'I am King-elect of Jerusalem,' the Marquess replied with stiffness. The Old Man raised his wrinkled forehead.
'Well,' he said, 'let us get on. What is your common good cause?'
'Eh, eh,' said the Marquess, brightening, 'it is the cause of righteous punishment. I strike at your enemy the Soldan through his friend King Richard.' The Old Man pondered him.
'Do you strike, Marquess?' he asked at length.
'Sir,' the Marquess made haste to answer, 'your question is just. It so happens that I cannot strike King Richard because I cannot reach him. I admit it: I am quite frank. But you can strike him, I believe. In so doing, let me observe, you will deal a mortal blow at Saladin, who loves him, and makes treaties with him to your detriment and the scandal of Christendom.'
'Do you speak of the scandal of Christendom?' asked Sinan, twinkling.
'Alas, I must,' said the Marquess, very mournful.
'The cause is near to your heart, I see, Marquess.'
'It is in it,' replied the Marquess. The Old Man considered him afresh; then inquired where the Melek might be found.
The Marquess told him. 'We believe he is at Ascalon, separate from the Duke of Burgundy.'