“Into the plains,” said Absalam—“into the plains and into the mountains, for they belong to God alone.”
That word was like the flint to the tinder.
“They who have least are richest, and they that have nothing are best off of all,” said Absalam, and his neighbours shouted that it was so.
“God will clothe us as He clothes the fields,” said Absalam, “and feed our children as He feeds the birds.”
In three days' time ten shops in the market-place, on the side of the Mosque, were sold up and closed, and the men who had kept them were gone away with their wives and children to live in tents with Absalam on the barren plains beyond the town.
When Israel heard of what had been done he secretly rejoiced; but Ben Aboo was in a commotion of fear, and Katrina was fierce with anger, for the doctrine which Absalam had preached to his neighbours outside the walls was not his own doctrine merely, but that of a great man lately risen among the people, called Mohammed of Mequinez, nicknamed by his enemies Mohammed the Third.
“This madness is spreading,” said Ben Aboo.
“Yes,” said Katrina; “and if all men follow where these men lead, who will supply the tables of Kaids and Sultans?”
“What can I do with them?” said Ben Aboo.
“Eat them up,” said Katrina.