"Yes, I will give that to your sister," replied the King.
"In her name we thank you, and we will release the women, the children, and the wounded."
"Be it so! What is done," he asked, after another pause, "in your country with the prisoners?"
"We keep them in custody for a certain time," replied de Morin, "to prevent them fighting against us. As soon as the war is over, we send them back to their own country."
"Where do you keep them?"
"In our towns. The officers can even walk about, as they are free on parole."
Nassar could not translate this last expression, and we were compelled to make use of a paraphrase to convey our meaning.
"And is that sufficient?" said Munza.
"The white man never lies," replied de Morin, imprudently.
"Ah!" exclaimed the King. "Then tell me if you think your sister will return to my kingdom and marry me?"