We saw here a massive doorway with chains hanging festooned upon the
upper part. This was called "the Gate of Pardon," because here the
prisoner was given a chance of release.
He was made to run between two lines of soldiers armed with swords,
all of whom cut at him as he ran by, and if he were able at the end of
the course to spring up and catch hold of the chain he was allowed to
go free. If he failed he had to run the gauntlet back again, and very
few survived it.
[Illustration: THE GATE OF PARDON, ALGIERS.]
Another reminder of the Christian prisoners is to be seen in the chief
mosque of the city. This was designed and built by these captives
under the orders of their heathen masters. They naturally constructed
it like one of our churches in the form of a cross. This was
afterwards recognised by the Moors, and the church was used, but the
builders were put to death for their temerity.
We can admire the bravery of these men, who, in spite of the danger of
being killed for it, did their best to maintain their religion to the
end.
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