"How many have you?" asked Roland.
"Just a hundred men more than the three hundred Spartans. But we can do what they did, and that will not be so bad. However, to-morrow morning will be time enough to think of all that. Would you like to see the curiosities of the town, or would you like some supper?"
"Well," said Roland, "it is true that we are in Nazareth, and that interesting relics should not be scarce; but I will not conceal from you, general, that my stomach is just at present more impatient than my eyes. I breakfasted this morning near the Kishon off some hardtack and some dates; and I confess that I am both hungry and thirsty."
"If you will give me the pleasure of supping with me we will try to appease your appetite. As for your thirst, you will never find a better opportunity to quench it." Then, addressing a young girl, he said in Arabic: "Water! Thy brother is thirsty." And he pointed to Roland.
She drew near, tall and stern, her tunic with its long flowing sleeves leaving her arms bare. She tipped the jug which she was carrying on her right shoulder until it was on a level with her left hand. Then with a most graceful motion she offered the water to Roland.
Roland drank deeply, not because the girl was beautiful but because the water was fresh.
"Has my brother drank sufficiently?" asked the girl.
"Yes," replied Roland in the same language, "and thy brother thanks thee."
The young girl bowed, replaced her jug on her right shoulder, and continued on her way to the village.
"Do you know that you speak Arabic very fluently?" asked Junot, laughing.