"Dost thou see Sheik Ali's ears growing," he said, "that I should lock the door and give my enemy the key? Before I took my station I had filled up the passage with the exception of space for me to pass, and a big rock was loosened ready to shut that, so I waited when all was done to see if they intended to open the way. But, no! one came down—I could have touched him through the crevices, and he shouts, 'There is no passage; the rocks of creation are here; it is a trap gun.' Oh, that Moslems should be such fools; may their houses be desolate!"
"God is wonderful," said Hassan, "and this lying witness, is he not accursed? But stop! if I go now, and retract my perjury, there will be no witness against her."
"I see not, O friend, how that can help her, they have the writing sworn. But what think you the Sultan cares for your witness? his will is law."
"No! he dare not," said Hassan, "the witnesses must be present, or her blood will be on the people."
"Trust it not; the eagle wants no witness against the dove; but what shall we do with this?" said Ali, pointing to the body.
"Cast him into the pit," said Hassan, "he may be wanted, and I can find him; he knew the road before, this is the last time he will use it;" and taking him between them they swung him over the side, and the body went crashing through the boughs to the bottom of the pit.
It was now getting late, and Ali promising to meet Hassan at his house after dark, they parted.