A dazed, incredulous look crossed the boy's face.
As the Englishman watched him it seemed that, blood-stained murderer as the Sultan was, at least this big, handsome son of his loved him.
Like one stunned, the youngster submitted to being led into the fort, where his arm was set and his wounds bound up.
When this was done he said to Barclay:
"I'll give you wealth in jewels that will amount to three hundred thousand francs in French money if you will let my father go free and take my life instead."
Barclay made no reply.
"You will murder my father?" the boy went on, dreading the worst from Barclay's silence.
The word made the Englishman wince. For it did seem like murder with this fierce, handsome boy pleading desperately for his father's life.
Again he said nothing.
To escape from the sight of the pain and anguish his silent verdict had aroused, Barclay went from the room, leaving the youngster in the charge of a couple of soldiers.