wolf not wolf she wailed and sank back senseless into Missouda's arms

now sire said the old imam with a chuckle you know which of those two the lady loves being a woman as usual she chooses badly for the other has a finer spirit yes I know now

said Saladin, and I am glad to know, for the matter has vexed me much. But Wolf, who had paled for a moment, flushed with joy as the truth came home to him, and he understood the end of all their doubts. The star is well-named the luck, he said, as bending down he took it from the floor, and fastened it to his cloak above his heart. Nor do I hold it dearly earned. Then he turned to his brother, who stood by him white and still, saying, Forgive me Godwin, but such is the fortune of love and war.

Grudget it not to me, for when I am sped tonight this luck, and all that hangs to it will be yours. So that strange scene ended. The afternoon drew towards evening, and Godwin stood before Saladin in his private chamber. What seek you now? said the sultan sternly. Aboon, answered Godwin. My brother is doomed to die before nightfall. I ask to die instead of him.

Why, so Godwin? For two reasons, sire. As you learn today, at length the riddle is answered, it is wolf who is beloved of the Lady Rosamond, and therefore to kill him would be a crime. Further, it is I, and not he, whom the eunuch heard bargaining with the Captain Abdullah in the tent. I swear it, take your vengeance upon me and let him go to fulfil his fate. Saladin pulled at his beard, then answered,

If this is to be so, time is short, Sir Godwin. What farewells have you to make? You say that you would speak with my niece Rosamond. Nay, the princess you shall not see, and indeed cannot, for she lies swooning in her chamber. Do you desire to meet your brother for the last time? No, sire, for then he might learn the truth and refuse the sacrifice. Sir Godwin, which perchance will be scarcely to his liking. I wish to say goodbye to Miss Suda, she who is waiting woman to the princess.

That you cannot do, for no, I must trust this, Miss Suda, and believe that she was at the bottom of your plot. I have dismissed her from the person of the princess and from my camp, which she is to leave, if she has not already left, with some Arabs who are her kin. Had it not been for her services in the land of the assassins, and afterwards, I should have put her to death. Then, said Godwin with a sigh, I desire only to see Egbert the bishop, that he may shrive me according to our faith, and make note of my last wishes. Good, he shall be sent to you. I accept your statement that you are the guilt. guilty man and not so wolf, and take your life for his. Leave me now, you have greater matters on my mind. The God will seek you at the appointed time.

Godwin bowed and walked away with a steady step, while Saladin, looking after him, muttered, the world could ill-spare so brave and good a man. Two hours later, God summoned Godwin from the place where he was prisoned. and accompanied by the old bishop who had shriven him, he passed its door with a happy countenance, such as a bridegroom might have worn. In a fashion indeed he was happy,

whose troubles were done with, who had few sins to mourn, whose faith was the faith of a child, and who laid down his life for his friend and brother. They took him to a vault of the great house where Saladin was lodged, a large rough place lit with torches, in which way to the headsman and his assistance. Presently Saladin entered, and looking at him curiously said, Are you still of the same mind, Sir Godwin?

I am. Good. Yet I have changed mine. You shall say farewell to your cousin as you desired. Let the princess of Baalbeck be brought hither sick or well that she may see her work. Let her come alone. Sire, pleaded Godwin, spare her such a sight. But he pleaded in vain, for Saladin answered only, I have said. A while passed, and Godwin, hearing the sweep of robes, looked up and saw the tall shape of a veiled woman standing in the corner of the vault, where the shadow was so deep that the torchlight only glimmered faintly upon her royal ornaments. They told me that you were sick, princess, sick with sorrow, as well you may be, because the man you love was about to die

for you, said Saladin in a slow voice. Now, I have had pity on your grief. and his life has been bought with another life, that of the night who stands yonder. The veiled form started wildly, then sank back against the wall. Rosamund, broken Godwin speaking in French, I beseech you,

be silent and do not unman me with words or tears. It is best thus, and you know that it is best. Wolf you love as a man. he loves you, and I believe that in time you will be brought together. Me, you do not love, save as a friend, and never have. Moreover, I tell you this, that it may ease your pain and my conscience. I no longer seek you as my wife, whose bride is death.

I pray you, give to Wolf my love and blessing, and to Musuda, that truest, and most sweet woman, say or write that I offer her the homage of my heart, that I thought of her in my last moments, and that my prayer is we may meet again where all crooked paths are straightened. Rosamond, farewell, peace and joy go with you through many years. I, and with your children's children. Of God, when I only ask you to remember this, that he lived serving you, and so died. She heard and stretched out her arms,

and, none forbidding him, Godwin walked to where she stood. Without lifting her veil, she bent forward, and kissed him, first upon the brow, and next upon the lips. Then with a low, moaning cry, she turned and fled from that gloomy place, nor did Saladin seek to stay her.

Only to himself, the Sultan wondered, how it came about, that if it was wolf whom Rosamond loved, she still kissed Godwin thus upon the lips. As he walked back to the death place, Godwin wondered also, first that Rosamond should have spoken

no single word, and secondly because she had kissed him thus, even in that hour. Why, or wherefore, he did not know, but there rose in his mind a memory of that wild ride down the mountain steeps at Beirut. and of lips which then had touched his cheek,

and of the odour of hair that then was blown about his breast. With a sigh he thrust the thought aside, blushing to think that such memories should come to him, who had done with earth and its delights, knelt down before the headsman, and turning to the bishop said, Bless me, father, and bid them strike. Then it was that he heard a well-known footstep,

and looked up to see Wolf staring at him. What do you hear, Godwin? asked Wolf. Has yonder fox snared both of us? And he nodded at Saladin. Let the fox speak, said the sultan with a smile. No, Sir Wolf, that your brother was about to die in your place and of his own wish. But I refuse such sacrifice. who yet have made use of it to teach my niece the princess,

that should she continue in her plottings to escape, or allow you to continue in them, certainly it will bring you to your deaths, and if need be her also. Knights, you are brave men whom I prefer to kill in war. Good horses stand without, take them as my gift, and ride with these foolish citizens of Jerusalem. them. We may meet again within its streets.

Nay, thank me not. I thank you, who have taught Salarredin, how perfect a thing can be the love of brothers. The brethren stood a while bewildered, for it is a strange thing thus to come back from death to life. Each of them had made sure that he must die within some few minutes and pass through the blackness which walls man in, to find he knew not what and now behold the road that led to that blackness turned again at its very edge and ran forward through the familiar

things of earth to some end unknown they were brave both of them and accustomed to face death daily as in such a place and time all men must be moreover they had been shriven and looked to see the gates of paradise

open on their newborn's sight yet since no man loves that journey it was very sweet to know it done with for a while and that they still might hope to dwell in this world for many years little wonder then that their brains swam and their eyes grew dim as they passed from the shadow to the light again it was wolf who spoke the first a noble deed godwin

yet one for which I should not have thanked you had it been accomplished and who then must have lived on by grace of your sacrifice. Sultan, we are grateful for your boon of life. Though had you shed this innocent blood, surely it would have stained your soul. May we bid farewell to our cousin Rosamond before we ride? Nay, answered Saladin, Sir Godwin has done that already. Let it serve for both.

Tomorrow she shall learn the truth of this story. now go and return no more. That must be as fate wills, answered Godwin, and they bowed and went. Outside that gloomy place of death, their swords were given them, and two good horses which they mounted. Hence guides led them to the embassy from Jerusalem that was already in the saddle, who were very glad to welcome two such knights to their company. then having bid farewell to the Bishop Egbert, who wept for joy at their escape, escorted for a while by Saladin's soldiers, they rode away from Ascolon at the fall of night.

Soon they had told each other all there was to tell. When he heard of the woe of Rosamond, Wolf well-nigh shed tears. We have our lives, he said. But how shall we save her? while Masuda stayed there with her there was some hope but now I can see none There is none except in God answered Godwin

Who can do all things Even free Rosamond and make her your wife Also if Musuda is at liberty We shall hear from her ere long So let us keep a good heart But though he spoke thus The soul of Godwin was oppressed with a fear which he could not understand.

It seemed as though some great terror came very close to him or to one who was near and dear. Deeper and deeper he sank into that pit of dread. Avi knew not what. Until at length he could have cried aloud and his brow was bathed with a sweat of anguish. Wolf saw his face in the moonlight and asked,

What ails you, Godwin? Have you some secret wound? Yes, brother, he answered. A wound in my spirit. Ill fortune threatens us. Great ill fortune. That is no new thing, said Wolf, in this land of blood and sorrows. Let us meet it as we have met the rest.

Alas, brother! exclaimed Godwin. I fear that Rosamond is in sore danger, Rosamond or another. Then, answered Wolf, turning pale, since we cannot, let us pray that some angel may deliver her. Ay, said Godwin, and as they rode through the desert sands beneath the silent stars, they prayed to the Blessed Mother and to their saints, St. Peter and St. Chad, prayed with all their strength. Yet the prayer availed not.

Sharper and sharper grew Godwin's agony, till as the swore. hours went by, his very soul reeled beneath a spiritual pain, and the death which he had escaped seemed a thing desirable. The dawn was breaking, and at its first sign the escort of Saladin's soldiers had turned and left them, saying that now they were safe in their own country. All night they had ridden fast and far. The plane was behind them, and their road ran among hills. Suddenly it turned, and in the flaming lights of the newborn day,

showed them a sight so beautiful that for a moment all that little company drew rain to gaze. For yonder before them, though far away as yet, throned upon her hills, stood the holy city of Jerusalem. There were her walls and towers, and there stained red as though with the blood of its worshippers, sawed the great cross upon the mosque of Omar. cross which was so soon to fall. Yes, yonder was the city for which throughout the ages men had died by tens and hundreds of thousands, and still must die until the doom was done. Saladin had offered to spare her citizens if they consented to surrender, but they would not. This embassy had told him that they had sworn to perish with the holy places, and now looking at it in its splendour, They knew that the hour was near and groaned loud.

Godwin groaned also, but not for Jerusalem. Oh, now the last terror was upon him. Blackness surged round him, and in the blackness soots and as sound as of a woman's voice murmuring his name. Clutching the pommel of his saddle, he swayed to and fro, till suddenly the anguish passed. The strange wind seemed to blow. about him and lift his hair. A deep, unearthly peace sank into his spirit. The world seemed far away, and heaven very near. It is over, he said to Wolf. I fear that Rosamond is dead. If so, we must make haste to follow her, answered Wolf with a sob. End of Chapter 20.

Chapter 21 of the Brethren by H. Rider Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy. What befell Godwin? At the village of Biterre, some seven miles from Jerusalem, the embassy dismounted to rest. Then again they pressed forward down the valley in the hope of reaching the Zion gate before the midday heat was upon them. at the end of this valley swelled the shoulder of a hill whence the eye could command its length and on the crest of that shoulder appeared suddenly a man and a woman seated on beautiful horses

the company halted fearing lest these might herald some attack and that the woman was a man disguised to deceive them while they waited thus irresolute the pair upon the hill turned their horses heads and, notwithstanding its steepness, began to gallop towards them very swiftly. Wolf looked at them curiously and said to Godwin, Now I am put in mind of a certain ride which once we took outside the walls of Beirut. Almost could I think that yonder Arab was he who sat behind my saddle,

and yonder woman she who rode with you, and that those two horses were flame and smoke reborn. note their will wind pace and strength and stride. Almost as he finished speaking, the strangers pulled up their steeds in front of the company, to whom the man bowed his salutations. Then Godwin saw his face and knew him at once as the old Arab called Son of the Sand,

who had given them the horses flame and smoke. So, said the Arab to the leader of the king, the embassy. I have come to ask a favour of yonder knights who travel with you, which I think that they who have ridden my horses will not refuse me. This woman, and he pointed to the closely veiled shape of his companion, is a relative of mine whom I desire to deliver to friends in Jerusalem, but dare not do so myself because the hill dwellers between here and there are hostile to my tribe. She is of the Christian faith and no spy, but cannot speak your language. Within the South Gate, she will be met by her relatives. I have spoken. Let the knight settle it, said the

commander, shrugging his shoulders impatiently and spurring his horse. Surely we will take her, said Godwin, though what we shall do with her if her friends are wanted. I do not know. Come lady, ride between us. She turned her head to the Arab as though in question, and he repeated the words, whereon she fell into the place that was shown to her between and a little behind the brethren.

