"Very uncomfortable for the army," said Frank.
"True. Our winter is very long, very bitter. It is not so in your country, effendim?"
"Not so bitter, perhaps, but quite as long as we like it."
"Wallahy! This country is not a healthy place for Englishmen in the winter. Hundreds of them have left Turkey, so it is told me. Of a truth Turkey is not a healthy place for them now! A pity you are not gone too, effendim."
"Well, I am certainly not here by my own wish."
"A wish is the father of an action, effendim. You have but to wish, and----"
"What are you driving at?" said Frank as the Arab paused.
"There was a man of Trebizond who being falsely accused and unjustly cast into prison, nevertheless after taking thought confessed with tears that he was guilty of that crime; whereupon the heart of his jailer was softened and his hand was opened to receive the slight gifts that were the tokens of the prisoner's repentance, and within a little that man was free, and able to sin again or to lead a virtuous life as so pleased him."
"A parable, Hussein?" said Frank with a smile.
"For the ears of the wise, effendim. Wallahy! what are a man's goods in comparison with his freedom?"