Without hesitation he passed through the tents and started across the open country.

Bands of horsemen were seen here and there, some going, and some coming from the direction of the Christian camp.

As it was doubtless supposed that he was on his way to join some band that had gone on in advance, the passage of the solitary horseman excited no comment until he approached within about two miles of the Christian camp.

There were now, so far as he could see, no enemies between him and the point he so longed to gain.

But at this minute a group of Arab horsemen, gathered, apparently on the look-out against any movement of the Christians, shouted to him "Halt!" demanding whither he was going.
Up to this point Cuthbert had ridden at a gentle canter; but at the challenge he put spurs into his steed and made across the plain at full speed.