Perhaps went on the Arab to Godwin. By now you have learnt more of our tongue than you knew when we met in past days at Beirut, and rode the mountain-site on the good horses' flame and smoke. Still if so, I pray you of your knightly courtesy, disturb not this woman with your words, nor ask her to unveil her face, since such is not the custom of her people. It is but an hour's journey to the city gate, during which you will be troubled with her. This is the payment that I ask of you for the two good horses, which, as I am told,

bore you none so ill upon the narrow way and across plain and mountain when you fled from sinan also on the evil day of ghatin when you unhorsed salarredin and slew it shall be as you wish said godwin and son of the sand we thank you for those horses good when you want more let it be known in the marketplaces that you seek me. And he began to turn his horse's head. Stay, said Godwin. What do you know of Miss Suda, your niece? Is she with you? Nay, answered the Arab in a low voice.

But she bade me be in a certain garden of which you have heard near Ascalon at an appointed hour to take her away as she is leaving the camp of Salachidin. so thither I go farewell Then with a reverence to the veiled lady

He shook his reins And departed like an arrow By the road along which they had come Godwin gave a sigh of relief If Masuda had appointed To meet her uncle the Arab At least she must be safe So it was no voice of hers

Which seemed to whisper his name In the darkness of the night When Terra had a hold of him terror borne perhaps of all that he had endured, and the shadow of death through which he had so lately passed. Then he looked up to find Wolf staring back at the woman behind him, and reproved him, saying that he must keep to the spirit of the bargain as well as to the letter, and that if he might not speak he must not look either. That is a pity, answered Wolf, for though she is so tied up,

she must be a tall and noble lady by the way she sits her horse the horse too is noble own cousin or brother to smoke i think perhaps she will sell it when we get to jerusalem then they rode on and because they thought their honour in it neither spoke nor looked more at the companion of this adventure though had they known it she looked hard enough at them at length they reached the gate of jerusalem which was crowded with folk awaiting the return of their ambassadors they all passed through and the embassy was escorted thence by the chief people most of the multitude following them to know if they brought peace or war. Now Godwin and Wolf stared at each other, wondering whether they were to go and where to find the relatives of their veiled companion, of whom they saw nothing. Out of the street opened an archway,

and beyond this archway was a garden which seemed to be deserted. They rode into it to take counsel, and their companion followed, but, as always, a little behind them. Jerusalem is reached, and we must speak to her now, said Wolf, if only to ask her whether she wishes to be taken. Godwin nodded, and they wheeled their horses around. Lady, he said in Arabic,

we have fulfilled our charge. Be pleased to tell us, where are those kindred of whom we must lead you? Here, on Citizen. soft voice. They stared about the deserted garden in which stones and sacks of earth had been stored, ready for a siege, and finding no one said, we do not see them. Then the lady let slip her cloak, though not her veil, revealing the robe beneath. By St. Peter, said Godwin, I know the embroidery on that dress. Masuda, say is it you, Masuda. Say, is it you, Masuda.

as he spoke the veil fell also and lo before them was a woman like to masuda and yet not masuda the hair was dressed like hers the ornaments and the necklace made of the claws of the lion which godwin killed were hers The skin was of the same rich hue. There even was the tiny mole upon her cheek. But as the head was bent, they could not see her eyes. Suddenly with a little moan she lifted it and looked at them. Rosamond, it is Rosamond herself, gasped Wolfe. Rosamond disguised as Masuda. And he fell rather than leaped from his saddle and ran to her murmuring,

God, I thank thee. Now she seemed to faint, and slid from her horse into his arms, and lay there a moment, while Godwin turned aside his head. Yes, said Rosamond, freeing herself. It is I and no other. Yet I rode with you all this way,

and neither of you knew me. Have we eyes that can pierce veils and will and garments? Asked Wolf indignantly. But Godwin said in his same, strange, strained voice. You are Rosamund disguised as Masuda. Who then was that woman, to whom I bade farewell before Saladin, while the headsman awaited me, a veiled woman who wore the robes and gems of Rosamond?

I know not Godwin, she answered, unless it were Missouda clad in my garments as I left her. Nor do I know anything of the story of the headsman who, awaited you. I thought, I thought it was for wolf that he waited. Oh heaven, I thought that. Tell us your tale, answered Godwin Horsley. It is short, she answered. After the casting of the lot, of which I shall dream till my death day, I fainted. When I found my senses again, I thought that I must be mad. For there before me stood a woman dressed in my garments, whose face seemed like my face yet not the same have no fear she said i am a suda who amongst many other things have learned how to play a part listen there is no time to lose i have been ordered to leave the camp even now my uncle the arab awaits without with two swift horses you princess will leave in my place look you wear my robes and my face almost

and are of my height, and the man who guides you will know no difference. I have seen to that, for although a soldier of Salahedin, he is of my tribe, I will go with you to the door, and there bid you farewell before the eunuchs and the guards, with weeping, and who will guess that Musuda is the princess of Baalbek, and that the princess of Baalbek is Musuda? And whither shall I go? I asked. my uncle, son of the sand, will give you over to the embassy which rides to Jerusalem, or failing that will take you to the city, or failing that, will hide you in the mountains

among his own people. See, here is a letter that he must read. I place it in your breast. And what of you, Masuda? I cried again. Of me, oh, it is all planned, a plan that cannot fail, she answered. said, fear not, I escape tonight. I have no time to tell you how, and will join you in a day or two. Also, I think that you will find Sir Godwin, who will bring you home to England.

But wolf, what of wolf? I asked again. He is doomed to die, and I will not leave him. The living and the dead can keep no company, she answered. moreover I have seen him and all this is done by his most urgent order if you love him he bids that you will obey I never saw Masuda I never spoke such words I knew nothing of this plot

exclaimed wolf and the brethren looked at each other with white faces speak on said Godwin afterwards we can debate moreover continued Rosamond bowing ahead Masuda added these words, I think that Sir Wolf will escape his doom.

If you would see him again obey his word, for unless you obey you can never hope to look upon him living. Go now before we are both discovered, which would mean your death and mine. Who if you go am safe? How knew she that I should escape? asked Wolf. She did not know it. She only said she knew to force Rosamond away, answered Godwin in the same strained voice,

And then? And then, oh, having Wolf's express commands, then I went, like one in a dream, I remember little of it. At the door we kissed and parted weeping, and while the guard bowed before her, she blessed me beneath her breath. A soldier stepped forward and said, Follow me, daughter of Sinan. and i followed him none taking any note for at that hour although perhaps you did not see it in your prisons a strange shadow passed across the sun of which all folk were afraid thinking that it portended evil either to saladon or ascalon in the gloom we came to a place where was an old arab among some trees and with him two led horses the soldiers spoke to the arab and i gave him a suitors letter which he read. Then he put me on one of the lead horses and the soldier mounted the other and we departed at a gallop. All that evening and last night we rode hard, but in the darkness

the soldier left us and I do not know whether he went. At length we came to that mountain shoulder and waited there, resting the horses and eating food which the Arab had with him, till we saw the embassy and among them two tall nights. See, said the old Arab, yonder come the brethren whom you seek, see and give thanks to Allah and to Masuda, who has not lied to you, and to whom I must now return. Oh, my heart wept as though it would burst, and I wept in my joy, wept and blessed God and Masuda. But the Arab, son of the sand, told me that for my life's sake I must be silent, and keep myself close veiled and dismayled and desult. disguised, even from you, until we reached Jerusalem, lest perhaps if they knew me, the embassy might refuse escort to the princess of Baalbeck and niece of Saladin, or even give me up to him.

Then I promised and asked, what of Masuda? He said that he rode back at speed to save her also, as had been arranged, and that was why he did not take me to Jerusalem himself. But how that was to be done he was not sure as yet. Only he was sure that she was hidden away safely and would find a way of escape when she wished it. And, and you know the rest, and here by the grace of God, we three are together again. Ay, said Godwin, but where is Masuda? And what will happen to her, who has dared to venture such a plot as this. Oh, know you

what this woman did, I was condemned to die in place of wolf. How does not matter? You will learn it afterwards. And the princess of Baalbeck was brought to say me farewell. There under the very eyes

of Saladin, Massouda played her part and mimicked you so well that the Sultan was deceived, and I, even I, was deceived. Yes, when for the first and last time I embraced her, I was deceived. Although it is true, I wondered. Also since then a great fear has been with me, although here again I was deceived, for I thought I feared for you. Now, hark you wolf, take Rosamond and lodge her with some

lady in the city, or better still, place her in sanctuary with the nuns of the Holy Cross, whence none will dare to drag her, and let her don their habit. The abbess may remember you, for we have met her, and at least she will not refuse Rosamond a refuge. Yes, yes. I mind me, she asked us news of folk in England. But you, where do you go, Godwin? said his brother.

I, I ride back to Ascalon to find Masuda. Why? Asked Wolf. Cannot Missuda save herself, as she told her uncle the Arab she would do? And has he not returned thither to take her away? I do not know, answered Godwin. But this I do know, that for the sake of Rosamond, and perhaps for my sake also,

Masuda has run a fearful risk. Bethink you, what will be the mood of Saladin, when at length he finds that she upon whom he had built such hopes has gone, leaving a waiting woman decked out in her attire. Oh, broken Rosamond, I feared it, but I awoke to find myself disguised, and she persuaded me that all was well, also that this was done by the will of wolf whom she thought would escape.

That is the worst of if, said Godwin. To carry out her plan she held it necessary to lie, as I think she lied when she said that she believed we should both escape, though it is true that so it came about. I will tell you why she lied. It was that she might give her life to set you free to join me in Jerusalem. now rosamund who knew the secret of masuda's heart looked at him strangely wondering within herself how it came about that thinking wolf dead or about to die she should sacrifice herself that she rosamond might be sent to the care of godwin surely it could not be for love of her although they loved each other well from love of godwin then how strange a way to show it yet now she began to understand

so true and high was this great love of musuitors that for godwin's sake she was ready to hide herself in death leaving him now that as she thought his rival was removed to live on with the lady whom he loved, eh, and at the price of her own life, giving that lady to his arms. Oh, how noble must she be who could thus plan and act, and whatever her past had been, how pure and high of soul! Surely if she lived, earth had no grander woman, and if she were dead, heaven had won a saint indeed. Rosamond looked at Godwin. And Godwin looked at Rosamond, and there was understanding in their eyes, for now both of them saw the truth in all its glory and all its horrors. I think that I should go back also, said Rosamond.

That shall not be, answered Wolf. Saladin would kill you for this flight, as he has sworn. That cannot be, added Godwin. shall the sacrifice of blood be offered in vain. Moreover, it is our duty to prevent you. Rosamond looked at him again and stammered, If that dreadful thing has happened, Godwin, if the sacrifice, oh, what will it serve?

Rosamond, I know not what has chanced. I go to sea. I care not what may chance. I go to meet it. Through life, through death. and if there be need, through all the fires of hell, I ride on till I find Masuda and kneel to her in homage. And in love, claimed Rosamond,

as though the words broke from her lips against her will. Mayhap, Godwin answered, speaking more to himself than to her. Then seeing the look upon his face, the set mouth and the flashing eyes, neither of them sought to stay him further. Farewell, my liege lady and cousin Rosamond, Godwin said.

