But exactly at midnight there was the same knock [[171]]which had startled him twenty-four hours earlier. He had only time to sit up in his place when the door opened, noiselessly, and two dervishes entered, made each a salaam, and commanded: “Arise, youth! Prepare us two cups of coffee; but expect no money for them.”
Their command was obeyed; the coffee was drunk in utter silence; after which they departed, without a word of thanks or so much as a glance toward the one who had served them.
“May Allah grant success to your journey!” said the youth, as he closed the door after them and returned to his place; where he lay until morning thinking about the strange visitors and wondering what he would better do.
The following day passed as the first one had. After the old coffee-maker had gone at night, the lad locked the door and piled everything he could find in front of it.
“My master’s goods shall not be devoured in this thankless way, if I can prevent it. Should these midnight visitors be Allah’s messengers, nothing I can do will obstruct their coming; so this will do no harm.” Feeling quite sure that he would not be disturbed, he went to sleep.
Exactly at midnight came the same knock, followed by a great noise as the barricade tumbled [[172]]away from the door to give space for the entrance of three dervishes, who made salaams and said, as with one voice: “Arise, lad! Make us three cups of coffee; but do not expect us to give you money.”
The surprised youth arose, made and served the coffee. As they received it each one arose. The first one said: “In whatever coffeehouse this youth chooses to be, may the coffee and sugar boxes never be empty! May their contents continue level with the top!”
The second dervish said: “In whatever coffeehouse this youth chooses to be, may customers never be lacking! Like ants may they flock thither!”
But the third dervish said: “May all things whatsoever this youth desires to know, be told to him by a little bird!”
After these strange words the three left the shop; and the boy, wishing them the customary good speed, locked the door, put the scattered articles in their proper places, and lay down in his place. But if it had been difficult for him to sleep after the strange occurrences of the previous nights, how could it be other than impossible this time?