I
crawled to the spring, moistened it, and devoured it, with tears of
gratitude to heaven, mingled with the fond yearnings of a father's
heart.
It saved my life; for the next day a small caravan arrived, which was
bound to Cairo. The merchants treated me with great kindness, tied me on
one of the camels, and I once more embraced my family, whom I had never
thought to see again. Since that I have been poor, but contented--I
deserved to lose all my property for my wickedness, and I submit with
resignation to the will of Allah.
And now I trust that your highness will acknowledge that I was justified
in making use of the expression, that "Happy was the man who could _at
all times_ command a _crust of bread_!"
* * * * *
"Very true," observed the pacha; "that's not a bad story: Mustapha, give
him five pieces of gold, and allow him to depart."
The camel-driver quitted the divan, prostrating himself before the
pacha, and overjoyed at the fortunate termination of what had threatened
so much danger. The pacha was silent for a little while, during which he
puffed his pipe--when he observed:--
"Allah Kebur, God is most powerful! That man has suffered much--and what
has he to show for it?--a green turban--He is a Hadjy; I never thought
that we should have heard so good a story about a 'crust of bread.' His
description of the simoom parched up my entrails. What think you,
Mustapha, cannot a true believer go to heaven, without a visit to the
tomb of the prophet?"
"The holy Koran does not say otherwise, your highness, it inculcates
that all who can, should do so, as the path will be rendered easier.
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