He was then nearly eighty, and was dressedin a silken robe embroidered with pearls. He had brought with him in cartsand on mules his treasures in jewels and money; and he had trains of muleswhose only load consisted of ropes, to bind the arms of his captives, sosure was he of making every Arab his prisoner. Driving along the lines headdressed his troops boldly, and arriving at the centre quitted hischariot, put on a horned helmet, and mounted his white horse Orelio.This was before the invention of gunpowder, and all battles were hand tohand. On the first day the result was doubtful, and Tarik rode through theArab ranks, calling on them to fight for their religion and their safety.As the onset began, Tarik rode furiously at a Spanish chief whom he tookfor the king, and struck him down. For a moment it was believed to be theking whom he had killed, and from that moment new energy was given to theArabs. The line of the Spaniards wavered; and at this moment the wholewing of cavalry to which Luis belonged rode out from its place and passedon the flank of the army, avoiding both Spaniard and Arab. "What meansthis?" said Luis to the horseman by his side. "It means," was the answer,"that Bishop Oppas is betraying the king." At this moment Don Alonzo rodeup and cheered their march with explanations.
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