the Sicilian troops of King William was also starting from Scandalion, apparently to join with the former, and yet all this might be only a feint to draw the Moslems from their siege of Belfort. However, on August 26th all doubts were removed. A courier came in that night with tidings that the advance guard of the Franks was already within ten miles of Acre. Despatches were sent at once to all the governors, directing them to send troops and supplies immediately, and these were followed by peremptory orders to start the baggage that very night. The next morning the Sultan was off himself through the valley of the Jordan, while a detachment for purposes of surveillance was sent along the Tibnin road, with instructions to advise him at regular intervals of the movements of the enemy. The Sultan was now thoroughly alarmed and concerned entirely with getting reinforcements into the city before the Franks could establish an effective blockade. He succeeded in doing this, sending in detachments in rapid succession until the city was well equipped with men and supplies, and followed this up by going there himself to make the final dispositions. His plans were now well developed. The city was in as perfect a state of defense as it could well be and could be relied upon to beat off any surprise attacks. The Franks, although they were receiving accessions constantly, were not yet in overwhelming numbers. In fact, although the figures of each side contradict those of the other, it is probable that the Sultan's