We spoke but in caution. Lead on, therefore, and if it be to the
death, be assured to the death we will follow thee."
By this time the common soldiers became impatient. "Forward!
forward!" shouted they. "Forward in the cause of faith." So the
grand master gave signal, the hermit again reared the cross aloft, and
they poured down a defile of the mountain, with solemn chants of
triumph.
That night they encamped at the river of Azores, and the next
morning, which was Sunday, crossed the borders. Their first pause
was at an atalaya or solitary tower, built upon a rock; a frontier
post to keep a watch upon the border, and give notice of invasion.
It was thence called el Torre del Exea (the Tower of the Spy). The
grand master halted before it and summoned its petty garrison to
surrender. He was answered by a shower of stones and arrows, which
wounded him in the hand and killed three of his men.
"How is this, father?" said he to the hermit, "you assured me that
not one of my followers would be slain!"
"True, my son; but I meant in the great battle of the infidel
king; what need is there of miracle to aid in the capture of a petty
tower?"
The grand master was satisfied. He ordered wood to be piled
against the door of the tower to burn it down. In the mean time
provisions were unloaded from the sumpter-mules, and the crusaders,
withdrawing beyond bow-shot, sat down on the grass to a repast to
strengthen them for the arduous day's work before them.
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