He soon realized that the distance between himself and his pursuers was lessening. One of the latter must have noticed it also, for he had taken his bow and was holding an arrow in his right hand. Raymond felt a terrible apprehension that he might be killed almost at the goal he was striving to reach. The road now turned a little to the left and caution was still more necessary. An arrow grazed his face. Had his horse made its last step an instant sooner or an inch farther, he might have fallen and been trampled upon. He had hardly time to realize this, however, when a Turk with fiercely gleaming eyes rode out of the thickets. Swinging his scymitar he confronted Raymond, who met him with his sword. The horses came together at such furious speed that the Turk was thrown, and Raymond’s steed came down upon his knees. He was down for an instant only, for his rider helped him to his feet with a stout pull and he at once dashed on, while the Turk’s horse was panting and snorting, evidently as much enraged as his master, who sent curses after Raymond as he rode along exultantly. Suddenly a halberdier confronted him. His horse stopped so quickly that Raymond was nearly thrown. It was a foot-soldier of the Emperor’s army and at his call several others came up. How grateful that call in the dear mother tongue sounded! His only thought was, “Saved, saved.” He made himself known, pointed to his enemies, who shot their arrows and shouted curses at them, and then took themselves off. Raymond explained to the outposts the nature of his mission in a few words. Then he inquired the shortest way to the Emperor’s tent, and as he hurried on his way to it the warriors’ eyes beamed with joy and their lips uttered thanksgivings. Raymond’s message was received with general exultation. The warriors rushed up to him, caressed and kissed him, and could hardly find words to express their joy. Weariness and despondency vanished. The shout, “Forward, forward,” resounded everywhere. After hearing Raymond’s report, to the great delight of all, the Emperor issued the order to move. Tents were struck at once, and the advance, led by Raymond, plunged into the darkness of the forest, while the rest followed as eagerly as if on the way to some richly appointed banquet.