THE CANTERBURY PUZZLES
now make known is mystical and deep. Truly it was shown to me
in a dream that this crescent of the enemy may be exactly converted
into the cross of our own banner. Herein is a sign that bodes good
for our wars in the Holy Land."
Sir Hugh de Fortibus then explained that the crescent in one
banner might be cut into pieces that would exactly form the perfect
cross in the other. It is certainly rather curious ; and I show
how the conversion from crescent to cross may be made in ten
pieces, using every part of the crescent. The flag was alike on both
sides, so pieces may be turned over where required.
38.—
The Amulet.
A strange man was one day found loitering in the courtyard of
the castle, and the retainers, noticing that his speech had a foreign
accent, suspected him of being a spy. So the fellow was brought
before Sir Hugh, who could make nothing of him. He ordered
the varlet to be removed and examined, in order to discover whether
any secret letters were concealed about him. All they found was a
piece of parchment securely suspended from the neck, bearing this
mysterious inscription :—
38
