Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-04-08
The Captive's Flight.
A TEMpLAR STORY.


and oppressive. Not breath of wind moved
along the sandy solitude. where no tree offered
welcome shade. The sterile and barren de'
sert spread around on every side-all desc
lale, all burning in the hot rays of the sun.
There were no. fountains, no trees, nothing to
be seen but the plain Of sand, save where in
the distance long line Of gloomy and rugged
rocks arose.
Through this frightful desert travelled a
Christian knight. All day he had gone on,
the sun sending down fiercest rays upon his
helmed head and gittering and polished ar
NOR. Faint and weary he went on, and as ne
neared the gloomy but grateful rocks thrill
of ioy passed through his bosom.
.Ha" he exclaimed, as towards evening
be entered the shadow Of lofty, precipitous
height. d"Here is grateful place to rest.
Here may dismount and refresh myself and
weary steed. But first let me find some spring
where my horse and may obtain draught
of water" -,
So sarinc, he went On more slowly than'be
fore. Il was well that he had reached this
place Of rest. His horse trembled with utter
ta,isue, and seemed scarce able to walk.
The knight himself felt exhausted. and his
iron frame was almost broken down by the
labor OF the day.
Atlength he found spring which gushcd
musically from one Of the rocks into pool
below. Here he dismoIuted, and rider and
horse both rushed eagerly TO the water. The
knight drank long ard heavily.
.sPraised be the Holy Firgin!" he ex
claimed brushing away the drops of water
which clung to his mustache, p" Praised and
forever blessed be ST.
.Ho! Christian ?" suddenly exclaimed
voice behind him in Arabic, surrender !"
The knight turned swiftly around, drawing
bis sword as he did so. ,,
Before him was Saraccn knight, dressed
in chain armor, mounted on light Arabic
steed.
"Surrender, Sir Christian
"Who art thou who darcst call on me tc
surrender 2"
aI-I am Hames, the Governor of Arc, the
we'll known in the camp of Saladin."
"Aud l Count ROLAND d = Courcy, despist
thee for au infidcl and base heathen!" cried
the Christian, lifting his sword; SO come
on, thou on horse and on foot. will figh
thee God judge the rigbt!"
Is Foolr' cried the Saracen. Dost thol
think that am alone as thou art 2 See!
He blew silver trumpet which hung b,
his side. At the sound number of follower
came riding one after another from the cleti
and def!es of the surrounding rocks.
"Wilt thou fight now? Yield, Christian !
De Courcy stood for q moment and looke'
around. As many as hundred men wer
there before him. How could he fight agains
such fearful odds!
aIam your prisoner but, Hamet, if tho'
burst, I will f ght you for my freedom"
The Saracen smiled sarcastcally.
"No, no, Sir Christian. wish not to ki
thee. Soldiers. give him another horse, &c
his is weary. Form around and let us 60"
His followers obeyed. With the captiy
kniehtin their midst they departed. III
"Where Art thou taking meg said D
Courcy 10 Hamet. X,
"Where 2" To Arc. That will thencefOrt
be thy hone." a-
blast not tbyself too greatly. may /
) freed from thy hand"
The palace of Harnet lay a little way o.
of town, upon gentle eminencc, facing tn
sea. :. It was magnificent edifce, built in x
luxurious Style uf the Saracen'. Among II
many places around it was fitting var
built for the purpose of enjoying that chtva
rOus sport which the Mosem lived as well
the Christian.
De Courcy was made slave. lie was
lowed the freedom of the house and ground
but it was impossible for him 10 escape-t
wherever he went he was watched. Yet h
situation was not so miserable: as might
conceived. Among the maidanS who dive
in IIamet's palace the most beautiful was 2
peerless daughter, Donnah. She it was VIII
On his arrival, pitied him, and saved him ifo
dungeon. She it was whose dark eye won
sometimes rest upon him with an expressi'
which made his youthful heart throb with
accustomed violence.
"Oh had but my freedom, and my ga
t liant men behind me, how eagerly T9u T
force my way even into the middle OF Ha'
cts hold to win the lovely Donpah!'