My part is played. Now I leave you in the keeping of God in heaven and of Wolf on earth. Should we meet no more, my counsel is that you two wait here in Jerusalem and travel back to steeple, there to live in peace, if it may be so. Brother Wolf fare you well also

We part today For the first time Who from our birth have lived together And love together And done many a deed together Some of which we can look back upon Without shame Go on your course rejoicing

Take the love and gladness That heaven has given you And living a good and Christian night Mindful of the end which draws on a pace and of eternity beyond. O Godwin, speak not thus, said Wolf, for in truth it breaks my heart to hear such fateful words. Moreover, we do not part thus easily.

Our lady here will be safe enough among the nuns, more safe than I can keep her. Give me an hour, and I will set her there and join you. Both of us owe a debt to Masuda, and it is not right that it should be paid by you alone. Nay, answered Godwin, look upon Rosamond and think what is about to befall the city. Can you leave her at such a time? Then Wolf dropped his head, and trusting himself to speak no more words.

Godwin mounted his horse, and without so much as looking back, rode into the narrow street and out through the gateway, till presently he was lost in the distance and the desert. Wolf and Rosamond watched him go in silence, for they were choked with tears. Little did I look to part with my brother thus, said Wolf at length in a thick and angry voice. By God's wounds, I had more gladly died at his side in battle than leave him to meet his doom alone. And leave me to meet my doom alone, murmured Rosamond then added, Oh, I would that I were dead, who have lived to bring all this woe upon you both,

and upon that great heart, Masuda, I say, Wolf, I would, that I were dead. Likely enough, the wish will be fulfilled before all is done, answered Wolf wearily. Only then I pray that I may be dead with you. For now Rosamund Godwin has gone, forever as I fear. And you alone are left to me. come let us cease complaining since to dwell upon these griefs cannot help us and be thankful that for a while at least we are free follow me rosamond and we will ride to this nunnery to find you shelter if we may

so they rode on through the narrow streets that were crowded with scared people for now the news was spread that the embassy had rejected the terms of saladan he had offered to give the city food and to suffer its inhabitants to fortify the walls and to hold them till the following witsuntide if should no help reach them they would swear to surrender then but they had answered that while they had life they would never abandon the place where their god had died so now war was before them war to the end and who were they that must bear its brunt their leaders were slain or captive, their king was a prisoner, their soldiers' skeletons on the field of Gatin. Only the women and children, the sick the old, and the wounded remained, perhaps 80,000 souls in all, but few of whom could bear arms. Yet these few must defend Jerusalem against the might of the victorious Saracen. little wonder that they wailed in the streets till the cry of their despair went up to heaven for in their hearts all of them knew that the holy place was doomed and their lives were forfeited Pushing their path through this sad multitude, who took little note of them, at length they came to the nunnery on the sacred Via Dolorosa, which Wolf had seen when Godwin and he were in Jerusalem, after they had been dismissed by Saladin from Damascus.

Its door stood in the shadow of that arch, where the Roman pilot had uttered to all generations the words, behold the man Here the porter told him that the nuns were at prayer in their chapel Wolf replied that he must see the lady Abbas upon a matter which would not delay and they were shown into a cool and lofty room presently the door opened and through it came the abbess in her white robes

a tall and stately English woman of middle age who looked at them curiously. Lady Abbas, said Wolf, bowing low. My name is Wolf Darcy. Do you remember me? Yes, we met in Jerusalem before the Battle of Hatin, she answered. Also, I know something of your story in this land, a very strange one. This lady went on Wolf, is the daughter and Eretti. of Sir Andrew Darcy, my dead uncle, and in Syria the princess of Balbeck, and the niece of Saladin.

The abbess started and asked, Is she then of the accursed faith, as her garb would seem to show? Nay, mother, said Rosamond. I am a Christian, if a sinful one, and I come here to seek sanctuary, lest when they know who I am, and he clamours at their gates, my fellow Christians may surrender me to my uncle, the sultan. Tell me the story, said the abbess, and they told her briefly, while she listened, amazed.

When they had finished, she said, Alas, my daughter, how can we save you, whose own lives are at stake? that belongs to God alone. Still, what we can we will do gladly, and here at least you may rest for some short while. At the most holy altar of our chapel, you shall be given sanctuary, after which no Christian man dare lay a hand upon you, since to do so is a sacrilege that would cost him his, soul. Moreover, I counsel that you be enrolled upon our books as a novice, and don our garb. Nay, she added with a smile, noting the look of alarm on the face of wolf. The Lady Rosamond need not wear it always, unless such should be her wish. Not every novice proceeds to the final vows.

long have I been decked in gold-embroidered silks and priceless gems, answered Rosamond. And now I seem to desire that white robe of yours more than anything on earth. So they led Rosamond to the chapel, and in sight of all their order, and of priests who had been summoned, at the altar there upon that holy spot where they said that once Christ had answered, pilot, they placed her hand and gave her sanctuary, and threw over her tired head the white veil of a novice. There too, Wolf left her, and riding away reported himself to Balian of Ibelin, the elected commander of the city, who was glad enough to welcome so start a night where knights were few. Oh, weary, weary was that ride of Godwins beneath the sun, beneath the stars.

Behind him, the brother who had been his companion and closest friend, and the woman whom he had loved in vain, and in front he knew not what. What went he forth to seek? Another woman who had risked her life for them, all because she loved him. And if he found her, what then? He wed her, and did he wish this? Nay he desired no woman on the earth, yet what was right that he would do? And if he found her not, what then? Well, at least he would give himself up to Saladin,

who must think ill of them, by whom he had dealt well, and tell him that of this plot they had no knowledge. Indeed, to him he would go first, if it were but to beg forgiveness for Masuda, should she still be in his hands? Then, for he could not hope to be believed or pardoned a second time, then let death come, and he would welcome it, who greatly longed for peace. It was evening, and Godwin's tired horse stumbled slowly through the great camp of the Saracens without the walls of fallen Ascalon.

none hindered him for having been so long a prisoner he was known by many while others thought that he was but one of the surrendered christian knights so he came to the great house where saladin lodged and bade the guard take his name to the sultan saying that he craved audience of him presently he was admitted and found salladon seated in council among his ministers Sir Godwin, he said sternly, Seeing how you have dealt by me, What brings you back into my camp? I gave you brethren your lives, and you have robbed me of one whom I would not lose. We did not rob you, sire, answered Godwin.

We knew nothing of this plot. Nevertheless, as I was sure that you would think thus, I am come from Jerusalem, leaving the princess and my brother there, to tell the truth and to surrender myself to you, that I may bear in her place any punishment which you think fit to inflict upon the woman, Masuda. Why should you bear it? asked Saladin. Because Sultan, answered Godwin sadly, and with bent head, whatever she did, she did. she did for love of me, though without my knowledge.

Tell me, is she still here, or has she fled? She is still here, answered Saladin shortly. Would you wish to see her? Godwin breathed a sigh of relief. At least Masuda still lived, and the terror that had struck him in the night was but an evil dream, born of his own fears and sufferings. I do, he answered.

Once, if no more, I have words to say to her. Doubtless she will be glad to learn how her plot prospered, said Saladin with a grim smile. In truth it was well laid and boldly executed. Calling to one of his counsel, that same old imam, who had planned the casting of the lots, the sultan spoke with him aside. Then he said,

Let this night be led to the woman, Miss Suda. Tomorrow we will judge him. Taking a silver lamp from the wall, the imbeckoned to Godwin, who bowed to the sultan and followed. As he passed wearily through the throng in the audience room, it seemed to Godwin that the emirs and captains gathered there, looked at him with pity in their eyes.

So strong was this feeling in him, that he halted in his walk and asked tell me lord do i go to my death all of us go thither answered saladin in the silence but allah has not written that death is yours to-night they passed down long passages they came to a door which the imam who hobbled in front unlocked she is under ward then said godwin ay was the answer under ward enter and he handed him the lamp i remain without perchance she sleeps and i shall disturb her said godwin as he hesitated upon the threshold did you not say she loved you then doubtless even if she sleeps she who has dwelt at masyaf will not take your visit ill who have ridden so far to find her said the emmirem with a sneering laugh enter i say so godwin took the lamp and went in and the door was shut behind him surely the place was familiar to him he knew that arched roof and these rough stone walls why it was here that he had been brought to die and through that very door the false rosamond had come to bid him farewell who now returned to greet her in the same darksome day Well, it was empty.

Doubtless she would soon come, and he waited, looking at the door. It did not stir. He heard no footsteps. Nothing broke that utter silence. He turned again and stared about him. Something glinted on the ground yonder, towards the end of the vault, just where he had knelt before the executioner. A shape lay there. doubtless it was Masuda, imprisoned and asleep.

Masuda! he said, and the sounding echoes from the arched walls answered back. Masuda! He must awaken her. There is no choice. Yes, it was she asleep. And she still wore the royal robes of Rosamond, and a clasp of Rosamund still glittered on her breast.

How sound Masuda slept, would she never wake? He knelt down beside her and put out his hand to lift the long hair that hid her face. Now it touched her, and lo, the head fell over. Then with horror in his heart, Godwin held down the lamp and looked. Oh, those robes were red, and those lips were ashen.

It was Masuda, whose spirit had passed him in the desert. Masuda, slain by the heads of him, sword. This was the evil jest that had been played upon him, and thus, thus they met again. Godwin rose to his feet and stood over her still shape as a man stands in a dream, while words broke from his lips and a fountain in his heart was unsealed. Masuda, he whispered, I know now that I love you, and you only, forth and forever, a woman with a royal heart. Wait for me, Masuda, wherever you may dwell.

While the whispered words left his lips, it seemed to Godwin that once more, as when he rode with wolf from Ascalon, the strange wind blew about his brow, bringing with it the presence of Masuda, and that once more the unearthly peace sank into his soul. Then all was past and over, and he turned to see the old Imam standing at his side. Did I not tell you that you would find her sleeping? He said with his bitter, chuckling laugh. Call on her, sir knight, call on her. Love, they say, can bridge great gulfs, even that between severed neck and bosom. With a silver lamp in his hand, Godwin smote,

And the man went down like a felled ox, leaving him once more in silence and in darkness. For a moment Godwin stood thus, till his brain was filled with fire, and he too fell, fell across the corpse of Masuda, and lay there still. End of chapter 21.

Chapter 22 of the Brethren by H. Rider Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy At Jerusalem Godwin knew that he lay sick but save that Masuda seemed to tend him in his sickness he knew no more

for all the past had gone from him there she was always clad in a white robe and looking at him with eyes full of ineffable calm and love and he noted that round her neck ran a thin red line and wondered how it came there

He knew also that he travelled while he was ill, for at dawn he would hear the camp break up with a mighty noise and feel his litter lifted by slaves who bore him along for hours across the burning sand, till at length the evening came, and with a humming sound like the sound of hiving bees, the great army set its bivouac. Then came the night,

and the pale moon floating like a boat, the Asia sea above, and everywhere the bright eternal stars, to which went up the constant cry of Allah Hu Akbar, Allah who Akbar, God is the greatest, there is none but he. It is a false God, he would say. Tell them to cry upon the saviour of this world. Then the voice of Musuda would seem to answer, judge not. No God whom men worship with a pure and single heart is holy false. Many be the ladders that lead to heaven. Judge not, you Christian knight. At length that journey was done, and there rose new noises as of the roar of battle. Orders were given, and men marched

out in thousands. Then rose that roar, and they marched back again, mourning they're dead. At last came a day When opening his eyes Godwin turned to rest them on Masuda And lo she was gone And in her accustomed place There sat a man whom he knew well Egbert

Once bishop of Nazareth Who gave him to drink of Sherbet Cooled with snow Yes the woman had departed And the priest was there Where am I? He asked outside the walls of Jerusalem my son a prisoner in the camp of Saladin was the answer

and where is Masuda who has sat by me all these days in heaven as I trust came the gentle answer for she was a brave lady it is I who have sat by you nay, said Godwin obstinately, it was Masuda. If so, answered the bishop again, it was her spirit, for I shrove her and have prayed over her open grave, her spirit which came to visit you from heaven, and has gone back to heaven now that you are of the earth again.

