"DOST THOU BELIEVE THAT KANANA SPOKE IN FEAR?"
"Beardless youth!" cried the caliph. "I am too old for mockery."
"My father, without a beard I brought that letter here, and He who guarded me will guard me still."
"Wouldst thou dare to go without an escort?"
"I would rather have a sword I could not lift than have an escort," replied Kanana.
"By the beard of the Prophet, my son, there is both foolishness and wisdom in thy words. Thou shall take the messages by one route, and by another I will send the soldiers with copies. It may be that Allah guides thy tongue. When wilt thou start?"
"Now," replied Kanana.
"That was well spoken," said the caliph. "What camels and servants shall be provided?"
"My father," said Kanana, "as I came a little way with the caravan which arrived to-day, I noted the white camel that took the lead. I never saw so great power of speed and endurance in a camel of the plain. The man who led him knew him well and was easily obeyed. I would have the two, none other, and the swiftest dromedary in Mecca, with grain for fourteen days."