[Illustration: THE CITY OF CHARLETON]
"What news, my brother?" asked one of them, as the parties came together.
"Great news!" replied Garth.
"Of the accursed Moslems?"
"No; of these," he replied, pointing to Reeves and his companions.
The guardians of the pass were for the most part bowmen, clad in quilted coats; while two wore hauberks, and were evidently men of authority. All of them bore the distinctive sign of the copper cross.
"We must away, Gaston," said Garth, after they had conversed aside for some moments. "Sir Jehan will be right glad to see these," and he indicated his newly-found companions.
On breasting the next hill the lads gave an exclamation of surprise, and involuntarily reined in their steeds to take in the scene that lay before them.
Less than a mile away was a large town, perched on a steep crag. It was the city they had seen in the mirage.