o the place
where the sutlers and workmen and women of the army were posted, urged
them to rouse themselves.

'Good people,' cried the squire, 'the brave Count of Poictiers is being
carried into captivity. For our Leader's sake, succour the Count of
Poictiers. To the rescue! to the rescue!'

Now the count was highly popular with the persons to whom this appeal
was addressed; and no sooner did they learn the prince's danger than
they displayed the utmost alacrity to aid him. Arming themselves with
axes, and clubs, and sticks, and anything that came in their way, they
rushed furiously forward, and, led on by the English squire, made so
successful an attack that the Saracens were dispersed, and the count was
rescued and carried back in triumph.

'Young gentleman,' said the count, gratefully, 'I owe you my liberty. I
pray you, tell me to whom I am so deeply indebted.'

'Noble count,' replied Guy, after telling his name, 'I am a squire of
England; and, for the present, I serve the Lord of Joinville.'

'Ah,' said the count, smiling, 'the seneschal must give you to me; for I
would fain have an opportunity of proving how I can requite such good
service.'

By this time Bibars Bendocdar perceived that he was wasting his strength
in vain, and sounded a retreat. But the Mameluke chief was not without
his consolation. He knew that he had ruined the enterprise of the
Crusaders; that they were no longer in a condition to attempt a march to
Cairo; and that they knew not on which side to turn.

But when the Saracens retreated towards Damietta, and the danger was
over for the time being, the Crusaders were inclined to talk of their
successful resistance as a victory; and the knights and barons when
summoned that evening to the king's pavilion, went thither with the airs
of conquerors.

'My lords and friends,' said Louis, kindly; 'we have much cause to be
grateful to God our Creator. On Tuesday, aided by Him, we dislodged our
enemies from their quarters, of which we gained possession. This day we
have defended ourselves against them, though taken at advantage; many of
us being left without arms or horses, while they were completely armed
and on horseback, and on their own ground. And since you have all
witnessed the grace which God our Creator has of late shown to us, and
continues to do daily, I commend you all, as you are bounden to do, to
return Him due thanksgiving.'

CHAPTER XXV.

MORTIFICATIONS AND MISERIES.