Around himself, as far as his voice reaches, he has fastened a rope
to stakes, and whoever wishes to enter the circle thus formed must
pay to hear his stories. I should like to do so, too, and have often
entreated my father to allow me, but they say it would excite me too
much, and that the air of the hall would be too close for me.
Therefore, Mohammed, I beg you to go there for me, listen to the
stories, and then come and repeat them to me. You see it was for
this purpose father gave you the money.--Is it not so, father?"

"Yes, my boy, it shall be so if you desire it. I give him the money
that he may hear the new scha-er, and if it entertains and pleases
you. Mohammed shall come to you and relate what he has heard."

"Will you afford me this pleasure, Mohammed? I am not strong and
healthy like you; I cannot climb the rocks, like you; cannot sit on
the cliffs and listen to the voice of the sea and the storm; cannot,
like you, enjoy the delight of taking exercise in the open air! Here
I lie on my bed, and all that is good and beautiful must come to me,
if I am to enjoy it. Then come to me, Mohammed Ali!"

With a kindly look, he again held out his pale, attenuated hand, and
Mohammed felt that warm tears were trickling down his cheeks, and
that somehow he could not speak while the pale handsome boy was
looking at him so entreatingly. He took Osman's hand and pressed
heartily in his own.

"I accept the money from Tschorbadji Hassan," said he, in low, soft
tones. "I shall go and listen to the new scha-er, and, if you wish,
Osman, I shall come to-morrow, and every day, to relate to you what
I have heard; and it will please me if it gives you pleasure."