"He is like a palm in the desert, and like cool water on a scorching day, and his words are like ripe dates," answered Gebhr.
"Nur el-Tadhil lied when he said that he would not permit us to be admitted to his presence. He admitted us, blessed us, and ordered Abdullahi to lavish gifts upon us."
"Who will munificently enrich us, for the wish of the Mahdi is sacred."
"Bismillah! May it be as you say!" spoke out one of the Bedouins.
And Gebhr began to dream of whole herds of camels, horned cattle, and bags full of piastres.
From these dreams he was awakened by Idris who, pointing at Stas carrying the sleeping girl, asked:
"What shall we do with that hornet and that fly?"
"Ha! Smain ought to reward us for them, separately."
"Since the prophet says that he will not permit any negotiations with the infidels, Smain will have no interest in them."
"In such case I regret that they did not get into the hands of the caliph, who would have taught that whelp what it is to bark against the truth and the elect of the Lord."