he Jinnee some little time. "Wonderful city, Nineveh, from
all I've heard--though not quite what it used to be, perhaps. Then
there's Babylon--you might go on there. And if you shouldn't hear of him
there, why not strike down into Central Africa, and do that thoroughly?
Or South America; it's a pity to lose any chance--you've never been to
South America yet?"

"I have not so much as heard of such a country, and how should Suleyman
be there?"

"Pardon me, I didn't say he _was_ there. All I meant to convey was, that
he's quite as likely to be there as anywhere else. But if you're going
to Nineveh first, you'd better lose no more time, for I've always
understood that it's rather an awkward place to get at--though probably
_you_ won't find it very difficult."

"I care not," said Fakrash, "though the search be long, for in travel
there are five advantages----"

"I know," interrupted Horace, "so don't stop to describe them now. I
should like to see you fairly started, and you really mustn't think it
necessary to break off your search again on my account, because, thanks
to you, I shall get on splendidly alone for the future--if you'll kindly
see that that merchandise is removed."

"Thine abode shall not be encumbered with it for another hour," said the
Jinnee. "O thou judicious one, in whose estimation wealth is of no
value, know that I have never encountered a mortal who pleased me as
thou hast; and moreover, be assured that such magnanimity as thine shall
not go without a recompense!"

"How often must I tell you," said Horace, in a glow of impatience, "that
I am already much more than recompensed? Now, my kind, generous old
friend," he added, with an emotion that was not wholly insincere, "the
time has come to bid you farewell--for ever. Let me picture you as
revisiting your former haunts, penetrating to quarters of the globe
(for, whether you are aware of it or not, this earth of ours _is_ a
globe) hitherto unknown to you, refreshing your mind by foreign travel
and the study of mankind--but never, never for a moment losing sight of
your main object, the eventual discovery of and reconciliation with
Suleyman (on whom be peace!). That is the greatest, the only happiness
you can give me now. Good-bye, and _bon voyage_!"

"May Allah never deprive thy friends of thy presence!" returned the
Jinnee, who was apparently touched by this exordium, "for truly thou art
a most excellent young man!"

And stepping back into the