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 Saladin.

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, foreseeing how his answer would be read, whereon Wulf spoke in his loud voice: "Ay, we acted as such for awhile, and--doubtless you have heard the story--saved Saladin's life when 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, saved his life! Now, Sir Knights, answer me one more question--" "Sir Templar, with my tongue or with my sword ?" broke in Wulf, 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.