But how did you chance to hear of them, O widowed hostess of a Syrian inn ?" "I?
Oh, from a man on the dromon who called here while I made ready your food, and told me a strange story that he had learned in England of a band sent by Salah-ed-din--may his name be accursed!--to capture a certain lady.

Of how the brethren named Godwin and Wulf fought all that band also--ay, and held them off--a very knightly deed he said it was--while the lady escaped; and of how afterwards they were taken in a snare, as those are apt to be who deal with the Sultan, and this time the lady was snatched away." "A wild tale truly," said Godwin.

"But did this man tell you further whether that lady has chanced to come to Palestine ?" She shook her head.
"Of that he told me nothing, and I have heard nothing.

Now listen, my guests.

You think it strange that I should know so much, but it is not strange, since here in Syria, knowledge is the business of some of us.