Marquis Conrade, thy wit begins to halt; I will
trust thy finespun measures no longer, but will try my own.
Knowest thou not the people whom the Saracens call Charegites?"
"Surely," answered the Marquis; "they are desperate and besotted
enthusiasts, who devote their lives to the advancement of
religion---somewhat like Templars, only they are never known to
pause in the race of their calling."
"Jest not," answered the scowling monk. "Know that one of these
men has set down in his bloody vow the name of the Island Emperor
yonder, to be hewn down as the chief enemy of the Moslem faith."
"A most judicious paynim," said Conrade. "May Mohammed send him
his paradise for a reward!"
"He was taken in the camp by one of our squires, and in private
examination frankly avowed his fixed and determined purpose to
me," said the Grand Master.
"Now the heavens pardon them who prevented the purpose of this
most judicious Charegite!" answered Conrade.
"He is my prisoner," added the Templar, "and secluded from speech
with others, as thou mayest suppose; but prisons have been
broken--"
"Chains left unlocked, and captives have escaped," answered the
Marquis.
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