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 guards, while Rosamund 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 Masouda grimly.
"Yes," answered Wulf, "but not alive.

Now what plan have you?
To ride for the coast towns ?" "No," replied Masouda; "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 miles away, and cross the Orontes there, then down into Baalbec, and so back to Beirut." "Emesa ?" said Godwin.

"Why Saladin holds that place, and of Baalbec the lady Rosamund is princess." "Which is best ?" asked Masouda shortly.