122 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

you not that passage in the Koran which says that _
they who make war unjustly shall perish ?’

‘Saracen,’ replied Guy, proudly, ‘an Anglo-Nor-
man gentleman does not regulate his conduct by the
Ixoran.’ Fag is

‘However,’ said Fakreddin, waving his hand, ¢ it
1s needful that you answer some questions as to the
army of Franks, and that you answer truly.’

‘Saracen,’ replied Guy, resolutely, ‘I will not
answer a question on the subject.’

‘Fool!’ exclaimed Bibars Bendocdar, impatiently ;
‘know you not your danger? Know you not that
Wwe can instantly order your head to be struck off ?’

‘ Doubtless,’ replied Guy. ‘ And, in that case, I die
the death of a martyr, and go straight to paradise.’

‘Infidel!’ cried Bibars, loudly; * you know not of
what you speak. You will have to account for your
faith to the angels Munkir and Nakir.’

‘Munkir and Nakir!’ exclaimed Guy, with an air
of perplexity; ‘ beshrew me if I ever before heard of

their names.’
© You will know them soon enough, if you act not
more discreetly,’ said Bibars; ‘for they are the two
angels who interrogate the dead the moment they
are in the grave, saying, “ Who is thy lord?” and,
‘Who is thy prophet ?”’

‘On my faith, Saracen,’ said Guy, compassionately,
‘I marvel much that a man of your years can credit
such pagan fables.’

‘Dog! exclaimed Bibars. ‘This to my beard!
Ho! there, guards! Strike off this Christian’s head,
and cast his carcase to the fishes!’