f
the world made me form the resolution of retiring from it. But
to-morrow, if I choose, I can have more of them in my possession than
would satisfy the ambition of the most wealthy potentates on earth. I
can show you part of them. The earth conceals treasures which I can
force her to give up. Not far from this there is great abundance of
them, and I will conduct you thither. You shall take what may be
necessary to carry you to your father's Court, preceded by a hundred
camels, loaded with the richest stuffs of the East, and each of them
led by a slave. You shall be surrounded by a guard, which will secure
you respect wherever you pass."

Abaquir was lost in admiration. He could not imagine that these
magnificent promises were real when he looked upon the coarse cloak
with which he was covered, the furniture, and the fantastic utensils
of his landlord. The latter, after having been some moments lost in
reflection, thus resumed his speech:

"O my child, never let appearances deceive you! The more you advance
in years, the more you will learn to distrust its illusions. I am a
dervish by inclination, but all the garments I wear are not mean. Here
is one which becomes none but brave and powerful men." At the same
time the pretended dervish opened his cassock, and discovered a girdle
of red, yellow, and green silk.

"Take courage, young man," continued he: "to-morrow I will show you
great things. Our attention shall be engaged about your fortune. I
shall be able, without being obliged to go far, to find out this
singular cave in which you were brought up. I shall know the
architect; and in a month, after having finished all our preparations,
we will depart for your father's Court, with a train of attendants
that will force everybody to welcome us."

The discovery of this girdle under rags had struck Abaquir with
astonishment. He depended upon the promises of his new protector, and
accepted his offers.

"But," continued this extraordinary man, "as soon as you shall be at
your father's house, and, notwithstanding the pain which our
separation will cost you, I shall require your permission to return to
my solitary manner of life."

"Willingly," replied Abaquir; "but you will not prevent me from
conducting you thither."

On the morning of the next day the dervish made the young man take a
basket with provisions for breakfast, and a parcel of ropes, and they
went together to the bottom of a steep mountain. When they had