"How can it be, that so high a gift is bestowed on so abject a race?" said Quentin.
"Can I tell you?" answered Hayraddin – "Yes, I may indeed; but it is when you shall explain to me why the dog can trace the footsteps of a man, while man, the nobler animal, hath not power to trace those of the dog. These powers, which seem to you so wonderful, are instinctive in our race. From the lines on the face and on the hand, we can tell the future fate of those who consult us, even as surely as you know from the blossom of the tree in spring, what fruit it will bear in the harvest."
"I doubt of your knowledge, and defy you to the proof."
"Defy me not, Sir Squire," said Hayraddin Maugrabin – "I can tell you, that, say what you will of your religion, the Goddess whom you worship rides in this company."
"Peace!" said Quentin, in astonishment; "on thy life, not a word farther, but in answer to what I ask thee. – Canst thou be faithful?"
"I can – all men can," said the Bohemian.
"But wilt thou be faithful?"
"Wouldst thou believe me the more should I swear it?" answered Maugrabin, with a sneer.
"Thy life is in my hand," said the young Scot.
"Strike, and see whether I fear to die," answered the Bohemian.