“He is the Egyptian high-priest and primate.”
“Well, these are the friends in whose behalf I have come and for whom I speak. They wish to save this woman, and believe it can be done by the treatment which was so successful for the short time it was tried. Will you tell me why it was discontinued?”
“Because it was contrary to all the medical rules; but mainly because the man who employs me insisted on a return to the old treatment.”
“You mean the husband of the sick woman?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure that your employer is able and disposed to pay you for your services?”
“He evidently is poor; but he says that he has rich friends who can be depended on for all expenses. This seems to be true; for the house has been lavishly supplied for the last few days with every possible comfort by some friends.”
“Whom do you suppose these friends to be?”
“The family of Alexander the Alabarch.”
“Certainly these are friends worth having,” said Aleph with emphasis; “and no doubt they can be depended on to meet all expenses—if they will promise as much. And this they are ready to do, and more, provided you will meet their wishes in certain respects.”