"I am," said Jack.
"Are you then of the creed of Islam?"
He stood up straight, and looked the Kadi in the face. "No," he answered.
"Will you become a convert to the creed of Islam?"
"No," he said again.
"Since we are inclined to mercy, we will give you a week to think the matter over. After that, if you refuse again, you must die."
"I had rather you would kill me at once," Jack said.
"It is not the will of Allah," the Kadi replied. "Guards, take the prisoner away."
He was led presently to another dungeon, where at least there was room to stretch his weary, aching limbs at full length on the ground; and where, from utter exhaustion, he almost immediately fell asleep.