Then Godwin remembered the truth, and groaning fell asleep. afterwards as he grew stronger Egbert told him all the story. He learned that when he was found lying senseless on the body of Masuda, the emirs wished Saladin to kill him, if for no other reason because he had dashed out the eye of the holy imam with a lamp. But the sultan, who had discovered the truth, would not. For he said that it was unworthy of the imam to have mocked his grief, and that Sir Godwin had dealt with him as he deserved.

Also that this Frank was one of the bravest of knights, who had returned to bear the punishment of a sin which he did not commit, and that although he was a Christian, he loved him as a friend. So the Imouam lost both his eye and his vengeance. Thus it had come about that the Bishop Egbert was ordered to nurse him, and if possible to save his life. And when at last they marched upon Jerusalem, soldiers were told off to bear his litter,

and a good tent was set apart to cover him. Now the siege of the Holy City had begun, and there was much slaughter on both sides. Will it fall? asked Godwin. I fear so, unless the saints help them, answered Egbert. Alas, I fear so. Will not Saladin be merciful? He asked again.

Why should he be merciful, my son? Since they have refused his terms and defied him. Nay he has sworn that as Godfrey took the place, nigh upon a hundred years ago and slaughtered the Muslim who dwelt there by thousands. Men, women and children together. so will he do it to the christians oh why should he spare them they must die they must die and wringing his hands egbert left the tent godwin lay still wondering what the answer to this riddle might be he could think of one and of one only in jerusalem was rosamund the sultan's niece whom he must desire to recapture above all things, not only because she was of his blood, but since he feared that if he did not do so,

his vision concerning her would come to nothing. Now what was this vision? That through Rosamond much slaughter should be spared. Well, if Jerusalem was saved, would not tens of thousands of Muslim and Christian lives be saved also? Oh, surely here was the answer, and some angel had put it into his heart, and now he prayed for strength to plant it in the heart of Saladin, for strength and opportunity. This very day Godwin found the opportunity. As he lay dozing in his tent that evening, being still too weak to rise, a shadow fell upon him, and opening his eyes, he saw the sultan him. himself, standing alone by his bedside. Now he strove to rise to salute him, but in a kind voice

Saladin bade him lie still, and seating himself began to talk. Sir Godwin, he said, I am come to ask your pardon. When I sent you to visit that dead woman who had suffered justly for her crime, I did an act unworthy of a king But my heart was bitter against her and you And the Imam Goum you smote Put into my mind the trick that cost him his eye

And almost cost a worn-out And sorrowful man his life I have spoken I thank you sire You were always noble Onsard Godwin You say so. Yet I have done things to you and yours that you can scarcely hold as noble, said Saladin.

I stole your cousin from her home, as her mother had been stolen from mine, paying back ill with ill, which is against the law. And in his own hall my servants slew her father and your uncle, who was once my friend. Well, these things I did because a fate drove me on, the fate of a dream. The fate of a dream. Say, Sir Godwin, is that story which they tell in the camp's true, that a vision came to you before the Battle of Gatine,

and that you warned the leaders of the Franks not to advance against me. yes it is true answered Godwin and he told the vision and of how he had sworn it on the rude and what did they say to you they laughed at me and hinted that i was a sorcerer or a traitor in your pay or both blind fools who would not hear the truth when it was sent to them by the pure mouth of a prophet muttered Saladin well they paid the price and I in my faith are the gainers do you wonder then sir Godwin that I also believe my vision which came to me thrice in the night season bringing with it the picture of the very face of my niece the princess of Balbeck I do not wonder answered Godwin do you wonder also that I was mad with rage when I learned that at last yonder brave dead woman had outwitted me and all my spies and gods and this after I had spared your lives. Do you wonder that I am still so wroth, believing as I do that a great occasion has been taken from me? I do not wonder, but Sultan, I who have seen a vision speak to you, who also have seen a vision, a prophet to a prophet.

And I tell you that the occasion has not been taken. It has been brought, yes, to your very door, and that all these things have happened that it might thus be brought. Say on, said Saladin, gazing at him earnestly. See now, Saladin. The Princess Rosam, is in Jerusalem. She has been led to Jerusalem

that you may spare it for her sake and thus make an end of bloodshed and save the lives of folk uncounted. Never, said the sultan springing up, they have rejected my mercy and I have sworn to sweep them away man, woman and child and be avenged upon all their unclean

and faithless race. Is Rosamond unclean that you would be avenged upon her? Will her dead body bring you peace? If Jerusalem is put to the sword, she must perish also. I will give orders that she is to be saved, that she may be judged for her crime by me, he added grimly. How can she be saved when the stormers are drunk with slaughter, and she but one disguised woman among ten thousand others. Then, he answered, stamping his foot, she shall be brought or dragged out of Jerusalem before the slaughter begins. That, I think, will not happen while Wolf is there to protect her, said Godwin quietly. Yet I say that it must be so.

It shall be so. Then without more words, Saladin left the tent with a troubled brow. Within Jerusalem all was misery, all was despair. They were crowded thousands and tens of thousands of fugitives, women and children, many of them, whose husbands and fathers had been slain at Gatine or elsewhere. The fighting men who were left had few commanders, and thus it came about that soon Wolf found himself the captain of very many of them. First, Saladin attacked from the west, between the gates of St. Stephen and of David,

but here stood strong fortresses called the castle of the Pisons and the Tower of Tancret, whence the defenders made sallies upon him, driving back his stormers. So he determined to change. change his ground, and moved his army to the east, camping it near the valley of Kedron. When they saw the tents been struck, the Christians thought that he was abandoning the siege and gave thanks to God in all their churches. But lo, next morning, the white array of these appeared again on the east, and they knew that their doom was sealed. There were in the city many who desired to surrender to the sultan, and fierce grew the debates between them and those who

swore that they would rather die. At length it was agreed that an embassy should be sent, so it came under safe conduct and was received by Saladin in presence of his emirs and councillors. He asked them what was their wish, and they replied that they had come to discuss terms. Then he answered thus, In Jerusalem is a certain lady, my niece, known among us as the princess of Baalbeck, and among the Christians as Rosamond Darcy, who escaped thither a while ago

in the company of the night, Sir Wilf Darcy, whom I have seen fighting bravely among your warriors. Let her be surrendered to me, that I may deal with her as she deserves, and we will talk again. Till then I have no more to say. Now most of the embassy knew nothing of this lady, but one or two said they thought that they had heard of her, but had no knowledge of where she was hidden.

Then return and search her out, said Saladin, and so dismissed them. Back came their envoys to the council, and told what saladin had said at least claimed heraclius the patriarch in this matter it is easy to satisfy the sultan let his niece be found and delivered to him where is she now one declared that was known by the knight sir wolf darcy with whom she had entered the city so he was sent for and came with armour rent and red sword in hand for he had just beaten back an attack upon the barbiccan and asked what was their pleasure. We desire to know, Sir Wolf, said the patriarch, where you have hidden away the lady known as the princess of Balbeck, whom you stole from the Sultan. What is that to your holiness? asked Wolf shortly.

a great deal, to me and to all, seeing that Saladin will not even treat with us until she is delivered to him. Does this council then propose to hand over a Christian lady to the Saracens against her will? asked Wolf Sturney. We must, answered Heraclius.

Moreover, she belongs to them. She does not belong, answered Wolf. She was kidnapped by Saladin in England, and ever since has striven to escape from him. Waste not our time, exclaimed the patriarch impatiently. We understand that you are this woman's lover, but however that may be, Saladin demands her, and to Saladin she must go. So tell us where she is without more ado, Sir Wolf. discover that for yourself, Sir Patriarch, replied Wolf in fury, or if you cannot, send one of your own woman in her place.

Now there was a murmur in the council, but of wonder at his boldness rather than of indignation, for this patriarch was a very evil liver. I care not if I speak the truth, went on Wolf, for it is known to all. Moreover, I tell this man that it is well for him that he is a priest, however shameful,

for otherwise I would cleave his head in two who has dared to call the Lady Rosamond my lover. Then still shaking with wrath, the great knight turned and stalked from the council chamber. A dangerous man, said Heraclius, who was white to the lips. a very dangerous man i propose that he should be imprisoned a answered the lord baalian of ibellan who was in supreme command of the city a very dangerous man to his foes as i can testify i saw him and his brother charged through the hosts of the saracens at the battle of gatine and i have seen him in the breach upon the wall

would that we had more such dangerous men just now. But he has insulted me, shouted the patriarch, me and my holy office. The truth shall be no insult, answered Balian with meaning. At least it is a private matter between you and him, on account of which we cannot spare one of our few captains. Now as regards this lady, I like not the business. As he spoke, a messenger entered the room and said that the hiding place of Rosamond had been discovered. She had been admitted a novice into the community of the virgins of the Holy Cross,

who had their house by the arch on the veer Dolorosa. Now I like it still less, Balian went on, for to touch her would be sacrilege. His holiness Heraclius will give us absolution. said a mocking voice. Then another leader rose. He was one of the party who desired peace, and pointed out that this was no time to stand on scruples, for the sultan would not listen to them in their sore plight

unless the lady would deliver to him to be judged for her offence. Perhaps being his own niece, she would in fact suffer no harm at his hands. And whether this was so or not, it was better that one should endure wrong, or even death, than many. With such words, he over-persuaded the most of them, so that in the end they rose and went to the convent of the Holy Cross, where the patriarch demanded admission from them,

which indeed could not be refused. The stately abbess received them in the refectory and asked their pleasure. Daughter, said the patron. You have in your keeping a lady named Rosamund Darcy, with whom we desired to speak. Where is she? The novice Rosamund, answered the abbess, praised by the holy altar in the chapel. Now one murmured, she has taken sanctuary. But the patriarch said, tell us, daughter, does she pray alone?

A knight guards her prayer. prayers was the answer. Ah, as I thought, he has been beforehand with us. Also, daughter, surely your discipline is somewhat lax, if you suffer knights thus to invade your chapel, but lead us thither. The dangers of the times and of the lady must answer for it. The abbess replied boldly as she obeyed. presently they were in the great dim place where the lamps burned day and night there by the altar built it was said upon the spot where the lord stood to receive judgment they saw a kneeling woman who clad in the robe of a novice grasped the stonework with her hands

without the rails also kneeling was the night wolf still as a statue on a sick polka hearing them he rose turned him about and drew his great sword sheath that sword commanded heraclius when i became a knight answered wolf i swore to defend the innocent from harm and the altars of god from sacrilege at the hands of wicked men therefore i sheath not my sword take no heed of him said one and heraclius stand standing back in the aisle, addressed Rosamond. Daughter, he cried, with bitter grief, we are come to ask of you a sacrifice, that you should give yourself for the people, as our master gave himself for the people. Saladin demands you as a fugitive of his blood,

and until you are delivered to him, he will not treat with us for the saving of the city. come forth then we pray you now rosamond rose and faced them with her hand resting upon the altar i risked my life and i believe another gave her life she said that i might escape from the power of the Muslims I will not come forth to return to them then our need being sore we must take you answered Heraclius sullenly what she cried you the patriarch of this sacred city would tear me from the sanctuary of its holiest altar oh then indeed shall the curse fall upon it and you hence they say our sweet lord was hailed to sacrifice by the command of an unjust judge and thereafter jerusalem was taken by the sword Must I too be dragged from the spot that his feet have hallowed, and even in these weeds? And she pointed to her white robe,

Throne as an offering to your foes, who mayhap will bid me choose between death and the Quran? If so, I say assuredly that offering will be made in vain, and assuredly your streets shall run red with the blood of those who tore me from my sanctuary. now they consulted together some taking one side and some the other but the most of them declared that she must be given up to saladon come of your own will i pray you said the patriarch since we would not take you by force by force only will you take me answered Rosamond then the abbess spoke sirs will you commit so great a crime then i tell you that it cannot go without its punishment with this lady i say and she drew up her tall shape that it shall be paid for in your blood and may happen the blood of all of us remember my words when the Saracens have won the city and are putting its children to the sword. I absolve you from the sin, shouted the patriarch, if sin it is. Absolve yourself, broken wolf sternly.

