“From what you have witnessed, you will attribute a supernatural power to me, and you are right. I will give you a new proof of my marvellous authority, by showing that I can deprive the most powerful man of his strength and restore it at my will. Any one who thinks himself strong enough to try the experiment may draw near me.” (I spoke slowly, in order to give the interpreter time to translate my words.)
An Arab of middle height, but well built and muscular, like many of the Arabs are, came to my side with sufficient assurance.
“Are you very strong?” I said to him, measuring him from head to foot.
“Oh yes!” he replied carelessly.
“Are you sure you will always remain so?”
“Quite sure.”
“You are mistaken, for in an instant I will rob you of your strength, and you shall become as a little child.”
The Arab smiled disdainfully as a sign of his incredulity.
“Stay,” I continued; “lift up this box.”
The Arab stooped, lifted up the box, and said to me, coldly, “Is that all?”