CHAP. V.]

ST. JOHN ON JERUSALEM.

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seventy persons, whereas he was now alone. Hisfollowers had so melted away, that the Pasha ofCaramania and three domestics were all that re-mained with him when arrived on the Lycian sea-shore; where he entreated of them to leave him,and for mutual security, go each separate; and thatthey might possibly escape, or settle their matterswith the common foe, as he gave them full licenseto do. So he was now utterly alone, when suddenlyhe saw a squadron of Mamelukes emerging frombehind a rock within fifty paces of him, dart at fullgallop to seize him; for a price had been laid on hisskull, dead or alive. Instantly dropping from hissaddle, he leapt on chance into the sea towards apoor Christian fishing-boat, known as such by thecross on its prow, and which he had observed withsome suspicion until then ; but pirate or not, henow thought of nothing but to get aboard of it,which, after wading a little, he had only bare timeto effect; for the Mamelukes driving their horsesinto the water, were hot on their prey, close, touch-ing, when the boatmen lifted him clean over the-side; and then rowed back a yard or two. Thedisappointed ruffians, grumbling, returned to land.And he, without losing a moment, drew writingmaterials from his breast, and wrote a letter, whichhe shot to the Mamelukes by tying it to an arrow,

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