Indeed, to him he would go first, if it were but to beg forgiveness for Masouda should she still be in his hands.

Then--for he could not hope to be believed or pardoned a second time--then let death come, and he would welcome it, who greatly longed for peace.
It was evening, and Godwin's tired horse stumbled slowly through the great camp of the Saracens without the walls of fallen Ascalon.

None hindered him, for having been so long a prisoner he was known by many, while others thought that he was but one of the surrendered Christian knights.

So he came to the great house where Saladin lodged, and bade the guard take his name to the Sultan, saying that he craved audience of him.

Presently he was admitted, and found Saladin seated in council among his ministers.
"Sir Godwin," he said sternly, "seeing how you have dealt by me, what brings you back into my camp?
I gave you brethren your lives, and you have robbed me of one whom I would not lose." "We did not rob you, sire," answered Godwin, "who knew nothing of this plot.