"'Take warning, also, that there is a certain false prophet, an enemy of the stranger, who sendeth messages in my name. Haply he will send false messages compassing the stranger's death. Know, therefore, that such messages come not from me; and slay any man who seeks to harm one hair of the stranger's head. And in the meantime, let none disturb me for two days.'
"'Now sign it,' I said. And Senussi-el-Mahdi signed; and having gained my end, I once more treated him with courtesy and consideration.
"'Farewell,' I said. 'May Allah make your hair and beard grow quickly! For your hospitality—such as it was—I thank you. Rest assured that I shall guard at least one pleasant recollection of my sojourn here.'
"With that I bowed several times, and walking backwards respectfully, gradually left the room.
"And so—as I had no trouble in the desert—my adventure ended happily.
"My fee, indeed, is still unpaid; but I have not ceased to hope for it. Even now the Sect of the Senussi agitates and causes trouble; and many Irish members, having made wealthy marriages, are in a position to recompense, with interest on the over-due account, the service rendered them by Jean Antoine Stromboli Kosnapulski."
THE END.
WARD, LOCK & Co., LTD., LONDON, NEW YORK, & MELBOURNE.
*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STROMBOLI AND THE GUNS ***