thing but what is in the natural order of things. Lockman has served
me with his knowledge; he has endeavoured to withdraw me from solitude;
has procured me the pleasure of seeing my beloved; has saved my life
from the wrath of her father, and inspired me with hope when all hope
had fled. That he is hideous, that there is something repulsive in his
features; that blue flames flash from the earth where he treads--what
does all this signify? If he is a spirit, it must be easy for him to
assume what appearance he likes on earth. If he were a subtle spirit
he would show himself in the most captivating form of temptation. But
he despises this. Certainly he is one of those capricious beings, who
exert their influence on human life, and make men happy or miserable as
they please. He has favoured me, and it would be folly without
parallel not to avail myself of his kindness. What do I risk, now that
I have lost all on earth?"

Ali found it an easy matter to obtain his father's permission to wander
again to Babylon. The old man rejoiced that his son could still take
pleasure in something, and hoped he would soon console himself for his
loss. Ali therefore took his knapsack on his back, and set out on his
way as he had formerly done, being careful to observe the right time.
He crossed the desert in the delightful cool of morning, and met
nothing remarkable on his way. First, when he reached Ali Haymmamy's
fountain, he was surprised to find the spot totally changed. The palm
trees were fresh and verdant, flowers grew round the brink of the
fountain, and he perceived no sulphurous exhalation; but saw, on
drawing near, a delightful brook of clear water. A cup of emerald hung
by a golden chain near the fountain, and invited him to drink. His
hand already held the cup filled, when suddenly a shuddering seized
him. He poured the water away, and dropped the cup, saying to himself,
"It is still cool, and I really feel no thirst, it is not well to amuse
oneself with supernatural things." He spent the noon with his old
acquaintance the water-carrier, and towards evening proceeded in the
direction of Babylon.

He searched long before he found the spot described by Lockman. The
sun had already sunk and cast his rays on some stones overgrown with
ivy, when Ali perceived an entrance, and fancied he saw Lockman. As he
went towards him, Lockman said:

"Have you come at last? I have been waiting for you here more than an
hou