The old sheik promised to follow Jim’s advice; and ordered his companions to prepare immediately for the continuance of their journey.
Sidi Hamet was called, and asked by Rias Abdallah if he would sell some of the stones they had saved from the infidel ship.
“Bismillah! No!” exclaimed the wrecker. “You say they are of no value, and I do not wish to cheat any true belief of the Prophet.”
“Will you give me some of them, then?”
“No! Allah forbid that Sidi Hamet should ever make a worthless present to a friend!”
“I am a merchant,” rejoined the old sheik, “and wish to do business. Have you any slaves, or other property, you can sell me?”
“Yes! You see that Christian dog,” replied the wrecker, pointing to Sailor Bill’s brother; “I will sell him.”
“You have promised to take me to Swearah,” interrupted Jim. “Do not sell me, master; I think I shall get well some time, and will then work for you as hard as I can.”
Sidi Hamet cast upon his infidel slave a look of of contempt at this allusion to his illness; but Jim’s remark, and the angry glance, were both unheeded by the Arab sheik.
The slave’s pretended wishes not to be sold were disregarded; and for the consideration of an old shirt and a small camel-hair tent, he became the property of Rias Abdallah Yezzed.