"Then is knighthood the loser thereby," answered the Marquis courteously, "for, save this young English lord, there is no knight in the host could match you for deserving honour and credit. However, Messer Matteo, an you may not receive knighthood, yet you shall have my favour and all service that I can render you, and certes, no man will esteem you less for that you are not knight." He turned to Hugh. "It is in my mind that you will become as good a knight as your father," he continued. "Rise, Sir Hugh." The light stroke of the sword inspired Hugh with new strength. He seemed to look along a corridor of blazing light, at the end of which stood the sweet-faced Lady of Heaven herself, extending her hands in a gesture of beneficence. St. Michael and the brave St. James stood beside her, holding sword and shield. The vision faded, but his dolour had vanished with it. He rose up, a whole man again, little the worse for the fighting. The knights thronged around him, questioning and congratulating; but Matteo was first to clutch his hand. "Ah, Hugh," said the jongleur earnestly. "God knows that I am glad of your great joy this day, and if ever knight won to honour, then have you." "But you, Matteo? What I did, you did--and more!" Matteo shook his head. "We are at odds on that point, comrade, and so shall ever be. But I quarrel not with you now. I ask a boon." "A boon to you! All that I have is yours!" The tears came in Matteo's eyes. "It is like you to say so! But all I would crave is that you take me for esquire of your body." "You my esquire?" Hugh laughed. "Comrade, it is I who should buckle your armour, not you mine. Nay, Matteo, in this I have my way. Comrades we remain. There is no such thing as knight and squire between us two." CHAPTER XVIII THE STORMING OF THE WALLS The capture of Galata permitted the Crusaders to break the chain which guarded the entrance to the Golden Horn, and the next morning the Venetian fleet sailed triumphantly into the sheltered waters of the port of the Imperial City. Constantinople was now definitely cut off from communication by sea, but as much could not be said for the land blockade established by the host. Boniface led his battalions around the head of the Golden Horn to the hill which rises above its waters opposite the imposing bulk of the Palace of Blachernae, that forward-jutting bastion at the junction of the land walls with the barriers protecting the Golden Horn frontage of the city.