The ceremony of presentation and of obeisance went on rapidly; almost all offered their nuzzurs of gold or silver, which the Sultaun took, and deposited beside him until there had accumulated a goodly heap, Kasim, at the distance he then was, could catch nothing of the conversation which was going on; for in spite of the loud cries of ‘Khamosh! Khamosh!’ from the attendants, there was more noise in the assembly than he thought befitting the presence of the Sultaun. After waiting some little time, and having advanced nearer and nearer to the musnud, the Sultaun’s eye fell upon the Khan, who in truth was a remarkable figure, even among that richly-dressed assembly, being the only one who wore armour. As the Sultaun’s eye met his, the Khan advanced, and bidding Kasim remain where he was till he should be called, he performed his obeisance, presenting, with the handle of his sword upon an embroidered handkerchief, his nuzzur of five gold mohurs, which the Sultaun received most propitiously.
‘We welcome thee back, Khan Sahib, most heartily,’ said the Sultaun; ‘and it is pleasant in our eyes to see an old friend return in health; but thou art thin, friend, the effects of the journey perhaps. Praise be to Alla! his servant, unworthy of the honour, hath been given power of dreams such as no one else hath enjoyed since the days of the Apostle, on whose memory be peace! We dreamed last night—and the blessed planets were in a most auspicious conjunction, as we learned upon inquiry this morning as soon as we arose, which assures the matter to us—that we should see the face of an old friend, and receive a new servant, who should eclipse all the young men of our court in gallant bearing, bravery, and intelligence.’
As he looked around when he had said this, all those within hearing cried, ‘Ameen! Ameen! who is favoured of Alla like unto the Sultaun? may he live a hundred years! whose knowledge is equal to his? not that even of Aflatoon or Sikundur.’
‘Ay,’ he continued, ‘behold it hath come true; here has the Khan, as it were, dropped from the clouds, and with him a young man, who, Inshalla! is one whose bravery is great. Bring him forward, O Khan, that our fortunate glance may rest on him.’
‘May I be your sacrifice, Huzrut!’ said the Khan, ‘he is unworthy the honour; nevertheless, I offer him unto your service, and can answer that he hath as stout an arm and as brave a heart as he looks to have. Mashalla! I have seen both tried, in circumstances of great peril to myself.’
‘Good!’ said the Sultaun, before whom Kasim had performed the Tusleemât, or three obeisances, and now stood with folded hands. ‘Good! by the Prophet, a fine youth! there is truth on his forehead—his destiny is good.’
‘Ul-humd-ul-illa! who can discern character like the Sultaun?’ cried several; ‘behold all things, even men’s hearts, are open to him.’
‘He hath lucky marks about his face, only known to us,’ continued the Sultaun; ‘and the planets are auspicious to-day. A Syud too, his services will therefore be good, and beneficial to himself and us.’
‘Ul-humd-ul-illa!’ cried the court in ecstasy; ‘what wisdom! what penetration! what gracious words! they should be written in a book.’
‘Wilt thou take service, youth?’ he continued to Kasim; ‘art thou willing to strike a blow for the lion of the Faith?’