he west should not open. The enemies of the Christians were as
powerful in Spain and North Africa, as in Egypt and the Holy Land. The
infidels had just been defeated in battle, and all Europe was talking
about the victory gained at Las Navas Tolva. The heart of Francis
mourned over these defeated ones. "Supposing they had been defeated,"
he argued, "their natures were still unchanged, their souls were still
unsaved." He began to question if their need was not his call. He
thought he heard them crying, "Pass over and help us!" He offered
himself to God for this work, and, taking with him his well-beloved
Bernardo di Quintavelle, set out for Spain. He had another rough
experience of the sea, but this time he reached his goal without any
mishap.

It was autumn when they landed in Spain, and without loss of time,
they set off for the interior. At the outset of the journey, a little
incident occurred which, though unpleasant at the time, God over-ruled
for good. They were passing a vineyard, and Bernardo, who was very
thirsty, plucked a bunch of grapes to refresh himself with. This was
quite an allowable action in Italy, but Spain appeared to have a
different code of morals, and one of the servants of the owner seized
Bernardo, called him a rogue and a thief, and insisted upon his paying
for what he had taken. Bernardo explained that he had no idea of
doing wrong, and that he did not possess the smallest piece of money.
The man snatched at his mantle, and said that would have to pay for
it. But Francis, without discussing the matter with the servant,
insisted upon seeing the owner of the vineyard. To him he explained
the state of affairs; the mantle was given back, Bernardo was
apologized to, and the good Spaniard did even more, he offered his
services to Francis, and threw open his house, which became a sort of
hostelry for the Order, and any brother was always welcome, night or
day, to the best that there was.

[Sidenote: _The Will of the Lord._]

Francis' intention was to go straight to the Mussulmans. He even
talked of reaching Morocco. But God led him to stay in Spain longer
than he had expected. People were converted everywhere, and branches
of the work were established. Who took charge of these new ventures we
are not told; doubtless friars from Italy were sent there.

Just as he began to see his way clear to go to the Mussulmans, he was
seized with a violent fever. For some time he lay between life and
death, an