“Do you recollect the voyages of Sindbad the Sailor?”
“To be sure I do; he is the only man that could ever hold a candle to me in lying.”
“Well, then, his highness the pacha delights in such stories; and it is my wish that you prepare to recount your own voyages, as Sindbad has done before you.”
“But what am I to get for it?”
“My good-will and protection; besides which, his highness if pleased, will not fail to order you a handsome present.”
“Well,” replied Selim, “any man who can produce gold in this world will always be able to change it for base metal. I can coin lies in my mint faster than he can coin sequins in his; and since you wish it, and say that it will be profitable, why—I am very much at his service.”
“Then, Selim, observe my directions, for every thing must appear accidental.”
In pursuance to the orders received from Mustapha, the renegade remained that evening at the corner of a certain street, through which Mustapha took care that the pacha should pass in his disguise. When he perceived their approach, the renegade exclaimed, “Allah, Allah! when is the happy time to come, promised in my seventh and last voyage?”
“Who are you; and why do you call upon Heaven for happy times?” inquired the pacha.
“I am Huckaback the sailor,” replied the renegade, “who, after a life of danger and disaster, am anxiously awaiting the fulfilment of a promise from the Most High.”