gh in some indistinct shape or
another my soul knows, and it is that which has cast this passing cloud
over it. But let us speak of other subjects. I have been occupied in
writing letters to Zanzibar to my friends, telling them of the new route
these wayward companions of ours have adopted, and giving directions
about the disposition of my property. Thou knowest, Selim, my child,
how I have always loved thee and treated thee, for thou art my hope and
joy, and I may not hide it from thee. Should accident happen to me it
will be well for me to warn thee now that thou hast an uncle from whom
may Allah guard thee. He is a deep, designing man, though he is my
brother. Should I die, thy uncle will endeavour to do thee harm, and it
is against him I wish to guard thee."

"But, father Amer, what harm can my uncle do me, and why should he wrong
me, who have never done him wrong in word, or thought, or deed?" asked
Selim, surprised at the tone of his father's voice and this revelation.

"Thou art but a child of tender years and but little aware of the amount
of wickedness in this world. Thy uncle is an avaricious man, who would
rob thee of thy birthright could he do it, and I believe him to be bad
enough to injure thee in some covert way if it were possible. My
property amounts to about fifty thousand dollars in slaves and land, and
if I die, this property, by right of thy birth as eldest son, is thine
wholly, and under no condition or restraint. Wert thou and thy mother
to die it would become the property of my brother Bashid, who is a
cunning and unscrupulous man."

"Thou dost surprise me, my father; but thou art well, and in good hopes
of a long life. I hope thou wilt live a thousand years; I am happy only
in being thy son," answered Selim.

"I know it, my son; and if ever a dutiful child made the years of his
father seem light, I have that child in thee, but it is well to be
provident for those whom we love. For the rest, the will of God be
done. There is another subject I wished to converse with thee upon, and
that is thy marriage. Dost thou know Leilah?"

"What! Leilah, the daughter of Khamis bin Abdullah?" asked Selim.

"The same," answered Amer.

"Surely, I know her. Have we not played together when we were children,
and, now I bethink me, she is the loveliest girl at Zanzibar."

"It is well," said Amer. "Leilah, the daughter of Khamis bin Abdullah
is wedded to thee, and the settlements are made bet