"No, by Allah, no!"
"Further, Emir. The stars being communicable yet, what wouldst thou have asked them next?"
"I would not have rested until I had from them the name of him who is to be leader in the movement."
The Mystic smiled at the young man's fervor.
"Thou hast saved me telling what I did, and affirmed the logic of our human nature," he said. "Thy imperial master is old, and much worn by wars and cares of government, is he not?"
"Old in greatness," answered the Emir, diplomatically.
"Hath he not a son?"
"A son with all the royal qualities of the father."
"But young—not more than eighteen."
"Not more."