And know this, I am but one man, but I have some strength and skill. if you seek but to lay a hand upon the novice Rosamond to hail her away to be slain by Saladin as he has sworn that he would do should she dare to fly from him before i die there are those among you who have looked the last upon the light then standing there before the altar rails he lifted his great blade and settling the skull blasined shield upon his arm now the patriarch rave and stormed, and one among them cried that they would fetch bows and shoot wolf down from a distance. And thus, broke in Rosamond, add murder to sacrilege. O sirs, bethink what you do, eh, and remember this, that you do it all in vain. Saladin has promised you nothing, except that if you deliver me to him, he will talk with you, and then you may find that you have sinned for nothing.

Have pity on me and go your ways, leaving the issue in the hand of God. That is true, cried some. Saladin made no promises. Nabilian, the guardian of the city, who had followed them to the chapel, and standing in the background heard what passed there, stepped forward and said,

My lord patriarch, I pray. pray you let this thing be, since from such a crime no good could come to us or any. That altar is the holiest and most noted place of sanctuaries in all Jerusalem. Will you dare to tear a maiden from it, whose only sin is that she, a Christian, has escaped the Saracens by whom she was stolen? Do you dare to give her back to them and death? For such will be her doom at the hand of Saladin. surely that would be the act of cowards and bring upon us the fate of cowards Sir Wilf put up your sword and fear nothing

If there is any safety in Jerusalem Your lady is safe Abbas lead her to her cell Nay answered the abbess with fine sarcasm It is not fitting That we should leave this place before his holiness Then you have not long to wait, shouted the patriarch in fury.

Is this a time for scruples about altars? Is this a time to listen to the prayers of a girl, or to threats of a single night, or the doubts of a superstitious captain? Well, take your way and let your lives pay its cost. Yet I say that if Saladin asked for half the noble maidens in the city, it would be cheap to let him have them in payment for the blood of 80,000 folk. And he stalked towards the door.

So they went away, all except Wolf, who stayed to make sure that they were gone, and the abbess who came to Rosamond and embraced her, saying that for the while the danger was passed and she might rest quiet. Yes, mother, answered Rosamond. and with a sob. But, oh, have I done right? Should I not have surrendered myself to the wrath of Saladin? If the lives are so many hang upon it?

Perhaps, after all, he would forget his oath and spare my life. Though at best I should never be suffered to escape again while there is a castle in Balbeck or a god at Harem in Damascus. moreover it is hard to bid farewell to all one loves for ever and she glanced towards wolf who stood out of hearing yes answered the abbess it is hard as we nuns know well but daughter that sort choice has not yet been thrust upon you when saladin says that he sets you against the lives of all this city full, then you must judge. A, repeated Rosamond, then I must judge. The siege went on, from terror to terror it went on.

The manganals hurled their stones unceasingly. The arrows flew in clouds so that none could stand upon the walls. Thousands of the cavalry of Saladin hovered round since Stephan, gate, while the engines poured fire and bolts upon the doomed town, and the Saracen miners worked their way beneath the Barbican and the war. The soldiers within could not sally, because of the multitude of the watching horsemen. They could not show themselves, since he who did so was at once destroyed by a thousand darts, and they could not build up the breaches of the crumbling wall. As day was added to day, their despair grew even deeper.

The despair grew ever deeper. In every street might be met long processions of monks, bearing crosses and chanting penitential psalms and prayers. While in the house doors, women wailed to Christ for mercy, and held to their breasts the children, who must so soon be given to death, or torn from them, to deck some whistlemen harrow. The commander Balian called the knights together in council and showed them that Jerusalem was doomed.

Then, said one of the leaders, let us sally out and die fighting in the midst of foes. A, added Heraclius, and leave our children and our women to death and dishonour, then that surrender is better, since there is no hope of succour. They, answered Balian, we will not surrender, while God lives there is hope. He lived on the day of Khatin and suffered it, said Heraclius, and the council broke up, having decided nothing. That afternoon, Balian stood once more before Saladin and implored him to spare the city. Saladin led him to the door of the tent and pointed to his yellow banners floating here and there upon the wall

and to one that at this moment rose upon the breach itself Why should I spare what I have already conquered And what I have sworn to destroy? He asked When I offered you mercy You would have none of it Why do you ask it now Then Balian answered him in those words that will ring throughout history forever.

For this reason, Sultan, before God, if die we must, we will first slaughter our woman and our little children, leaving you neither male nor female to enslave. We will burn the city and its wealth. We will grind the holy rock to powder, and make of the mosque I'll ask. and the other sacred places, a heap of ruins. We will cut the throats of the 5,000 followers of the prophet who are in our power. And then, every man of us who can bear arms, we will sally out into the midst of you and fight on till we fall.

So I think Jerusalem shall cost you dear. The sultan stared at him and stroked his beard. 80,000 lives, he muttered. 80,000 lives, besides those of my soldiers whom you will slay, a great slaughter, and the holy city destroyed forever. Oh, it was of such a massacre as this that once I dreamed. Then Saladin sat still and thought a while, his head bowed upon his breast. End of chapter 22. Chapter 23 of the Brethren by H. Ryder Haggard. This Librevox recording is in the

public domain, read by Alroy. Saint Rosamond From the day when he saw Saladin, Godwin began to grow strong again, and as his health came back, so he fell to thinking. Rosamond was lost to him. and masuda was dead and at times he wished that he were dead also what more had he to do with his life which had been so full of sorrow struggle and bloodshed go back to england to live there upon his lands and wait until old age and death overtook him the prospect would have pleased many but it did not please godwin who felt that his days were not given to him for this purpose, and that while he lived he must also labour. As he sat thinking thus, and was very unhappy, the aged Bishop Egbert, who had nursed him so well, entered his tent, and noting his face, asked,

What ails you, my son? Would you wish to hear, said Godwin, am I not your confessor, with the right, to hear, answered the gentle old man. Show me your trouble. So Godwin began at the beginning and told it all. How as a lad he had secretly desired to enter the church, how the old prior of the Abbey at Stangate counselled him that he was too young to judge. How then the love of Rosamond had entered into his life with his manhood,

and he had thought no more of religion. He told him also of the dream that he had dreamed, when he lay wounded after the fight on Death Creek, of the vows which he and Wolf had vowed at the time of their nighting, and of how by degrees he had learned that Rosamond's love was not for him. Lastly, he told him of Masuda, but of her Egbert, who had shriven her knew already. The bishop listened in silence till he had finished.

Then he looked up saying, And now? Now, answered Godwin, I know not. Yet it seems to me that I hear the sound of my own feet walking upon cloister stones and of my own voice lifted up in prayer before the altar. You are still young to talk thus, and though Rosamund be lost to you and Masuda dead,

there are other women in the world, said Egbert. Godwin shook his head, not for me, my father. Then there are the nightly orders in which you might rise high. Again he shook his head. The Templars and the hospitlers are crushed. Moreover, I watched them in Jerusalem and the field, and love them not. Should they change their ways, or should I? I be needed to fight against the infidel. I can join them by dispensation in days to come.

But counsel me, what shall I do now? Oh my son, the old bishop said, his face lighting up. If God calls you, come to God, I will show you the road. Yes, I will come. Godwin answered quietly. I will come. And unless the the cross should once more call me to follow it in war, I will strive to spend the time that is left to me in his service and that of men. For I think, my father, that to this end I was born. Three days later, Godwin was ordained a priest, there in the camp of Saladin, by the hand of the Bishop Egbert, while around his tent the servants of Muhammad triumphant at the approaching

downfall of the cross, shouted that God is great and Muhammad his only prophet. Saladin lifted his head and looked at Balian. Tell me, he said, what of the princess of Balbeck, whom you know is the Lady Rosamond Darcy? I told you that I would speak no more with you of the safety of Jerusalem until she was delivered to me for judgment, yet I see her not. Sultan, answered Balian, we found this lady in the convent of the Holy Cross, wearing the robe of a novice of that order. She had taken the sanctuary there by the altar, which we deem so sacred and inviolable and refused to come. Saladin laughed. Cannot all you? Can not all you.

your men at arms, drag one maiden from an altar stone, unless, indeed, the great knight wolf stood before it with sword aloft, he added. So he stood, answered Balian, but it was not of him that we thought, though assuredly he would have slain some of us. To do this thing would have been an awful crime, which we were sure must bring down the vengeance of our God upon us and upon the city. What of the vengeance of Salachidin? So as is our case, Sultan. We still fear God more than Saladin.

A, Sir Balian, but Salaridin may be a sword in the hand of God. Which sword, sultan, would have fallen swiftly had we done this deed? I think that is about to fall, said Saladin, and again was silent and stroked his beard. Listen now, he said at length. Let the princess, my niece, come to me and ask it of my grace, and I think that I will grant you terms for which in your plight you may be thankful. Then we must dare the great sin and take her, answered Balian sadly, having first slain the night wolf, who will not let her go while he is alive.

Nay, Sir Balian, for that I should be sorry, nor will I suffer it, for though a Christian he is a man after my own heart. This time I said, let her come to me. not let her be brought. A, come of her own free will, to answer to me for her sin against me, understanding that I promise her nothing, who in the old days promised her much and kept my word. Then she was the princess of Baalbeck,

with all the rights belonging to that great rank, to whom I had sworn that no husband should be forced, upon her, nor any change of faith. Now I take back these oaths, and if she comes, she comes as an escaped cross-worshipping slave, to whom I offer only the choice of Islam or of a shameful death. What high-born lady would take such terms? asked Balian in dismay. rather, I think, would she choose to die by her own hand than by that of your hangman, since she can never abjure her faith? And thereby doom 80,000 of her fellow Christians, who must accompany her to that death? answered Saladin sternly.

No, Sir Balian, I swear it before Allah, and for the last time, that if my niece Rosamond does not come of her own free will, unforced by any, Jerusalem shall be put to sack. Then the fate of the holy city and all its inhabitants hangs upon the nobleness of a single woman? Stammered Balian. A, upon the nobleness of a single woman, as my vision told me it should be.

If her spirit is high enough, Jerusalem may yet be saved. If it is baser than I thought, as well may chance, then assuredly with her it is doomed. I have no more to say, but my envoys shall ride with you, bearing a letter, which with their own hands they must present to my niece, the princess of Balbeck. then she can return with them to me, or she can bide where she is, when I shall know that I saw but a lying vision of peace and mercy flowing from her hands,

and will press on this war to its bloody end. Within an hour, Baylion rode to the city under safe conduct, taking with them the envoys of Saladin and the letter, which they were charged to deliver to row. It was night, and in their lamplett chapel, the virgins of the Holy Cross upon bended knees, chanted the slow and solemn miserere. From their hearts they sang, to whom death and dishonour were so near, praying their Lord and the merciful Mother of God to have pity,

and to spare them and the inhabitants of the hallowed town where he had dwelt and suffered, and to lead them safe through the shadow of a fate as awful as his own. They knew that the end was near, that the walls were tottering to their fall, that the defenders were exhausted, and that soon the wild soldiers of Saladin would be surging through the narrow streets. Then would come the sack and the slaughter, either by the sword of the Saracens or perchance, if these found time and they were not forgotten, more mercifully at the hands of Christian men, who thus would save them from the worst.

