Sir Kenneth could now see, at the distance of a mile or more, a dark object moving rapidly on the bosom of the desert, which his experienced eye recognized for a party of cavalry, much superior to their own in numbers, and, from the thick and frequent flashes which flung back the level beams of the rising sun, it was plain that these were Europeans in their complete panoply.
The anxious looks which the horsemen of El Hakim now cast upon their leader seemed to indicate deep apprehension; while he, with gravity as undisturbed as when he called his followers to prayer, detached two of his best-mounted cavaliers, with instructions to approach as closely as prudence permitted to these travellers of the desert, and observe more minutely their numbers, their character, and, if possible, their purpose.

The approach of danger, or what was feared as such, was like a stimulating draught to one in apathy, and recalled Sir Kenneth to himself and his situation.
"What fear you from these Christian horsemen, for such they seem ?" he said to the Hakim.
"Fear!" said El Hakim, repeating the word disdainfully.

"The sage fears nothing but Heaven, but ever expects from wicked men the worst which they can do." "They are Christians," said Sir Kenneth, "and it is the time of truce--why should you fear a breach of faith ?" "They are the priestly soldiers of the Temple," answered El Hakim, "whose vow limits them to know neither truce nor faith with the worshippers of Islam.

May the Prophet blight them, both root, branch, and twig! Their peace is war, and their faith is falsehood.

Other invaders of Palestine have their times and moods of courtesy.