rive from some other
city. His proposition was received with shouts by his loyal cavaliers; not
one of whom but was ready to lay down his life in the service of his
commander.

For three long and anxious months did the good knight Pelistes and his
cavaliers defend their sacred asylum against the repeated assaults of the
infidels. The standard of the true faith was constantly displayed from the
loftiest tower, and a fire blazed there throughout the night, as signals
of distress to the surrounding country. The watchman from his turret kept
a wary look out over the land, hoping in every cloud of dust to descry the
glittering helms of Christian warriors. The country, however, was forlorn
and abandoned, or if perchance a human being was perceived, it was some
Arab horseman, careering the plain of the Guadalquiver as fearlessly as if
it were his native desert.

By degrees the provisions of the convent were consumed, and the cavaliers
had to slay their horses, one by one, for food. They suffered the wasting
miseries of famine without a murmur, and always met their commander with a
smile. Pelistes, however, read their sufferings in their wan and emaciated
countenances, and felt more for them than for himself. He was grieved at
heart that such loyalty and valor should only lead to slavery or death,
and resolved to make one desperate attempt for their deliverance.
Assembling them one day in the court of the convent, he disclosed to them
his purpose.

'Comrades and brothers in arms,' said he, 'it is needless to conceal
danger from brave men. Our case is desperate: our countrymen either know
not or heed not our situation, or have not the means to help us. There is
but one chance of escape; it is full of peril, and, as your leader, I
claim the right to brave it. To-morrow at break of day I will sally forth
and make for the city gates at the moment of their being opened; no one
will suspect a solitary horseman; I shall be taken for one of those
recreant Christians who have basely mingled with the enemy. If I succeed
in getting out of the city, I will hasten to Toledo for assistance. In all
events I shall be back in less than twenty days. Keep a vigilant look out
toward the nearest mountain. If you behold five lights blazing upon its
summit, be assured I am at hand with succor, and prepare yourselves to
sally forth upon the city as I attack the gates. Should I fail in
obtaining aid, I will return to die with you.'

When he had fin