Their dirge ended. The abbess rose and addressed them. Her bearing was still proud, but her voice quivered. My daughters in the Lord, she said. The doom is almost at our door, and we must brace our hearts to meet it. If the commanders of the city do what they have promised, they will send some here to behead us at the last,

and so we shall pass happily to glory and be ever with the Lord. But perchance they will forget us, who are but a few among 80,000 souls, of whom some fifty thousand must thus be killed. Or their arms may grow weary, or themselves they may fall before ever they reach this house. And what, my daughters, shall we do then? Now some of the nuns clung together and sobbed in their affright,

and some were silent. Only Rosamond drew herself to her full height and spoke proudly. My mother, she said, I am a newcomer among you, but I have seen the slaughter of Khatin, and I know what befalls Christian women and children among the unbelievers. Therefore I ask your leave to say my say. Speak, said the abbess. This is my counsel, went on Rosamond, and it is short. and plain. When we know that the Saracens are in the city, let us set fire to this convent,

and get us to our knees, and so perish. Well spoken, it is best, muttered several, but the abbess answered with a sad smile. High counsel indeed, such as might be looked for from high blood. Yet it may not be taken, since self-slaughter is a deadly sin. I see little difference between it, said Rosamond, and the stretching out of our necks to the swords of friends. Yet although for others I cannot judge,

for myself I do judge, who am bound by no final vows, I tell you that rather than fall into the hands of the Pianims. I will dare that sin and leave them nothing but the vile mound which once held the spirit of a woman. And she laid her hand upon the dagger hilt

that was hidden in her robe. Then again the abbess spoke. To you, daughter, I cannot forbid the deed, but to those who have fully sworn to obey me, I do forbid it, and to them I show another, if a more piteous way, of escape from the last shame of womanhood. Some of us are old and withered, and have naught to fear but death, but others are still young and fair. To these, I say, when the end is nigh, let them take still and score face and bosom,

and seat themselves here in this chapel, red with their own blood, and made loathsome to the sight of man. Then will the end come upon them quickly, and they will pass hence unstained to be the brides of heaven. Now a great groan of horror went up from those miserable women, who already saw themselves seated in stained robes, and hideous to behold, there in the carved chairs of their choir, awaiting death by the swords of furious and savage men, as in a day to come their sisters of the faith were to await it in the doomed convent of the virgins of St. Clair at Acker.

Yet one by one, except the aged among them, they came up to the abbess and swore that they would obey her in this, as in everything, while the abbess said that herself she would lead them down that dreadful road of pain and mutilation. Yes, save Rosamond, who declared that she would die undisfigured as God had made her, and two other novices, they swore it one by one, laying their hands upon the altar. Then again they got them to their knees and sang the miserere. presently above their mournful chant, the sound of loud, insistent knockings echoed down the vaulted roofs. They sprang up screaming. The Saracens are here.

Give us knives! Give us knives! Rosamond drew the dagger from its sheath. Wait a while, cried the Abbas. These may be friends, not foes. Sister Ursula, go to the door and seek tidings. The sister, an aged woman, obeyed with tottering steps and reaching the massive portal, undid the guichet or lattice, and asked with a quivering voice, Who are you that knock? While the nuns within held their breath and strained their ears to catch the answer.

Presently it came, in a woman's silvery tones that sounded strangely still and small in the spaces of their own. that tomblike church. I am the Queen Sibybilla with her ladies. And what would you with us, O Queen, the rite of sanctuary? Nay, I bring with me some envoys from Saladin, who would have speech with the lady named Rosamond Darcy, who is among you. Now at these words Rosamond fled to the altar, and stood there, still holding the name. a dagger in her hand. Let her not fear, went on the silvery voice, for no harm shall come to her against her will.

Admit us, holy abbess, we beseech you in the name of Christ. Then the abbess said, Let us receive the queen with such dignity as we may. Motioning to the nuns to take their appointed seats in the choir, she placed herself in the great chair at the head of them, whilst behind her at the raised altar stood Rosamond, the bare knife in her hand. The door was opened, and through it swept a strange procession.

First came the beauteous queen, wearing her insignia of royalty, but with a black veil upon her head. Next followed ladies of her court, twelve of them, trembling with fright, but splendidly apparelled, and after these three stern and turban saracens clad in mail, they jewelled cimitars at their sides. Then appeared a procession of women, most of them draped in mourning, and leading scared children by the hand, the wives, sisters and widows of nobles, knights and purchasers of Jerusalem.

last of all marched a hundred or more of captains and warriors, among them wolf, headed by Sir Balian and ended by the patriarch Heraclius, in his gorgeous robes, with his attendant priests and acolytes. On swept the queen, up the length of the long church, and as she came, the abbess and her nuns rose and bowed to her, while one offered her the chair of state that was set apart to be used by the bishop in his visitations but she would have none of it nay said the queen mock me with no honourable seat who come here as a humble suppliant and will make my prayer upon my knees so down she went upon the marble floor with all her ladies and the following woman, while the solemn Saracens looked at her wandering, and the knights and nobles massed themselves behind. What can we give you, O Queen? asked the abbess, who have nothing left save our treasure, to which you are most welcome,

our honour and our lives. Alas, answered the royal lady, alas, that I must say it. I come to ask the life of one of you. Of whom, O Queen? Sibyla lifted her head, and with her outstretched arm pointed to Rosamond, who stood above them all by the high altar. For a moment Rosamond turned pale,

then spoke in a steady voice. Say, what service can my poor life be to you, O Queen? and by whom is it sought? Thrice Sibylla strove to answer, and at last murmured, I cannot. Let the envoys give her the letter, if she is able to read their tongue.

I am able, answered Rosamond, and as Saracen-Emir drew forth a roll and laid it against his forehead, then gave it to the abbess, who brought it to Rosamond. with her dagger-blade she cut its silk opened it and read aloud always in the same quiet voice translating as she read in the name of allah the one the all-morsiful to my niece aforetime the princess of baalbec rosamond darcy by name now a fugitive hidden in a convent of the franks in the city Al-Quds Es Sharif, the holy city of Jerusalem.

Ness, all my promises to you I have performed, and more, since for your sake I spared the lives of your cousins, the twin knights, but you have repaid me with ingratitude and trickery, after the manner of those of your false and accursed faith, and have fled from me. i promised you also again and yet again that if you attempt this thing death should be your portion no longer therefore are you the princess of baalbeck but only an escaped christian slave and as such doomed to die whenever my sword reaches you of my vision concerning you which caused me to bring you to the east from england You know well.

Repeated in your heart before you answer. That vision told me that by your nobleness and sacrifice, you should save the lives of many. I demanded that you should be brought back to me, and the request was refused. Why it matters not. Now I understand the reason, that this was so ordained.

I demand no more that force should be used. to you. I demand that you shall come of your own free will to suffer the bitter and shameful reward of your sin. Or if you so desire, bide where you are of your own free will and be dealt with as God shall decree. This hangs upon your judgment. If you come and ask it of me, I will consider the question of the sparing of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. If you refuse to come, I will certainly put every one of them to the sword, save such of the women and children as may be kept for slaves. Decide their niece and quickly whether you will return with my envoys

or bide where they find you. Yusuf Salahetin Rosamund finished reading and the letter fluttered from her hand down to the marble floor then the queen said Lady we ask the sacrifice of you

in the name of these and all their fellows and she pointed to the woman and the children behind her and my life mused Rosamond aloud. It is all I have. When I have paid it away, I shall be beggared.

And her eyes wandered to where the tall shape of wolf stood by the pillar of the church. Perchance, Saladin will be merciful, hazarded the queen. Why should he be merciful? answered Rosamond, who has always warned me that if I escaped from, from him and was recaptured, certainly I must die. Nay, he will offer me Islam or death, which means death by the rope, or in some worse fashion. But if you stay here, you must die, pleaded the queen, or at best fall into the hands of the soldiers. Oh lady, your life is but one life, and with it you can buy those of 80,000 souls.

Is that so sure? asked Rosamund. The sultan has made no promise. He says only that if I pray it of him, he will consider the question of the sparing of Jerusalem. But went on the queen. He says also that if you do not come, he will surely put Jerusalem to the sword.

And to Sir Balian, he said, that if you gave yourself up, he thought he might grant terms which we should be glad to take. Therefore we dare to ask of you to give your life in payment for such a hope. Think, think what otherwise might be the lot of these. and again she pointed to the woman and children.

A, and your own sisterhood, and of all of us, whereas if you die it will be with much honour, and your name shall be worshipped as a saint and martyr in every church in Christendom. O refuse not our prayer, but show that you indeed are great in, enough to step forward to meet the death which comes to every one of us, and thereby earn the blessings of half the world, and make sure your place in heaven nigh to him who also died

for men. Plead with her, my sisters, plead with her. Then the woman and the children threw themselves down before her, and with tears and sobbing prayed her that she would give up her life for theirs. Rosamond looked at them and smiled, then said in a clear voice, What say you, my cousin and betrothed, Sir Wolf Darcy,

Come hither, and, as is fitting in this strait, give me your counsel. So the grey-eyed, war-worn wolf, strode up the aisle, and standing by the altar rails, saluted her. You have heard, said Rosamond, your counsel, would you have me die? Alas, he answered in a hoarse voice, it is hard to speak, yet they are many, you are but one. Now there was a murmur of applause, for it was known that this night loved his lady dearly,

and that but the other day he had stood there to defend her to the death against those who would give her up to Saladin. Now Rosamond laughed out, and the sweet sound of her laughter was strange in that solemn place and hour. Oh, wolf, she said. Wolf, who must ever speak the truth, even when it costs him dear, Well, I would not have it otherwise. Queen, and all you foolish people, I did but try your tempers. Could you then think me so base that I would spare to spend this poor life of mine and to forego such few joys as God might have in store for me on earth, when those of tens of thousands may hang upon the issue?

nay, nay, it is far otherwise. Then Rosamond sheathed the dagger that all this while she had held in her hand, and lifting the letter from the floor, touched her brow with it, in signal of obedience, saying in Arabic to the envoys, I am the slave of Salaridin, commander of the faithful. I am the small dust beneath his feet. Take notice, Emir's, that in presence of all here gathered of my own free will, I Rosamund Darcy, a four-time princess and sovereign lady of Baalbeck,

determined to accompany you to the Sultan's camp, there to make prayer for the sparing of the lives of the citizens of Jerusalem, and afterwards to suffer the punishment of death in payment of mine. flight, according to my royal uncle's high decree, one request I make only, if he be pleased to grant it, that my body be brought back to Jerusalem for burial before this altar, whereof my own act I lay down my life. Imirs, I am ready. Now the envoys bowed before her in grave admiration, and the air grew thick with blessings, As Rosamond stepped down from the altar, the queen threw her arms about her neck and kissed her,

while lords and knights, women and children, press their lips upon her hands, upon the hem of her white robe, and even on her feet, calling her, saint and deliverer, alas, she answered, waving them back. As yet, I am neither of these things, though the latter of them I hope to be, Come, let us be going. A, echoed wolf, stepping to her side. Let us be going. Rosamund started at the words, and all there stared. Listen, Queen, emirs, and people, he went on.

