Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-10-04
BY RIDER HAGGARD


and pointed upward to the sky.
Then murmur arose from the multi
tude, and the sound of it seemed to
shape itself into one word, "Mercyw
Still Saadn made no sign. and they
were led away to their prisons.
Among the thousands who watched
this strange and most thrilling scene
We're two men wrapped in long cloaks,
/ Goodwin and the bishop Egbert. Thrice
| did Goodwin strive to approach the
throne but II seemed that the soldiers
about him had their commands, for
they would not suffer him to stir or
| speak.
Goodwin stood wringing his hands
while the bishop strove to comfort
! him, saying that he should not grieve,
since such deaths as those of Rosa
mund and Wulf were most glorious
and more to he desired than hundred
lives.
AYE aye" answered Goodwin.
"Would that could 20 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 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 Goodwin went wonder
ing, and We're led through the pavilion
TO the royal sleeping place, which
guards closed behind them. On a silk
en- couch reclined Slladin, the light
from the lamp falling on his bronzed
and thoughtful face.
Il have sent for you two Franks"
he said. that you may bear a message
from me to Sir Balian of Ibelin and
the inha bitants of Jerusalem. This Is
the message: Let the holy city sur
render tomorrow and all its population
acknowledge themselves my prisoners.
Then for forty days l will hold them
to ransom, during which time none
shall be harmed. Every man who pays
ten pieces of gold shall 60 free. and
two women or ten children shall be
counted as one man at like price
OF the poor 1000 shall be set free also
on payment of 10000 bezants. Such
who remain or have no money for their
ransom-and there is still much gold in
| Jerusalem-shal become my slaves
These are my terms. which grant at
the dying prayer Of my niece. the Lady
Rosamund. 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 I'M
til the city is heap of ruins covering
the bones of it's children"
1--WE bless you for this mercy" said
the bishop Egbert, land we hasten to
obey. But tell us, sultan, what shall
we do-return to the camp with Sir
IDuIluU
''If he accepts my terms, nay, for in
Jerusalem you will be safe, and give
you your freedom without ransom"
Sire" said Goodwin, 'ere | go grant
me leave to bid farewell to my brother
and my cousin Rosamund."
That for the third time You may plot
their 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 Goodwin, "of your
mercy spare them, for they have play
ed noble part. 1t is hard that they
should die who love each other and are
so young and fair and brave"
aye" answered Saladin, "a noble
part. Never have seen one more
noble. Well, it fits them the better for
heaven. il cross worshpers enter there.
Have done; their doom is written. and
my purpose cannot be turned, nor shall
you see them till the last, as | 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 de-
| livered to them. Now go, for greater
matters are nfoot than this punishment
Of pair OF lovers. A guard awaits
you"
So they went and within an hour
stood before Sir Baliau and gave lin
ne message, whereat he rose and
blessed the name OF Rosamund. While
he called his counselors from theiy
sleep and babe his servants saddle
horses, Goodwin found pen and parch
ment and wrote hurriedly:
| To Wulf, my brother, and Rosamund
| my cousin and his betrothed:
| live, though we'll nigh ! died by dead
| Mssouda-Jesus rest her gallant aHd mos,
| beloved Doul! Saladn will not suffer me
| to see you, though lie has promised that
| ! shall be with you at the last. so watch
for me then. l still dare to hope that 1,
may please God to change the sultan's
| heart and spare you. IL so, this Is n,
| prayer and desire That you two shoul.
| wed as soon as may be and get home to
| England, where, II live. / hops to visi,
| you in years to come. TIL then seek H.;
not, who would be lonely awhile, but Il
| should be fated otherwise, then when n,
sins are pursed l win seek you among o.
saints you who by your noble deed hay,
| earned the sure Erace of God,
| The embassy rides ] haze no time IL
more. though there IL much to say. Fnre.
well. GOODWIN.