The news has created an immense excitement in the kingdom, and all are resolved to sacrifice any of their treasures which may be demanded in order to satisfy the ransom which the recreant emperor has placed upon the king.

Shame is it indeed that a Christian sovereign should hold another in captivity.

Still more, when that other was returning through his dominions as a crusader coming from the Holy Land, when his person should be safe, even to his deadliest enemy.

It has long been suspected that he was in the hands either of the emperor, or of the archduke, and throughout Europe the feeling of indignation has been strong; and I doubt not, now that the truth is known, this feeling will be stronger than ever." "But, now that it is known," Cuthbert said, "I suppose there will be no delay in ransoming the king." "There will be no delay in raising the ransom," Sir Baldwin said.

"But the kingdom is very impoverished by war, by the exactions of Prince John, and by those of Langley, who held it for King Richard.