The Sultan seems to have been amused and interested rather than angry.

“I have bishops and archbishops of my own,” he said, “they can tell me all that I wish to know.”

“Of this we are glad,” replied Francis, “send and fetch them, if you will.”

The Sultan agreed; he sent for eight of his Moslem great men.  When they came in he said to them:  “See these men, they have come to teach us a new faith.  Shall we listen to them?”

“Sire,” they answered him at once, “thou knowest the law:  thou art bound to uphold it and carry it out.  By Mahomet who gave us the law to slay infidels, we command thee that their heads be cut off.  We will not listen to a word that they say.  Off with their heads!”

The great men, having given their judgment, solemnly left the presence of the Sultan.  The Sultan turned to Francis and Illuminato.

“Masters,” he said to them, “they have commanded me by Mahomet to have your heads cut off.  But I will go against the law, for you have risked your lives to save my immortal soul.  Now leave me for the time.”

The two Christian missionaries were led away; but in a day or two Malek-Kamel called them to his presence again.

“If you will stay in my dominions,” he said, “I will give you land and other possessions.”

“Yes,” said Francis, “I will stay—­on one condition—­that you and your people turn to the worship of the true God.  See,” he went on, “let us put it to the test.  Your priests here,” and he pointed to some who were standing about, “they will not let me talk with them; will they do something.  Have a great fire lighted.  I will walk into the fire with them:  the result will shew you whose faith is the true one.”

As Francis suggested this idea the faces of the Moslem leaders were transfigured with horror.  They turned and quietly walked away.

“I do not think,” said the Sultan with a sarcastic smile at their retreating backs, “that any of my priests are ready to face the flames to defend their faith.”

“Well, I will go alone into the fire,” said Francis.  “If I am burned—­it is because of my sins—­if I am protected by God then you will own Him as your God.”

“No,” replied the Sultan, “I will not listen to the idea of such a trial of your life for my soul.”  But he was astonished beyond measure at the amazing faith of Francis.  So Francis withdrew from the presence of the Sultan, who at once sent after him rich and costly presents.

“You must take them back,” said Francis to the messengers; “I will not take them.”

“Take them to build your churches and support your priests,” said the Sultan through his messengers.

But Francis would not take any gift from the Sultan.  He left him and went back with Illuminato from the Saracen host to the camp of the Crusaders.  As he was leaving the Sultan secretly spoke with Francis and said:  “Will you pray for me that I may be guided by an inspiration from above that I may join myself to the religion that is most approved by God?”