y height, he spoke, with flashing eyes and ringing
voice, yes, and with an honest conviction of the truth of what he said,
spoke words of hope and cheer that allowed of no backsliding or
complaint, among his followers; and still the weary band kept up their
watch by the shore of that surging sea. The afternoon light deepened,
the sunset came, night spread its glamour over the scene, and yet the
waves rolled on, showing no sign of marvel or of miracle. Over-strained
and broken by discouragement, yet still hopeful, the army waited
through three long days and nights, and still the sea surged on
unchanged, undivided!

Stephen's followers knew the truth at last,--they had been deceived by
a false hope, led by a false leader. Crying out against him who had
brought them to such a plight, so far from home, they vanished one by
one, until of the army that had entered the city, only five thousand
remained.

Bewildered, discouraged, frightened, Stephen knew not where to turn for
help. Dropping on his knees he prayed earnestly for a voice to tell him
of his duty and of God's desire.

Then suddenly his disheartened band of followers saw an unexpected
sight. Stephen, the Prophet, marching alone through the streets of
Marseilles, waving the Oriflamme, singing a song of triumph, shouting
in clear and ringing tones, "God wills it--God wills it!"

They surrounded him, when at last he halted, and he spoke first in
denunciation of their unbelief, and then he told of two Marseillian
merchants who had come to him even as he was on his knees praying for
guidance, and offered him vessels to carry his army to Palestine.

These merchants said they asked no passage money of Christ's soldiers
for the trip, the only reward they wished was the consciousness of duty
done to pilgrims in a holy cause, the prayers of the children, and the
honour of having helped the young Crusaders.

Great was the rejoicing now, and great the shame at having for one
moment doubted God's help and the good faith of his servant, Stephen.

Pressing around him as he told his thrilling tale, his followers begged
forgiveness for their lack of faith, which Stephen graciously accorded
and became once again the beloved leader, the honoured prophet.

Such vessels as were needed for the expedition were speedily made
ready, and in Marseilles loud praises were heard on every side of the
generous men who were helping the young Crusaders to fulfil their
mission, then people be