"The chapel stands uninjured," said Humbert.
"And the castle?"
"The blackened walls alone remain!"
"We shall be avenged!" cried the young knight, drawing a deep breath.
"How was the chapel preserved?"
"Numbers of women and children had fled there for protection, and our good Father Herman, standing in the doorway, told the miscreants they must pass over his body. He would have fallen a victim to his zeal, had not the Duke Godfrey de Bouillon interposed and driven back his soldiers with loud reproaches."
"Where is Herman now?"
"Among his poor flock, who have lost almost all—endeavoring to procure them food and shelter, and exhorting them to patience and submission to the will of God."
"How fared Stramen Castle?"
"Even worse than your own."
"And the church?" continued Gilbert.