The Sheikh nodded his head. “It is so,” he replied.
“Were you happy there?”
“My son, I was young.”
“I mean,” said Daniel, “do you believe that happiness is to be found in cities?”
The old man raised his hand and moved it from side to side. “No,” he answered, “not happiness—only pleasure. Why do you ask?”
“Because I received a letter today....”
“I saw the messenger,” said the Sheikh.
“I have been offered a position of some importance in Cairo. My friends want me to leave El Hamrân, and to live in Egypt.”
Sheikh Ali uttered an exclamation of distress. “What is your reply?” he asked.
“Advise me, my father,” Daniel answered.