But in that place there was no water.

The rearguard fell behind, worn out with constant attacks that must be repelled in the burning heat, so that there was a great gap between it and the king who marched in the centre.

Messages reached them to push on, but they could not, and at length camp was pitched in the desert near a place called Marescalcia, and upon this camp Raymond and his vanguard were forced back.

As Godwin and Wulf rode up, they saw him come in bringing his wounded with him, and heard him pray the king to push on and at all hazards to cut his way through to the lake, where they might drink--ay, and heard the king say that he could not, since the soldiers would march no more that day.

Then Raymond wrung his hands in despair and rode back to his men, crying aloud: "Alas! alas! Oh! Lord God, alas! We are dead, and Thy Kingdom is lost." That night none slept, for all were athirst, and who can sleep with a burning throat?
Now also Godwin and Wulf were no longer laughed at because of the water-skins they carried on their horses.