‘Well, what is it?’
‘Dear father, if you are really asleep, why are your eyes always open?’
‘Why do you ask that, Dschemila? Do you want to deal treacherously with me?’
‘No, of course not, father. How could I, and what would be the use of it?’
‘Well, why do you want to know?’
‘Because last night I woke up and saw the whole place shining in a red light, which frightened me.’
‘That happens when I am fast asleep.’
‘And what is the good of the pin you always keep here so carefully?’
‘If I throw that pin in front of me, it turns into an iron mountain.’
‘And this darning needle?’