“Welcome, and twice welcome, O my father.”
At sound of his voice a cry went up from within the litter close at hand; but Abd-ur-Rahman seemed not to hear it.
“Thou didst receive my letter,” said Shems-ud-dìn, as they passed in beneath the massive gateway.
Abd-ur-Rahman, still at his stirrup, answered:
“In this hour I received it. It should have been delivered to me last night, but for the obtuseness of the doorkeeper at the house where I dwell. As to thy question concerning Frank physicians, I know nothing of the matter. I inquired on my way hither, and have learnt that there exists a hospital kept by one of them. Thou wilt find its direction written on this paper, as also that of a khan where thou mayst find room enough. What was told thee regarding the present fullness of the city concerns not the Muslim quarter. I hope that my sister will be soon healed, and that thou wilt be blest in thy stay here. Now, with permission, I must leave thee. I will seek thee after noon at the khan.”
“Allah be with you now and always, O my son.”
As he watched Abd-ur-Rahman stride off down a side street of many arches, Shems-ud-dìn wondered what it was that so oppressed his soul.