"Death chooses the thirteenth; he leaped past me at this very moment."
"And on whom has the fatal thirteen fallen?"
"On someone who stands beside me or behind me."
"Behind thee in the tent outside is Feriz Beg."
"But thou art beside me."
"I am too young to die yet."
"And is not he also?"
"He of whom Hassan saith: 'He hath sinned!' becomes old and withered on the spot."
"And hast thou done nothing for which thou shouldst die?"
"My beard will grow white because of my loyalty; life is long in the shadow of Hassan."