ity speedily led to quarreling, and much of the rich garniture that decked the ruffians was torn into shreds. Blows with deadly weapons and spear thrusts followed, and the plundered victims could have witnessed a large measure of retaliation had they been present. At length a noise of horses approaching at the gallop became audible, and our horrified observers recognized the same Tartar troop returning from their reconnaissance. They bore some trophies of their visit. One carried a crusader’s sword and helmet, and another held across his horse before him a bag filled with plunder recently acquired. The party rode up to a horseman stationed on the road in front of the camp, and having seemingly made their report, all the horsemen in the place, Tartars without exception, rode off towards the March.
“If we can only avoid or baffle the vagabonds before us,” observed Solomon in a low tone, “and reach the road beyond, we may be able to advance another stage.”
“Your resources surpass mine,” returned Pietro. “These wretches are now in a dangerous mood, and no little skill will be necessary to elude them by the direct road, and I see no other.”
“A little wit is more than a match for a great deal of ruffianism,” replied Solomon, “and I think I have seen more dangerous customers baffled. We will try not only to pass along our journey, but to secure perhaps some mementoes to prove that fools and their ill-gotten wealth can be easily parted.