I am this lady's kinsman, and her betrothed knight, sworn to serve her to the end. If she be guilty of a crime against the sultan, I am more guilty, and on me also shall fall his vengeance. Let us be going. Wolf, wolf, she said. It shall not be. One life is asked, not both. Yet, lady, both shall be given that the measure of atonement may run over.

And Saladin move to Mosey, nay, forbid me not. I have lived for you, and for you I die. Yes, if they hold me by force still I die, if need be, on my own sword. When I counseled you just now, I counseled myself also. Surely you never dreamed that I would suffer you to go alone, when by sharing it I could make your doom easier. Oh, wolf, she cried, you will but make it harder. No, no, faced hand in hand, death loo.

loses half its terrors. Moreover, Saladin is my friend, and I also would plead with him for the people of Jerusalem. Then he whispered in her ear, sweet Rosamond, deny me not, lest you should drive me to madness

and self-murder, who would have no more of earth without you. Now her eyes full of tears and shining with love, Rosamond murmured back, You are too strong for me. Let it be full as God wills. Nor did the others attempt to stay him anymore. Going to the abbess, Rosamond would have knelt before her,

but it was the abbess who knelt and called her blessed and kissed her. The sisters also kissed her one by one in farewell. Then a priest was brought, not the patriarch, of whom she would have none, but another a holy man. To him apart at the altar, first Rosamond and then Wolf made confession of their sins, receiving absolution, and the sacrament in that form in which it was given to the dying.

While saved the emirs, all in the church knelt and prayed as for souls that pass. The solemn ritual was ended. They rose, and followed by two of the envoys, for already the third had departed under escort to the court of Saladin to give him warning. The queen, her ladies, and all the company, walked from the church, and threw the convent halls down into the narrow street of woe. Here Wolf, as her kinsman, took Rosamond by the hand,

leading her as a man leads his sister to her bridle. Without it was bright moonlight, moonlight clear as day, and by now tidings of the strange story had spread through all jerusalem so that its narrow streets were crowded with spectators who stood also upon every roof and at every window the lady rosamond they shouted the blessed rosamond who goes to a martyr's death to save us the pure st rosamond and her brave knight wolf and they tore flowers and green leaves from the gardens and through them in their path. Down the long winding streets, with bent heads and humble mean, companioned ever by the multitude, through which soldiers cleared the way, they walked thus, while women held up their children to touch the robe of Rosamond or to look upon her face.

At length the gate was reached, and while it was unbarred, they halted. then came forward Sir Balian of Ibelin, bareheaded and said, Lady, on behalf of the people of Jerusalem and of the whole of Christendom, I give you honour and thanks, and to you also Sir Wilf Darcy, the bravest and most faithful of all knights. The company of priests also, headed by a bishop, advanced chanting and swinging senses, and bless them solemnly in the name of the church and of Christ its master. Give us not praise and thanks, but prayers, answered Rosamond.

Prays that we may succeed in our mission, to which we gladly offer up our lives, and afterwards, when we are dead, prayers for the welfare of our sinful souls. But should we fail as it may chance, then remember of us only that we did our best. O good people, great sorrows have come upon this land, and the cross of Christ is veiled with shame.

Yet it shall shine forth once more, and to it through the ages shall all men bow the knee. O may you live, may no more death come among you. It is our last petition, and with it this, that when at length you die we may meet again in heaven now fare you well then they passed through the gate

and as the envoys declared that none might accompany them further walked forward followed by the sound of the weeping of the multitude towards the camp of Saladin too strange and lonesome figures in the moonlight

at last these lamentations could be heard no more and there on the outskirts of the Muslim lines, an escort met them and bearers with the litter. But into this Rosamond would not enter, so they walked onwards up the hill, till they came to the great square, in the centre of the camp upon the Mount of Olives,

beyond the grey trees of the Garden of Githsemini. There, awaiting them at the head of the square, sat Saladin in state, while all about rank upon rank in thousands and tens of thousands was gathered his vast army who watched them pass in silence. Thus they came into the presence of the sultan and knelt before him, Rosamond in her novices white robe and wolf in his battered male. End of Chapter 23 Chapter 24 of the Brethren by H. Shreder Haggard.

This Librevox recording is in the public domain, read by Alroy. The Dregs of the Cup. Saladin looked at them, but gave them no greeting. Then he spoke. Woman, you have had my message. You know that your rank is taken from you, and that with it my promises are at an end. you know also that you come hither to suffer the death of faithless woman is it so i know all these things great salarheden answered rosamund tell me then do you come of your own free will unforced by any and why does the knight sir wolf whose life are spared and do not seek kneel at your side

i come of my own free will salachidin as your emirs can tell you ask them for the rest my kinsman must answer for himself sultan said wolf i counseled the lady rosamond that she should come not that she needed such counsel and having given it i accompanied her by right of blood and of justice since her offence against you is mine also. Her fate is my fate. I have no quarrel against you whom I forgave. Therefore you must take your own way to follow the path she goes. Doubtless, answered Wolf, being a Christian among many sons of the prophet, it will not be hard to find a friendly scimitar to help me on that road. I ask of your goodness, that her fate may be my fate. What, said Saladin, you are ready to die with her,

although you are young and strong, and there are so many other women in the world. Wolf smiled and nodded his head. Good, who am I, that I should stand between a fool and his folly. I grant the boon, your fate shall be her fate, Wolf Darcy, you shall drink of the cup of my slave Rosamond to its last bitterest dregs.

I desire no less, said Wolf Cooley. Now Saladin looked at Rosamond and asked, Woman, why have you come here to brave my vengeance? Speak on if you have ought to ask. Then Rosamond rose from her knees. and standing before him said, I am come, O my mighty Lord, to plead for the people of Jerusalem

because it was told me that you would listen to no other voice than that of this your slave. See, many moons ago, you had a vision concerning me. Thrice you dreamed in the night that I the niece whom you had never seen by some act of mine

should be the means of saving much life. and a way of peace. Therefore you tore me from my home and brought my father to a bloody death as you are about to bring his daughter. And after much suffering and danger, I fell into your power and was treated with great honour.

Still I, who am a Christian, and who grew sick with the sight of the daily slaughter and outrage of my kin, strove to escape from you, although he had warned me that the price of this crime was death, and in the end, through the wit and sacrifice of another woman,

I did escape. Now I return to pay that price, and behold, your vision is fulfilled, or at the least, you can fulfill it, if God should touch your heart with grace, seeing that of my own will, I am come to pray you Salahedin to spare the city

and for its blood to accept mine as a token and an offering O my Lord as you are great be merciful what will it avail you in the day of your own judgment that you have added another

80,000 to the tally of your slain and with there many more thousands of your own folk since the warriors of Jerusalem will not die and avenged. Give them their lives and let them go free, and win thereby the gratitude of mankind and the forgiveness of God above. So Rosamond spoke, and stretching out her arms towards him, was silent.

These things I offered to them, and they were refused, answered Saladin. Why should I grant them now that they are conquered? My Lord strong to aid, said Rosamond, do you, who are so brave blame yonder knights and soldiers because they fought on against desperate odds? Would you not have called them cowards if they had yielded up the city where their saviour died and struck no blow to save it?

Oh, I am outworn. I can say no more But once again Most humbly and on my knees I beseech you Speak the word of mercy And let not your triumph Be dyed red with the blood

Of woman and of little children Then casting herself upon her face Rosamund clasped the hem of his royal robe with her hands And pressed it to her forehead So for a while She lay there in the shimmering moonlight, while utter silence fell upon all that vast multitude of armed men,

as they waited for the decree of fate to be uttered by the conqueror's lips. But Saladin sat still as a statue, gazing at the domes and towers of Jerusalem, outlined against the deep blue sky. Rise, he said at length. And no niece, that you have played, your part in a fashion worthy of my race, and that I, Salaridin, am proud of you. Know also that I will weigh your prayer, as I have weighed that of none other who breathes upon the earth. Now I must take counsel with my own heart, and tomorrow it shall be granted

or refused. To you who are doomed to die, and to the night who chooses to die, and to the night who chooses to die with you, according to the ancient law and custom, I offer the choice of Islam, and with it life and honour. We refuse, answered Rosamund and Wolf with one voice. The Sultan bowed his head as though he expected no other answer, and glanced round, as all thought to order the executioners to do their office. But he said only to a captain of Mama Luke's. Take them, take them under God and separate them till my word of death comes to you. Your life shall answer for their safety. Give them food and drink, and let no harm touch them until I bid you. The Mama Luke bowed and advanced with his company of soldiers.

As they prepared to go with them, Rosamond asked, tell me of your grace. What of Miss Suda, my friend? She died for you. Seek her beyond the grave, answered Saladin, whereat Rosamond hid her face with her hands and sighed. And what of Godwin, my brother? cried Wolf, but no answer was given him. Now Rosamond turned, stretching out her arms towards Wolf.

She fell upon his breast. There then, in the presence of her. of that countless army, they kissed their kiss of betrothal and farewell. They spoke no word, only ere she went, Rosamond lifted her hand and pointed upwards to the sky. Then a murmur rose from the multitude, and the sound of it seemed to shape itself into one word. Mercy! Still Saladin made no sign, and they were led away to their prisons. among the thousands who watched the strange and most thrilling scene were two men wrapped in long cloaks godwin and the bishop egbert thrice did godwin strive to approach the throne

but it seemed that the soldiers about him had their commands for they would not suffer him to stir or speak and when as rosamond passed he strove to break away to her they seized and held him yet as she went by he cried the blessing of heaven upon you pure saint of god on you and your true night catching the tones of that voice above the tumult rosamond stopped and looked around her, but saw no one, for the guard hemmed her in. So she went on, wondering if perchance it was Godwin's voice, which she had heard, or whether an angel or only some Frankish prisoner had spoken. Godwin stood, wringing his hands, while the bishop strove to comfort him, saying that he should not grieve, since such deaths as those of Rosamond and Wolf were more glorious and more to be desired than a hundred lives. A, A, answered Godwin, would that I could go with them. Their work is done, but not yours, said the bishop gently. Come to our tent and let us to our knees. God is more powerful than the sultan,

and mayhap he will yet find a way to save them. If they are still alive tomorrow at the dawn, we will seek audience of Saladin to plead with him. So they entered the tent and prayed there, as the inhabitants of Jerusalem prayed behind their shattered walls, that the heart of Saladin might be moved to spare them all. While they knelt thus, the curtain of the tent was drawn aside, and an emir stood before them.

Rise, he said, both of you, and follow me, the Sultan commands your presence. Egbert and Godwin went, wandering, and were led through the pavilion to the royal sleeping place, which guards closed behind them. On a silken couch reclined Saladin, the light from the lamp falling on his bronzed and thoughtful face. I have sent for you to Franks, he said, that you may bear a message from me to Sir Balian of Ibelan and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This is the message.

Let the holy city surrender tomorrow, and all its population acknowledge themselves. my prisoners. Then for 40 days I will hold them to ransom, during which time none shall be harmed. Every man who pays ten pieces of gold shall go free, and two women or ten children shall be counted as one man at a like price. Of the poor, seven thousand shall be set free also, on payment of 30,000 peasants, such who remain or have no money for their ransom, and there is still much gold in Jerusalem, shall become my slaves. These are my terms, which I grant at the dying prayer of my niece, the Lady Rosamond, and to her prayer alone. Deliver them to Sir Balian, and bid him wait on me at the dawn with his chief notables and answer whether he is willing to accept them on behalf of the people.

