specific duties.” Hereupon Lord Witek, without further order, summoned the garrison to their ranks, and assigned each his post. Those who could claim no residence retired north or west, taking with them many fugitives. Remained now Pietro, Eudocia and her companions; the ecclesiastics, and a number of refugees too much exhausted for travel. Seeing Pietro, Lord Zawis requested him to retire into the main hall, where he would converse with him apart.
To the ecclesiastical strangers Lord Zawis approached regarding them steadfastly, retaining a few of his own trusted followers about his person. The strangers had traveled well-mounted and seemed to be men well used to knightly duties. Their bearing appeared soldierly, and they recognized one leader who signified his commands by signs. Over a semi-military dress, including a cuirass, they bore a dark robe; and over this outer dress hung suspended an emblem of a new device. It consisted of a cross of equal arms, fleurie, quarterly sable and argent. “Friends,” exclaimed Lord Zawis, “and I think I may add, brothers in arms, the rules of hospitality and knighthood compel me to bid you welcome. But the times require me also to discover friend from foe. Who are you, and whence do you come? The badge you wear is new to me, and if mistake not, foreign also.” “We are of the Order of Jesus Christ,” replied the spokesman, “and we require all persons faithful to the church, and the foes of heresy,to marshal themselves with us, under such penalties as the church may
