196 THE BOY CRUSADERS.

‘What do you say to be put in this engine of
punishment?’ asked the ambassador, pointing signifi-
cantly to the bernicles.

‘I have already told you,’ replied Louis, unmoved,
‘that I am the sultan’s prisoner, and that he can do
with me as he pleases.’

In fact, the courage of Louis was proof against any
danger to his own person; and he held all the
menaces of his captors so cheap, that they scarcely
knew how to deal with him. At length, the sultan
determined to propose terms more likely to be ac-
ceptable to the saint-king, and again sent ambas-
sadors to his prison, with the object of bringing
about a treaty.

‘ King,’ said the ambassador, ‘ the sultan has sent
to ask how much money you will give for your
ransom, besides restoring Damietta?’

‘In truth,’ replied Louis, ‘ I scarcely know what
answer to make; but, if the sultan will be contented
with a reasonable sum, I will write to the queen to
pay it for myself and my army.’

‘ But wherefore write to the queen, who is but a
woman?’ asked the ambassador somewhat surprised.

‘She is my lady and companion,’ answered Louis,
even at that moment mindful of the principles of
chivalry ; ‘and it is only reasonable that her consent —
should be obtained.’

‘ Well,’ said the ambassador, ‘if the queen will
pay a million golden bezants, the sultan will set you
free.’

‘ However,’ said Louis, with dignity, ‘I must tell
you that, as King of France, I cannot be redeemed