The Talisman

This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III The Hermit's Cavern The warriors arose from their place of rest and refreshment, and courteously aided each other while they carefully replaced and adjusted the harness from which they had relieved their trusty steeds. Ere they mounted to resume their journey, the Christian knight again moistened his lips and dipped his hands in the living fountain, and said to his pagan associate, " I would I knew the name of this delicious fountain, that I might hold it in grateful remembrance; for never did water slake more deliciously a more oppressive thirst than I have this day experienced." " It is called in the Arabic language," answered the Saracen, " by a name which signifies the Diamond of the Desert." " And well is it so named," replied the Christian. " My native valley hath a thousand springs, but not to one of them shall I attach hereafter such precious recollection as to this solitary fount, which bestows its liquid treasures where they are not only delightful, but nearly indispensable.'' They mounted, and pursued their journey across the sandy waste. The ardor of noon was now past, and a light breeze somewhat alleviated the terrors of the desert. They rode together for some time in silence, the Saracen performing the part of director and guide of the journey,which he did by observing minute marks and bearings of the distant rocks, a ridge of which they were gradually approaching. " You have asked the name," he said, " of a mute fountain, which hath the semblance, but not the reality, of a living thing. Let me be pardoned to ask the name of the companion with whom I have this day. encountered, both in danger and in repose, and which I cannot fancy unknown, even here among the deserts of Palestine? " " It is not yet worth publishing," said the Chri...