"Down there in the inlet. And now be quick about it, boy!"

"Directly! But every thing in its order. You must first acknowledge
the bargain before witnesses."

"Before witnesses?" cried the enraged fisherman. "Is not Allah the
witness of an honest man's promise? "

"He is. But who knows but the roaring of the storm has prevented
your words from ascending to his ear?" replied Mohammed, with a
mocking smile. "I will bring Mr. Lion; you can repeat your words
before him."

Before Omar could prevent him, the boy bounded away to the merchant,
and begged him to come and witness Omar's promise. The merchant
willingly followed his favorite in spite of the storm and the spray
which the waves tossed up to the spot where the men were standing.
When he learned what was in contemplation, and when Omar had
repeated his promise, the merchant shook his head resolutely. "This
cannot and shall not be. You shall not drive the boy out in such
weather; the sea is an open grave, as it were!"

"Mr. Lion!" cried Mohammed, advancing toward him, his arms folded on
his breast. "Look at me! Why do you call me a boy? Am I not taller
than many of the men on our island; am I not stronger than many boys
of eighteen?"

"It is true," said Mr. Lion. "Though only fourteen, you are no
longer a boy. I beg your pardon, Mohammed Ali, for considering your
years and not your strength. But all the same, whether youth or boy,