The head of the village appeared to be a personage of some importance; and although clinging in secret to his Christian faith, he and his belongings had so far adopted the usages of the Mussulmen that apparently no thought of their Christianity entered into the minds of the authorities.

He was the owner of two or three horses, and of some extensive vineyards and olive grounds.

He was also able to speak French with some degree of fluency.
At considerable length he explained to Cuthbert the exact position of the Christian army, which had moved some distance along the coast since Cuthbert had left it.

It was, he said, exposed to constant attacks by the Saracens, who harassed it in every way, and permitted it no repose.

He said that the high hopes which had been raised by the defeat of the Saracens at Azotus, had now fallen, and that it was feared the Christians would not be able to force their way forward to Jerusalem.