t had mine
arms around the neck of my father-in-arms, Brother Hugo of the Vale.
Then, when he stayed me, and unclasped my hands, that were like to choke
him, so joyously they hugged, down went I on one knee and kissed the
hand of Abbot Michael, that stood by his side. He, courteously raising
me, said simply--

"Thou hast done well, good child. And glad are we that our woes are
over. But who is yonder gentleman?"

Then I led up Samson to him, and made them known, and a fair scene of
courtesy it was to see Samson in his chain-mail kneel and take the
abbot's hand so thin and delicate in his own rough palm.

"Ye come like angels from above, good gentlemen," said Michael; "for,
with all sparing and restraint, our cruse is now full low, our store
consumed, and, with diminished strength, there was small hope to rebut
the next attack."

"No angels, holy Father," answered Samson, smiling; "but stalwart
fellows in plenty, with a strong stroke and a high spirit. Normans, in
brief, that know well how to carry through a matter such as this. But
how oft have they attempted an attack?"

"Our general shall inform thee best," said the abbot, "this good
brother, whose clear head and strong courage have saved us not once nor
twice; and, indeed, most good it is that two such men as thou and he
should meet."

With that he led Brother Hugo to Samson, and the two brave warriors did
embrace with all due show of courtesy.

"Thrice, now, have they engaged to storm our wall," said Hugo, "and,
while strength remained, we feared not to throw back to their sore
damage such attacks. But three nights back we were in extremer case, for
the rogues entered by a cunning mine the citadel itself, and but for
swift action on our part they had got through in force, and overpowered
the garrison. But, by God's favour, we were aroused in time, and with a
great scuffle drave them back, and with small loss to ourselves slew a
score or more, and so at morn destroyed and blocked the mine; and even
this night we feared a like attack, had you not brought this great army
from my lord the duke to destroy for ever the Sarrasin's arrogance."

Then they took counsel of the resources of their arms; and, indeed, with
the islanders that were with us already, and that now came flocking,
being afeared to come before (as there are such in every cause), we
mustered an exceeding great host, and after the ravages the Sarrasin had
made, we had even now fear of famine till