esy of an Oriental, he was not forgetful of the etiquette which
prescribes for the seating of oneself in the presence of a superior.
There is always a position of honour in a native room, and this, even
in his cell, the zealot of Islam reserved for his professors and for
his honoured guests, if they were his social superiors.

When they were seated and the tired old man had rested for a few
moments, he said, in the lengthy and flowery style of Orientals:

"I looked for you, my son; your coming was foretold. I have long and
eagerly awaited it."

"Were you watching for me?" Michael asked. "I saw you at the door of
your cell. I am glad I came."

"Even as you came, I looked for you. The Lord of Kindness knows the
desires of our hearts; He grants all those which in His mercy He deems
fit."

"You desired to see me, O my father?"

"_Aiwah_, for long I have desired it."

A rosary was in his hands; he pulled the beads slowly along the string.
Michael had learned to banish impatience in the presence of natives.

"I have been in great tribulation," he said. "Did you know that? I am
even yet sorely troubled."

The African answered with his eyes.

"O Lord, give us in our affliction the contentment of mind which may
give us patience."

"My peace of mind has gone, O my father. I feel that my feet have
strayed far from the way of peace. I came to hear your counsel."

The old man's eyes flamed with the fire of righteousness. "My son," he
said, "the Lord has revealed to His dying servant the things which as
yet you know not. You speak of peace where there is no peace, for I
have seen the Armageddon of God's enemies; I have seen the world washed
in the blood of those who know not Islam; I have seen the heathen
nations of the earth blind with rage. Why do these nations of the
earth so furiously rage together? I tell you, O my son it is because
they have not the love of God in their hearts."

Michael was silent. The old man's words conveyed very little to him,
for as yet there was no rumour of the war which was breeding in Europe.
The internal troubles in Ireland, distressing as they were, were not of
a nature to be spoken of with such appalling gravity. The old man's
anxiety and sincerity were unmistakable, but what did he mean? While
he sat in silence, wondering what the seer had in his mind, Michael saw
that his dark eyes were far away. His attitude was that of one who had
detached himself from his surroun