If not, the assault goes on until the city is a heap of ruins covering the bones of its children. We bless you for this mercy, said the Bishop Egbert, and we hasten to obey. But tell us Sultan, what shall we do? Return to the camp with Sir Babel. alien? If he accepts my terms, nay, for in Jerusalem you will be safe, and I give you your freedom without ransom. Sire, said Godwin, here I go, grant me leave to bid farewell to my brother and my cousin Rosamond. That for the third time you may plot the escape from my vengeance, said Saladin. nay, bide in Jerusalem and await my word,

you shall meet them at the last, no more. Sire, pleaded Godwin, of your mercy spare them, for they have played a noble part. It is hard that they should die who love each other, and are so young and fair and brave. A, answered Saladin, a noble part. Never have I seen one more noble. While it fits them the better for heaven,

if cross-worshippers enter there, Have done, their doom is written, and my purpose cannot be turned, nor shall you see them till the last, as I have said. But if it pleases you to write them a letter of farewell, and to send it back by the embassy, it shall be delivered to them.

now go for greater matters are afoot than this punishment of a pair of lovers a guard awaits you so they went and within an hour stood before subalian and gave him the message of saladon whereat he rose and blessed the name of rosamond while he called his counsellors from their sleep and bade his servants saddle horses godwin found pen and part watchment and wrote hurriedly. To Wolf, my brother and Rosamond, my cousin and his betrothed. I live, though well nigh I died by dead Masuda. Jesus rest her gallant and most beloved soul. Saladin will not suffer me to see you, though he has promised that I shall be with you at the last. So watch for me then. I still dare to hope that it may please God to change the Sultan's heart and spare you. If so, this is my prayer and desire,

that you two should wed as soon as may be and get home to England, where if I live, I hope to visit you in years to come. Till then, seek me not, who would be lonely a while. But if it should be fated otherwise, then when my sins are perched, I will seek you among the saints. You who by your noble deed have earned the sure grace of God. The embassy rides, I have no time for more, though there is much to say.

Farewell, Godwin. The terms of Saladin had been accepted, with rejoicing because their lives were spared, but with woe and lamentation because the holy city had fallen again into the hands of the Muslim. The people of Jerusalem made ready to leave the streets and seek new homes elsewhere. The great golden cross was torn from the mosque al-Axa, and on every tower and wall floated the yellow banners of Saladin. All who had money paid their ransoms, and those who had none begged and borrowed it as they could,

and if they could not, gave themselves over to despair and slavery. Only the patriarch, Heraclius, forgetting the misery of those wretched ones, carried off his own great wealth and the gold plate of the churches. Then Saladin showed his mercy, for he freed all the aged without charge, and from his own treasure paid the ransom of hundreds of ladies whose husbands and fathers had fallen in battle, or lay in prison in other cities. So for 40 days, headed by Queen Sibylla and her ladies,

that sad procession of the vanquished marched through the gates, and there were many of them, who as they passed the conqueror seated in the state, halted to make a prayer to him. for those who were left behind. A few also who remembered Rosamond, and that it was because of her sacrifice, that they continued to look upon the sun,

implored him that if they were not already dead, he would spare her and her brave knight. At length it was over, and Saladin took possession of the city. Having purged the great mosque, washing it with rose water, he worshipped in it after his own fashion and distributed the remnant of the people

who could pay no ransom as slaves among his emirs and followers. Thus did the crescent triumph over the cross in Jerusalem not in a sea of blood as 90 years before the cross had triumphed over the crescent within its walls but with what in those days

passed for gentleness, peace and mercy, for it was left to the Saracens to teach something of their own doctrines to the followers of Christ. During all those 40 days, Rosamond and Wolf lay in their separate prisons, awaiting their doom of death. The letter of Godwin was brought to Wolf, who read it, and rejoiced to learn that his brother lived. Then it was taken from,

from him to Rosamond, who although she rejoiced also, wept over it, and wondered a little what it might mean. Of one thing she was sure from its wording, that they had no hope of life. They knew that Jerusalem had fallen, for they heard the shouts of triumph of the Muslims, and far away, through their prison bars, could see the endless multitude of fugitives, passing the ancient gates laden with baggage and leading their children by the hand to seek refuge in the cities of the coast.

At this sight, although it was so sad, Rosamond was happy, knowing also that now she would not suffer in vain. At length the camp broke up, Saladin and many of the soldiers entering Jerusalem, but still the pair were left languishing in their children, dismal cells, which were fashioned from old tombs. One evening, while Rosamond was kneeling at prayer, before she sought her bed,

the door of the place was opened, and there appeared a glittering captain and a guard of soldiers, who saluted her and bade her follow him. Is it the end? She asked. Lady, he answered, it is the end. So she bowed her. her head meekly and followed. Without a litter was ready, in which they placed her and bore her through the bright moonlight into the city of Jerusalem and along the way of sorrow, till they halted at a great

door, which she knew again, for by it stood the ancient arch. They have brought me back to the convent of the Holy Cross, to kill me where I ask that I might be buried, she murmured to herself. as she descended from the litter. Then the doors were thrown open, and she entered the great courtyard of the convent, and saw that it was decorated as though for a festival, for about it and in the cloisters round hung many lamps. More these cloisters and the space in front of them

were crowded with Saracen lords, wearing their robes of state, while yonder sat Saladin and his court. they would make a brave show of my death, thought Rosamond again. Then a little cry broke from her lips, for there in front of the throne of Saladin, the moonlight and the lamp blaze shining on his armour, stood a tall Christian night. At that cry he turned his head, and she grew sure that it was wolf, wasted somewhat and grown pale, but still wolf.

So we are to die together, she whispered to herself, then walked forward with a proud step amidst the deep silence, and having bowed to Saladin, took the hand of wolf and held it. The sultan looked at them and said, However long it may be delayed, the day of fate must break at last. Say, Franks, are you prepared to drink the dregs of that cup, I promise? you. We are prepared, they answered with one voice. Do you grieve now that you lay down your lives to save those of all Jerusalem? He asked again. Nay, Rosamond answered, glancing at

Wolf's face. We rejoice exceedingly that God has been so good to us. I too rejoice, said Saladin. And I too thank Allah, who in bygone days sent me that vision, which has given me back the holy city of Jerusalem without bloodshed.

Now all is accomplished as it was fated. Lead them away. For a moment they clung together. Then Imirs took Wolf to the right and Rosamund to the left, and she went with her pale face and high head to

meet her executioner, wondering if she would see Godwin ere she died. They led her to a chamber where women waited, but no swordsman that she could see, and shut the door upon her. Perchance am I to be strangled by these women, thought Rosamond as they came towards her, so that the blood royal may not be shed. Yet it was not so, for with gentle hands but in silence they unrobed her. her and washed her with scented waters, and braided her hair, twisting it up with pearls and gems. Then they clad her in fine linen, and put over it gorgeous brooded garments, and a royal mantle

of purple, and her own jewels which she had worn in bygone days, and with them others still more splendid, and threw about her head a gauzy veil, worked with golden stars. It was just such such a a veil as Wolf's gift which she had worn on the night when Hassan dragged her from her home at steeple. She noted it and smiled at the sad omen. Then she said, ladies, why should I mock my doom with these bright garments? It is the Sultan's will, they answered. Nor shall you rest tonight less happily because of them. Now all was ready, and the door opened, and she stepped through it, a radiant thing, glittering in the lamplight. Then trumpets blew and a herald cried, Way, way there, way for the highest sovereign lady, and princess of Baalbeck.

Thus followed by the train of Honourable Woman who attended her, Rosamond glided forward to the courtyard, and once more bent the knee to Saladin, then stood still, lost in wonder. Again the trumpets blew, and on the right a herald cried, Way, way there, way for the brave and noble Frankish knight, so Wilf Darcy, low attended by emirs and notables, Wolf came forth, clad in splendid armour, inlaid with gold, wearing on his shoulder a mantle set with gems, and on his breast the gleaming star of the luck of her son. To Rosamond he strode and stood by her, his hands resting on the hilt of his long sword. Princess, said Saladin, I give you back your rank and titles, because you have shown a

noble heart. And you, Sir Wolf, I honour also as best I may, but to my decree I hold, let them go together to the drinking of the cup of their destiny as to a bridal bed. Again the trumpets blew, and the heralds called, and they led them to the doors of the chapel, which at their knocking were thrown wide. from within came the sound of women's voices singing, but it was no sad song they sang. The sisters of the order are still there, said Rosamond to Wolf, and would cheer us on our road to heaven. Perchance, he answered, I know not, I am amazed.

At the door the company of Muslims left them, but they crowded round the entrance as though to watch what passed. Now down the long aisle Walked a single white-robed figure It was the abbess What shall we do, mother? said Rosamond to her Follow me, both of you, she said

And they followed her through the nave to the altar rails And at a sign from her knelt down Now they saw that on either side of the altar stood a Christian priest. The priest to the right, it was Bishop Egbert, came forward and began to read over them the marriage service of their faith. They'd wed us ere we die, whispered Rosamond to Wolf. So be it, he answered. I am glad. And I also, beloved, she whispered back. The service went on, as in a number, a dream. The service went on, while the white-robed sisters sat in their carven chairs and watched. The rings that were handed to them had been interchanged. Wolf had taken Rosamond to wife.

Rosamond had taken Wolf to husband, till death did them part. Then the old bishop withdrew to the altar, and another hooded monk came forward, and uttered over them the benediction in a deep and sonorous voice, which stirred their hearts most strangely, as though some echo reached them from beyond the grave. He held his hands above them in blessing, and looked upwards so that his hood fell back, and the light of the altar lamp fell upon his face. It was the face of Godwin, and on his head was the tonsure of a monk. Once more they stood before Saladin, and now their train was swelled by the abbess and sisters of the Holy Cross.

Sir Wolf Darcy, said the sultan, And you, Rosamund, my niece, Princess of Balbeck, The dregs of your cup, sweet or bitter, or bitter sweet, are drunk. The doom which I decreed for you is accomplished. and according to your own rights you are man and wife, till Allah sends upon you that death which I withhold. Because you showed mercy upon those doomed to die, and with a means of mercy,

I also give you mercy, and with it my love and honour. Now abide here, if you will, in my freedom, and enjoy your rank and wealth, or go hence, if you will, and live out your lives across the sea. The blessing of Allah be upon you, and turn your soul's light.

This is the decree of Yusuf Salarhidin, commander of the faithful, conqueror and caliph of the east. Trembling, full of joy and wonder, they knelt before him and kissed his hand, then after a few swift words between them Rosamond spoke Sire that God whom you have invoked the God of Christian and of Muslim

the God of all the world though the world worship him in many ways and shapes bless and reward you for this royal deed yet listen to our petition it may be that many of our faith still lie unransomed in Jerusalem Jerusalem. Take my lads and gems, and let them be valued, and their price given to pay for the liberty of some poor slaves. It is our marriage offering. As for us, we will get us to our own country. So be it, answered Saladin. The lands I will take and devote the sum of them as you desire. Yes, to the last besen.

The jewels also shall be valued, but I give them back to you as my wedding dower. To these nuns further, I grant permission to bide here in Jerusalem, to nurse the Christian sick, unharmed and unmolested, if so they will, and this because they sheltered you. Ho, minstrels and heralds, lead this new wed pair to the place that has a been prepared for them. Still trembling and bewildered, they turned to go. When low, Godwin stood before them, smiling and kissed them both upon the cheek,

calling them beloved brother and sister. And you, Godwin, stammered Rosamond. I, Rosamond, have also found my bride, and she is named the Church of Christ. Do you then return to England, brother? asked Wolf. Nay, Godwin answered, in a fierce whisper and with flashing eyes. The cross is down, but not forever. That cross has Richard of England and many another servant beyond the seas, and they will come at the church's call.

Here, brother, before all is done, we may meet again in war. till then farewell so spoke godwin and then was gone end of the brethren by h rider haggard