awful for them to speak to the
Lord of the Mountain, or his Companion, unless they were first
bidden so to do. So, having learnt what they wished to know, they
were silent.

Now some of the dais drew near the canopy, and consulted with
their master on what seemed to be a great matter, for their faces
were troubled. Presently he gave an order, whereon they resumed
their seats and messengers left the terrace. When they appeared
again, in their company were three noble-looking Saracens, who
were accompanied by a retinue of servants and wore green turbans,
showing that they were descendants of the Prophet. These men, who
seemed weary with long travel, marched up the terrace with a
proud mien, not looking at the dais or any one until they saw the
brethren standing side by side, at whom they stared a little.
Next they caught sight of Rosamund sitting in the shadow of the
canopy, and bowed to her, but of the Al-je-bal they took no
notice.

"Who are you, and what is your pleasure?" asked Sinan, after he
had eyed them awhile. "I am the ruler of this country. These are
my ministers," and he pointed to the dais, "and here is my
sceptre," and he touched the bloodred dagger broidered on his
robe of black.

Now that Sinan had declared himself the embassy bowed to him,
courteously enough. Then their spokesman answered him.

"That sceptre we know; it has been seen afar. Twice already we
have cut down its bearers even in the tent of our master. Lord
of Murder, we acknowledge the emblem of murder, and we bow to
you whose title is the Great Murderer. As for our mission, it is
this. We are the ambassadors of Salah-ed-din, Commander of the
Faithful, Sultan of the East; in these papers signed with his
signet are our credentials, if you would read them."

"So," answered Sinan, "I have heard of that chief. What is his
will with me?"

"This, Al-je-bal. A Frank in your pay, and a traitor, has
betrayed to you a certain lady, niece of Salah-ed-din, the
princess of Baalbec, whose father was a Frankish noble named
D'Arcy, and who herself is named Rose of the World. The Sultan,
Salah-ed-din, having been informed of this matter by his servant,
the prince Hassan, who escaped from your soldiers, demands that
this lady, his niece, be delivered to him forthwith, and with her
the head of the Frank Lozelle."

"The head of the Frank Lozelle he may have if he will after
to-morrow night. The lady I keep," snarled Sinan.

"What then?"

"Then, Al