250 THE BOY- CRUSADERS.

Bisset was at: first by no means satisfied with Oulagon’s
look, but the Tartar mavifested every disposition tu
treat the ambassadors as friends.

‘The wrath of the King of Kings,’ said he, ‘is like
the fire of a conflagration, which the slightest wind
may light up, but which nothing but blood can
quench. But between the King of Kings and the
King of France there is peace and amity and good-
will. Wherefore, friend, say what you desire of me,
and your will shall be granted.’

‘Simply,’ replied Bisset, ‘permission to depart
with my comrade and our train, and six Christian
captives who have thrown themselves on our pro-
tection.’

‘Be it.as you will, Frank,’ said Oulagon. ‘ But not
till you have had fitting gifts; for this is the store-
house of the treasure of the world, and I would fain
send gifts to the King of France; nor would I like his
ambassadors to depart empty-handed.’

The knight and the Templar bowed.

‘ But,’ said Oulagon with a cunning leer, ‘ ere de-
parting you must visit the caliph in my company, that
you may relate to the King of the Franks howthe King
of Kings punishes men who are the enemies of both.’

And without delay the Tartar led the ambassadors
to the prison where he had on the previous day shut
up Musteazem in an iron cage, and where he had
since kept his captive without food.

‘Caliph,’ asked Oulagon approaching, ‘dost thou
hunger ?’

‘Yes,’ answered Musteazem indignantly. ‘I do
hunger, and not without cause.’ ,