Thus Beha ed-din explains Saladino surrender to his emirs. Next to the errors at Tyre it was the greatest mistake in his career. The shrunken army of the Franks, depressed by defeat, lay there at their mercy. Overcome, the menace of invasion from Europe was tremendously lessened. Tyre again became a comparatively easy prey. At another time the learned Cadi quotes the Prophet as saying: " Among my people there are some who can decide and speak, and Omar is one of them." Omar had spoken, but unfortunately he had not prevailed, nor was he strong enough then to overcome opposition. About this time a report came in that the German Emperor was on his way with a great force and the Sultan despatched messengers in every direction to induce the governors of all the provinces to send what reinforcements they could raise for the spring campaign. In the meantime he marched into Acre in state, intending to remain there himself through the winter, while he dismissed those troops not needed to hold the city. During the long inclement months he was not idle. Beha ed-din had been despatched to the Caliph of Bagdad to secure his aid and orders had been sent to his lieutenants in Egypt to build a fleet which could be brought to Acre when the weather permitted. At' the same time supplies of all kinds were rushed into the besieged city, the defenses were improved and engines of war constructed to counteract those of the enemy. When spring arrived, and it was again possible