well, my son. Prayer is better than food. I have prayed for
you."

Michael knew that at el-Azhar all studies are absolutely free; the
teaching is entirely gratuitous. The poor students even receive their
food from the rich endowments of the various _riwaks_ to which they
belong. This Michael had learned when he saved the old man's life at
Gondokoro. He had discovered the fact that when once he was inside the
gate of this gracious institution, he would be sheltered and fed and
taught by the love of Islam. Wealthy students pay for privileges and
for more luxurious quarters. This visionary and pilgrim asked for
nothing more than food enough to keep him alive. What he desired of
life was the time and means for studying the teachings of the Koran and
the receiving of instruction from learned professors in the refinements
of theology and in the sacred traditions. His life had been spent in a
treadmill of hard labour. In mid-Africa his duty had been, for as long
as he could remember, the guiding of a camel in its unceasing round of
a primitive native well, the drawing up and emptying of buckets.

His smile was so mystical and ecstatic while he offered his apologies
to Michael for the lack of hospitality, that Michael knew that he was
visualizing and enjoying far greater luxury and affluence than had ever
been the lot of the richest Mameluke of old days.

They were seated on the floor of the outer cell.

"You have been much in my thoughts, O my son. Allah has desired it. I
have seen strange happenings for you. I know that the Light has come
nearer."

Michael bowed his head and murmured a few words inaudibly.

"The Lord of the Worlds has revealed himself to you, O my son. My
unworthy prayer has been answered." He paused. "Why have you not
come? Since the Great Weeping (the inundation of the Nile) you have
not left the valley?--you have not come?"

"Yes," Michael said. "I have left the valley. But only work could
bring me to Cairo. I was busy."

"I have much to tell you, my son, much that Allah has shown me."

"Please instruct me, O father. I came to you for counsel; in my heart
there is unrest."

"I have seen you," he went on, regardless of Michael's almost inaudible
remarks, "I have seen you travelling on a long journey. I have seen
many trials and many temptations for you. I have also seen you in the
great Light. For you there is a treasure laid up, not only in heaven,
but on earth, which wi