et out their story and their request," said Al-je-bal, "that we
may judge of them."

"Dread lord," answered Masouda, "as I sent you word, they say
that they are the kin of a certain knight who in battle saved
the life of him who ruled before you, but is now an inhabitant of
Paradise."

"I have heard that there was such a knight," said the voice. "He
was named D'Arcy, and he bore the same cognizance on his
shield--the sign of a skull."

"Lord, these brethren are also named D'Arcy, and now they come
to ask your help against Salah-ed-din."

At that name the heap stirred as a snake stirs when it hears
danger, and the head erected itself a little beneath the great
turban.

"What help, and why?" asked the voice.

"Lord, Salah-ed-din has stolen a woman of their house who is his
niece, and these knights, her brothers, ask you to aid them to
recover her."

The beady eyes instantly became interested.

"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 h