THE Saracen guard at Damascus (so the letter ran) was weak and negligently kept, and if Leo would despatch a band of resolute men he would capture the city with little trouble. The writer would aid in bringing about such a result. This forged letter was then forwarded to the caliph, with another from the emperor himself. Let the caliph look to his Christian subjects, when such were the proposals they were capable of making. On receipt of this, John was summoned at once to the presence of the Mahometan ruler, and the letter shown him. He admitted the similarity of the writing, but indignantly denied the authorship of it.

His denial, and his appeal for a respite in which to prove his innocence, were alike vain. The sentence was given that his offending right hand should be chopped off. This was done; and that same hand which was lately dipped in ink in defence of the truth, was now dipped in blood. When evening came, the pain of the wound being intolerable, John ventured to petition the caliph for the restitution of the amputated member, that it might receive burial, instead of being left hanging up in the market place. The desired request was granted, and the hand sent back.