glides over the water like a nutshell, and the monsters of the deep
love me and will safely bear me over to the island on their backs. I
will go if you will give me what I ask."

"What do you, ask?"

"You shall give me half your fish. If I bring them over safely, call
four of your friends; let them fairly estimate the price, and then
pay me my share. Will you agree to this, Omar?"

"No, I will not! This is unheard of!" cried the fisherman, angrily.

"Just as you please," said Mohammed, quietly. "You would rather lose
the whole, than save half, and the nets besides. Consider well that
Toussoun Aga has perhaps made his last nets, and that yours were
quite new, and the finest quality he ever made."

"Be satisfied with a fourth part of the fish, and the bargain made,"
said Omar, as he looked longingly toward the island, now, as the
waves had subsided somewhat, visible as a dark spot on the horizon.
The boy regarded him angrily.

"I am no tradesman, and will not be cheapened. Half of the fish, or
I remain here."

"Well, if it must be, take half, you usurer!" cried the enraged
fisherman.

"Where is your boat?" asked Mohammed, quietly.