Along this hard and desolate road, only a few days after their
determination had been reached, to start upon a crusade the
brother and sister plodded. Theresa carried her crucifix, and
Pedro his toy sword, while in a little wallet at his side were a
few bits of food taken from the home larder. This stock of food
had, of course, been taken without the knowledge of the mother,
who knew nothing of their crusade, and this, therefore, furnished
for Theresa another sin, for which she must do penance, and
another reason for the desired martyrdom.
They had really only proceeded a few miles into the mountains
beyond Avila, but already their sturdy little legs were tired,
and their stout little backs were sore. Pedro thought crusading
not such very great fun after all; be was always hungry and
thirsty, and Theresa would only let him take a bite once in a
while.
"Don't you suppose there is a Moorish castle somewhere around
here that we could capture, and so get plenty to eat?" he
inquired of his sister. "That is what the Cid was always finding.
Don't you remember how nicely he got into Alcacer and slew eleven
Infidel knights, and found ever so much gold and things to eat?
This is what he said, you know:
" 'On, on, my knights, and smite the foe!
And falter not, I pray;
For by the grace of God, I trow,
The town is ours this day!' "
"O Pedro, dear, why will you think so much of things to eat,"
groaned Theresa.
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