“Report has been made to me of that story,” said the voice; “but what sign do these Franks show? He who went before me gave a ring, and with it certain rights in this land, to the knight D’Arcy who befriended him in danger. Where is that sacred ring, with which he parted in his foolishness?” Masouda translated, and seeing the warning in her eyes and remembering her words, the brethren shook their heads, while Wulf answered: “Our uncle, the knight Sir Andrew, was cut down by the soldiers of Salah-ed-din, and as he died bade us seek you out. What time had he to tell us of any ring?” The head sank upon the breast. “I hoped,” said Sinan to Masouda, “that they had the ring, and it was for this reason, woman, that I allowed you to lead these knights hither, after you had reported of them and their quest to me from Beirut. It is not well that there should be two holy Signets in the world, and he who went before me, when he lay dying, charged me to recover his if that were possible. Let them go back to their own land and return to me with the ancient ring, and I will help them.” Masouda translated the last sentence only, and again the brethren shook their heads. This time it was Godwin who spoke. “Our land is far away, O lord, and where shall we find this long-lost ring? Let not our journey be in vain. O mighty One, give us justice against Salah-ed-din.” “All my years have I sought justice on Salah-ed-din,” answered Sinan, “and yet he prevails against me. Now I make you an offer. Go, Franks, and bring me his head, or at least put him to death as I shall show you how, and we will talk again.” When they heard this saying Wulf said to Godwin, in English: “I think that we had best go; I do not like this company.” But Godwin made no answer. As they stood silent thus, not knowing what to say, a man entered through the door, and, throwing himself on his hands and knees, crawled towards the cushion through the double line of councillors or _daïs_. “Your report?” said Sinan in Arabic. “Lord,” answered the man, “I acquaint you that your will has been done in the matter of the vessel.” Then he went on speaking in a low voice, so rapidly that the brethren could scarcely hear and much less understand him. Sinan listened, then said: “Let the _fedaï_ enter and make his own report, bringing with him his prisoners.” Now one of the _daïs_, he who sat nearest the canopy, rose and pointing towards the brethren, said. “Touching these Franks, what is your will?” The beady eyes, which seemed to search out their souls, fixed themselves upon them and for a long while Sinan considered. They trembled, knowing that he was passing some judgment concerning them in his heart, and that on his next words much might hang—even their lives. “Let them stay here,” he said at length. “I may have questions to ask them.”