It was said that Richard proposed this plan, and that both Saladin and Saphadin evinced a willingness to accede to it, but that it was defeated by the influence of the priests on both sides. The imams among the Mussulmans, and the bishops and monks in Richard's army, were equally shocked at this plan of making a "compromise of principle," as they considered it, and forming a compact between evil and good. The men of each party devoutly believed that the cause which their side espoused was the cause of God, and that that of the other was the cause of Satan, and neither could tolerate for a moment any proposal for a union, or an alliance of any kind, between elements so utterly antagonistical. And it was in vain, as both commanders knew full well, to attempt to carry such an arrangement into effect against the conviction of the priests; for they had, on both sides, so great an influence over the masses of the people that, without their approval, or at least their acquiescence, nothing could be done. So the plan of an alliance and union between the Christians and the Mohammedans, with a view to a joint occupancy and guardianship of the holy places in Jerusalem was finally abandoned, and Joanna gave up the hope, or was released from the fear, as the case may have been, of having a Saracen for a husband. CHAPTER XVII. THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS. 1191 The conquest of Jerusalem by Godfrey of Bouillon.--History of the contest for the title of King of Jerusalem.--A delicate question.--The Crusaders' motives.--How Richard and Philip took sides in the quarrel.--The reason of the importance of the quarrel.--The French maintain Conrad's cause.--Richard's bargain with Guy.--Richard's reasons for acceding to Conrad's cause.--The coronation of Conrad.--His assassination.--The Hassassins.--The Old Man of the Mountains and his followers.--The reckless spirit of the Hassassins.--Seizure of the murderers.--The torture as a means of eliciting evidence.--Conflicting accounts.--Uncertainty respecting the motive of Conrad's murder.--False and spurious honor.--General opinion of Richard's conduct.--Suspicions of Philip.--The events consequent on Conrad's death.--Appearance of Count Henry.--He becomes king of Jerusalem.--The question at rest.--Dissatisfaction.--The king's proclamation.