"Should it so happen," the Emir said, with warmth, "consider how unfortunate my situation would be, not knowing the name or country of my benefactor."
The host answered simply, though evasively:
"There are reasons of state, O Emir, requiring me to make this pilgrimage unknown to any one."
The Emir apologized.
"It is enough," the host added, "that thou remember me as the Prince of India, whose greatest happiness is to believe in Allah and Mahomet his Prophet; at the same time I concede we should have the means of certainly knowing each other should communication become desirable hereafter."
He made a sign with his right hand which the negro in waiting responded to by passing around in front of him.
"Nilo," the master said in Greek, "bring me the two malachite rings—those with the turquoise eyes."
The slave disappeared.
"Touching the request to be released from the promise of secrecy, pardon me, O Emir, if I decline to grant it. The verification to be made in Constantinople should advise thee that the revolution to which I referred is not ripe for publication to the world. A son might be excused for dishonoring his parents; but the Magus who would subject the divine science to danger of ridicule or contempt by premature disclosure is fallen past hope—he would betray Allah himself."
The Emir bowed, but with evident discontent. At length the slave returned with the rings.