“By this time it was nearly dark. I had given orders (in order to conceal my movements) that I should not start till late in the week, but I had also given a child a small coin to come up to me, upon a signal, with a piece of paper folded, upon which indeed nothing was written. Just as the camels were being driven off to their litter, I signalled to the child, who ran up and gave me the note. I opened it before the head man, put on an air of great perturbation, and said, ‘This message changes all my plans! I fear I disturb you, but will you start out to-night?’
“‘Willingly,’ said he. ‘We have provisions, and I know a good place on the road where we can purchase more to-morrow. The weather is warm and if your business demands haste, it may be better to march during the cool.’ The slaves (who were not consulted) were no doubt agreeable enough. We set out and all that night went our way.
“It was a monotonous journey through an arid land, with few towns or villages, sufficient watering, but no more. Though I pressed the pace we lost no beasts, and on the twelfth day, with the cool of the evening, we reached Laknes.
“My camels were parked, I took my place in the chief inn of the city (under the name of Ishmaïl-of-Taftah, merchant), and my first act before ordering a meal was, again, from the very bottom of my heart, to thank Allah for the return of his mercies. My capital was, indeed, nearly exhausted. I had but a few pieces of gold left in my garment, and the pouch was empty; but there was my solid row of camels and my fine cargo of dates. I made no doubt I should sell at a good profit next day and that my career was once more launched. I took care to speak to all openly of my arrival, to hint at my wealth, to make all familiar with the name of Ishmaïl-of-Taftah, a merchant in dates which it was proposed to offer next day in the market. For there are occasions, my dear nephews, in commerce when it is perfectly advisable to tell the truth and even to spread it abroad.”
With these unexpected words the merchant Mahmoud suddenly ceased his tale, for the shriek of the Muezzin was heard rending the air. The nephews rose and bowed. “We trust,” said the eldest, “that when we next appear we shall find you, my dear uncle, climbing from greatness to greatness in the story you still have to unfold.”
“Alas, my children,” answered the venerable sage, “I fear you must hear of other disappointments before the goal is reached!”
At this the youngest boy put forth his lower lip, which trembled, and began screwing up his eyes.
“Stop!” said the merchant testily. “Stop! My little fellow! I have had enough of this!”
“Oh, Uncle,” sobbed the boy, “I cannot bear to think that perhaps all that new wealth will be stolen from you.”
“Stop, I say!” shouted Mahmoud angrily, and half-rising, “I tell you I have had enough of it! I appreciate your motive. I admire your judgment. It is marvellous in so young a child. But I cannot be disturbed with useless tears at things so long past. You show too great a sympathy. You are too sensitive my dear.”