In his way, Abraham of Joppa was a character, and one may be pardoned for bestowing more than a passing glance upon him. Though permitted to eat at the table with the rest, it was evident that the Arabs looked upon him with some contempt. They enjoyed listening to his stories, and to his recital of the news which he picked up in his travels, but they despised his inquisitiveness, and resented the impertinence with which he coolly addressed himself even to the Sheikh, before whom all were more or less reserved.
The Persian was, for the present, the chief object of the little Jew's curiosity, and as soon as the meal was over he hastened to form his acquaintance.
Sitting down before the priest, and poising his head on one side, he observed:
"You are bound for the south, stranger?"
"Even so," said Yusuf, gravely.
"Whither?"
"I seek for the city of the great temple."
"Phut! The Caaba!" exclaimed the Jew, with contempt. "Right well I know it, and a fool's game they make of it, with their running, and bowing, and kissing a bit of stone in the wall as though 'twere the dearest friend on earth!"
"But they worship—"
"A statue of our father Abraham, and one of Ishmael, principally. A precious set of idolaters they all are, to be sure!"