“We will die willingly when the time comes. What we expected in battle we will not fly from in prison, if God so wills. The Emperor knows our feelings, and if he shall leave us to our fate, that will be because he is engaged in carrying out a higher purpose.” “Perhaps if you remind him of his pledge he will recall the services of your father and accede to my demands. Write to him, and a trusty messenger shall take your letter to him.” “Never! It would be disgraceful for us to do it. We would rather die a thousand times.” Seeing that his efforts were fruitless, the Sultan contemptuously left the apartment. The brothers now realized their importance in the eyes of the enemy, and were satisfied that their noble father would have approved what they had done. Chapter XI The Brothers’ Ordeal Evening had hardly fallen when the Sultan again suddenly appeared in the brothers’ room. He entered noiselessly and regarded the two with a malicious expression, as they stood arm in arm at the window gazing at the glorious sunset, which seemed to them a reflection of the infinite father-love of God and awakened filial devotion for Him in their hearts. Their fearlessness surprised the Sultan. He had hoped to find them downcast, and expected they would tremble before him and prostrate themselves at his feet. But nothing of this kind occurred. They merely glanced at the intruder, then turned their heads away and resumed their contemplation of the sunset, as if he were some insignificant person. “Look at the brilliant red which illuminates half the sky,” said Raymond, gently. “We see this every day and yet every day it gives us the same delight,” replied his brother. “How many times we have seen it with father and mother from the windows of our castle! And it was just as beautiful there as here.” “That is because it is the work of the almighty and all-gracious God, who has the same love for all His earthly children. He overlooks none of them. He cares alike for all, and although the needs of His creatures are so different, yet He knows what each one wants, and from His endless bounty He can satisfy all.” “And does He also think of us?” asked Conrad. “How canst thou ask such a question? Certainly He does, foolish boy! He is everywhere, and of course He is here. As He watches over all He of course sees our condition and will help us in His own good time.” “Why, Raymond, you do not actually believe I doubt what you say! I was only eager that this imprisonment might soon end, so that thy wounded arm might heal more quickly under the care of our Christian brethren.” “Your liberty is in your own hands,” interposed the Sultan. “Like two young fools, you have rejected my proposal. Now I will renew it—write to the Emperor.” “Not one word,” replied Raymond. “We have given you our answer, and we do not change our minds like smooth-tongued Greeks and Turks.”