The champion. (Arcadia, Fla.) 1895-1911, 1906-08-16

saladln entered II, saying:
Bring before me the king OF the
Franks and Prince Arnat, he who is
called Reginald Of Chatlllon,"
Then a thought struck him, and be
called to Goodwin and Wulf, saying:
"sir Knights, you know our tongue,
Give up your swords to the officer
they shall 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 gray haired
Reginald de Chatlllon, and with them
a few other great knights who, even in
the midst Of their misery, stared at
Goodwin and Wulf In wonderment. Sal.
adm read the look and explained lest
their presence should be mlsunder.
stood.
king and mobiles, bo not mistaken.
These knights are my prisoners, as you
are, and none have shown themselves
drawer today or done me and mine
more damage. Indeed, had It not been
for my guards, within the hour
should have fallen beneath the sword
OF Sir Goodwin. But as they know
Arabic, have asked them to render
my words into your tongue. Do you
accept them as lnterpreters2 II not,
others must be found"
When they had translated this, the
king said that he accepted them.
The sultan babe his captains be seat.
ed 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 II to King Guy. He drank
In great gulps then passed the bowl to
Reginald de Chatlllon 'whereon Saladln
cried out to Godwin
"Say to the king It is he and not
who gives this man to drink. There is
no bond Of salt between me and the
Prince Arnat."
Goodwin 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
Well, never expected less"
Then saladin spoke again.
prince Arnat, you stroYe to take the
holy city Of Mecca and to desecrate
the tomb Of the prophet, and then
swOre to kill you. Again. when in a
time Of peace a caravan came from
Egypt and passed by Esh-Shobek,
where you were, forgetting your oath,
you fell upon them and slew them.
Then for the second time swore to
kill you. Yet / give you one more
chance, VIII you subscribe the Koran
and embrace the faith Of Islam or will
you der
Now the lips Of Reginald turned pale,
and for moment he swaysd upon his
seat Then his courage came back TO
him, and he answered In a strong voice:
Sultan, l viii have none Of your
mercy at such price, nor do l bow the
knee to your dog Of false prophet"
Saladin sprang to bis feet, bis very
beard brlstliNg with wrath, and, draw
ing his saber, shouted aloud;
"You scorn Mohammedl Behold! l
avenge Mohammed upon you! Take
him awayr and he struck him with
the fat Of his scimiter
Then mamelukes leaped upon the
prince. Dragging him to the entrance
of the tent they forced him to bis knees
and there beheaded him.
In the hush that followed this ter
rible deed King Guy said to Goodwin;
TASK the sultan II It is my turn
next"
"Nay,p answered Saladln. "Kings do
not kill kings, but that truce breaker
has met with no more than his de-
serts."
Then came scene still more dread
full. saladln went to the door Of his
tent and. standing over the body OF
Reginald, babe them parade the cap
tive Templars and HospitalerS before
him.
"These also are faith breakers" he |
"and Of their unclean tribes
will rid the world. Ho, my emirs and
doctors Of the law"-and he turned to
the great crowd Of bis captains about
hlm-"take each of you one Of them
and kill himp
Now the emirs hung back. for,
though fanatics, they were brave and
loved not this slaughter Of defenseless
men, and even the mamelukes muir
INJURED aloud.
But saladln cried again:
"They are worthy Of death, and he
who disobeys my command shall him
self be slain"
Sultan" said Goodwin, I'VE cannot
witness such a crime. We ask that we
may die with them"