Soon the horses clattered over a bridge and halted in a spacious courtyard. The bandages were removed, and the brothers found themselves in a narrow space inclosed by high walls. Nothing could be seen around them, but the beautiful clear blue sky seemed to say, “Despair not! God is watching over you.” They embraced each other and heart to heart wept tears of sorrow and joy—of sorrow over the death of their beloved father, of joy that they still had each other and loved each other so faithfully. Their joy was short-lived, however, for they were soon led into a solitary room and confined securely like ordinary prisoners.
They saw nothing of their enemy that day. A grinning slave silently brought their simple food, and after a time as silently carried away the dishes. It seemed to the brothers that he was a mute, he manifested so little interest in their conversation.
The prisoners naturally talked much about their unfortunate plight,—what the Emperor would think, and what great anxiety their absence would cause him. At one moment they hoped he would rescue them, but at the next they feared he might be so occupied with his great undertaking that he would find neither time nor opportunity to come to their help. Possibly he might even forget them in the wild tumult of war raging about him. How could he be expected to think of their lives when the lives of so many thousands depended upon his activity? If their father were only living, he would either attempt their rescue himself or induce the Emperor to undertake it. The sad thought brought tears to their eyes again.
After considering their situation from every point of view, they continued to repose their trust in God, who has so many agencies for the accomplishment of His purposes. This reconciled them to the thought of dying for the religion of Christ. Indeed, it seemed to them now as glorious to sacrifice their lives within prison walls as upon the battlefield. They shed tears less often; their lips no longer uttered laments.
Thus the time passed for several days, but at length the Sultan suddenly entered the room. They instantly realized that they were not regarded as ordinary prisoners. The Sultan inquired if there was anything they needed, but they made no complaints. He expected to see them at his feet, deploring their situation, but he heard no request for mitigation of their imprisonment, for better food, or for the enjoyment of fresh air. They were quiet and calm in his presence. Every trace of sorrow had disappeared from their faces, and confidence and courage shone in their eyes. The Sultan stood before them, astonished at their bearing. At last, with scornful look and menacing voice, he said:
“Your death will follow the slightest attempt you make to escape, or which your Emperor shall make to rescue you.”
“We shall make no attempt to escape, for it is impossible,” said Raymond, “but we cannot prevent the Emperor from doing what he thinks is right. If you kill us, we will die joyfully.”
“But that will not be necessary, if your protector, the Emperor, keeps his word as faithfully as they say he does.”
“He always keeps his word, whatever malicious tongues may say to the contrary.”
“Why, then, does he delay keeping it in your case?”