A priest, however, who accompanied the ship in the character of leech and confessor, explained the nature of the phenomenon to his astonished listeners, and told them that over on the mainland was a mountain which at times vomited forth such masses of stones and of liquid rock that it had swallowed up and covered many great cities.
There was also, he told them, another mountain of the same sort, even more vast, on the island of Sicily itself; but that this had seldom, as far back as man could remember, done any great harm.
Sailing on, in another day they arrived off the coast of Sicily itself, and sailing up the straits between it and the mainland they landed at Messina.

Here a considerable portion of the French army had already arrived, having been brought down from Genoa.
There was no news of the King of England; and, as often happens, the saying "The more haste the less speed," had been verified here.
It was some days later before King Richard arrived, having been driven from his course by tempests, well-nigh cast ashore, and having besides gone through many adventures.

Three weeks later the whole of the army of the Crusaders were gathered around Messina, where it was intended to remain some little time before starting.

It was a gay time; and the kings vied with each other in entertainments, joustings, and tournaments.

The Italian knights also made a brave show, and it might have been thought that this huge army of men were gathered there simply for amusement and feasting.