India, whose greatest happiness is to believe in Allah and Mahomet his
Prophet; at the same time I concede we should have the means of
certainly knowing each other should communication become desirable
hereafter."

He made a sign with his right hand which the negro in waiting responded
to by passing around in front of him.

"Nilo," the master said in Greek, "bring me the two malachite
rings--those with the turquoise eyes."

The slave disappeared.

"Touching the request to be released from the promise of secrecy, pardon
me, O Emir, if I decline to grant it. The verification to be made in
Constantinople should advise thee that the revolution to which I referred
is not ripe for publication to the world. A son might be excused for
dishonoring his parents; but the Magus who would subject the divine
science to danger of ridicule or contempt by premature disclosure is
fallen past hope--he would betray Allah himself."

The Emir bowed, but with evident discontent. At length the slave
returned with the rings.

"Observe, O Emir," the Jew said, passing them both to his guest, "they
are rare, curious, and exactly alike."

The circlets were of gold, with raised settings of deep green stone, cut
so as to leave a drop of pure turquoise on the top of each, suggestive
of birds' eyes.