in the quality of cook.
These khawajat knew nothing of the country, Elias could conduct them by
what road he chose; might even keep them encamped in one spot for days,
if necessary, while he and his dearest friend explored the
neighbourhood.

"Say yes, O my soul!" he entreated. "It is an opportunity that may not
occur again. In sh' Allah, we shall come back each as rich as the
Sultan's Majesty. Without thee, I am nothing; for thou alone art in
possession of the knowledge to ensure success. We set forth to-morrow.
Make all thy preparations now directly, and come with us!"

Iskender refused, vowing by Allah Most High that he had had enough of
desert travelling to last a lifetime. At that the chagrin of Elias was
pitiful to witness. He saw the valley full of gold, which the second
before had seemed quite close to him, removed by this reply a great way
off. But when Iskender offered to describe its whereabouts to the best
of his remembrance, and to make over all his rights in it to him
(Elias), confiding in his far-famed generosity, the seer's lips parted
and his eyes started out from his head with astonishment and delight.
Whipping out his grand pocket-book, he took down hurried notes while
Iskender thoughtfully reviewed his route with the Emir, naming every
village and outstanding mark upon the road, as also the precise point
at which he believed that he had gone astray.

"It was there that my memory failed me. I should have borne more to
the southward. But even as it was, we must have been within an hour of
the place, when the Emir--curse his father!--gave the fatal order to
turn back. Forget not, O my soul, to bribe the chief of the Arabs in
that district, who is surnamed Son of the Lion; or he will certainly
oppress thy party as he did mine."

Elias, having replaced his note-book, flung both arms around Iskender's
neck and kissed him on the mouth repeatedly. Tears rolled from his
eyes. He whispered fiercely:

"Never will I forget this deed of kindness; I will pay thee half the
treasure--by my head I swear it, by my honourable reputation, by my
hope of life hereafter! Allah knows I always loved thee! May Allah
destroy those wicked people who spread abroad foul lies concerning
thee. Only let them dare to come within reach of my two hands!"

The transport past, he sat beside Iskender, with arm about his neck.
Some girls at a round game in the shadow of the church caught his
wandering eye. He called