"Are you in earnest?" said the oldest of the three; "or do you merely ask to find out whether our poor town would afford you such precious commodities?"
"God forbid, sirs," said I, "that one so young as I am should dare to endeavour to jest with men of your age and respectable appearance. I do indeed seek what I have said, and shall rejoice if any of you can direct my steps, for here I am a stranger."
"Since such is the case," replied the old gentleman, "I am happy in being able, even at this moment, to present you to Shekh Nusr-oo-deen, who sits here beside me, and who follows the respectable calling you are in search of. But you had better dismount, and, if such is your pleasure, join our Mujlis for as long as you feel inclined. My worthy friend will then, I doubt not, be happy to accompany you to his abode, and show you the articles you require."
"You are kind," said I, "and I accept of your civil invitation." So saying, I dismounted, and ascended by a few steps to where they were sitting. A few moments were occupied in the ceremonies of being seated. My new acquaintance called for a hookah and sherbet, and in a few moments we were on excellent terms.
"And what may be your distinguished name?" said the elder of the three, who had first accosted me. I named myself,—"A poor Syud," said I; "an unworthy descendant of our Prophet,—on whose name be peace!"
"Mashalla! I told you so," cried the old man. "Mashalla! there is no mistaking the noble race;—and his speech too! How say ye, my friends, is it not sweet and mellifluous, like a verse of Hafiz?"
"Ameen! Ameen!" cried both, "'tis even so; the young Syud is a worthy representative of his tribe, and we are fortunate in having made his acquaintance."
"You overpower me, worthy sirs," said I; "I little merit these encomiums; for having spent all my days in camps and in strife, I have learned few of those courtesies which ought to adorn the manners of every true believer."
"You have served then with Sindia?" asked the pearl-merchant.
"No," said I, "not in his armies, though there has been tough fighting enough to be seen with them. I have served in the Dukhun; and, I am proud to say, under the banners of Salabut Khan of Ellichpoor."