scheme will have the preference; and you seem to me to be the man to win
the prize, and, with it, a wide and noble field of work in the future.
It is not a mere sense of tedium, or a longing for the pleasures of the
capital to which you are accustomed, that are tempting you to quit
Memphis the melancholy. . . ."

"No, indeed, my Lord," Orion assured him. "The duty I have in view does
not even profit me, and if I had not given my word I would throw myself,
heart and soul, into so grand a task, no later than to-morrow. That you
should expect me to solve so hard a problem is the most precious incense
ever offered me. If it is only to be worthy of your confidence, I will
return as soon as possible and put forth my utmost powers of intelligence
and prudence, of endurance and patriotism. I have always been a diligent
student; and it would be a shame indeed, if my experiences as a youth
could hinder the man from outdoing the school-boy."

"That is right, well said!" replied Amru, holding out his hand.
"Do your best, and you shall have ample opportunity of proving your
powers.--Take my warnings to heart as regards the patriarch and the black
Vekeel. I unfortunately have no one who could fill his place except the
worthy Kadi Othman; but he is no soldier, and he cannot be spared from
his post. Keep out of Obada's way, return soon, and may the All-merciful
protect you. . ."

When Orion had recrossed the bridge on his way home, he saw a gaily-
dressed Nile-boat, such as now but rarely stopped at Memphis, lying at
anchor in the dock, and on the road he met two litters followed by beasts
of burden and a train of servants. The whole party had a brilliant and
wealthy appearance, and at any other time would have roused his
curiosity; but to-day he merely wondered for a moment who these new-