"He might have been taken by the Saracens," said Mocenigo.
"Think you they would have let pass the chance to boast of such a prisoner?" retorted Hugh. "Or the ransom he would have brought?"
"Lion-heart, himself, bade the Templars and Hospitallers make inquiries of the Emirs of his fate," added Sir Godwin. "King Richard loved Sir James, and would have given much to ransom him, had it been possible."
The Italian shrugged his shoulders again.
"Sirs, you baffle me," he said. "I can make no suggestions in face of what you say. In Outremer Sir James has become a memory, a stirring echo from the past, a shadowy figure in a tale men gather to hear. I have not thought of him as living this many a year."
"He lives," said Hugh stoutly. "And I shall find him—or make certain of his fate."
A startled look came into Mocenigo's face.
"You would seek him out?" he questioned.
"Yes," answered Hugh shortly.
"'Tis a far journey from England to Outremer."