orgive me if I cling to mine, and hope to see my father once more
in that Heaven. . . ."

"The heaven to which, as you fools believe, no souls but your own are
admitted! But supposing that it is open only to the immortal spirit of
Moslems and closed against Christians?--What do you know of that
Paradise? I know your sacred Scriptures--Is it described in them? But the
All-merciful allowed our Prophet to look in, and what he saw he has
described as though the Most High himself had guided his reed. The Moslem
knows what Heaven has to offer him,--but you? Your Hell, you do know;
your priests are more readier to curse than to bless. If one of you
deviates by one hair's breadth from their teaching they thrust him out
forthwith to the abode of the damned.--Me and mine, the Greek Christians,
and--take my word for it boy--first and foremost you and your father!"

"If only I were sure of finding him there!" cried Orion striking his
breast. "I really should not fear to follow him. I must meet him, must
see him again, were it in Hell itself!"

At these words the Vekeel burst into loud laughter, and when Amru
reproved him sharply the negro retorted and a vehement dialogue ensued.

Obada's contumely had roused Orion's wrath; he was longing, burning to
reduce this insolent antagonist to silence. However, he contained himself
by a supreme effort of will, till Amru turned to him once more and said
in a reserved tone, but not unkindly:

"This clear-sighted man has mentioned a suspicion which I myself had
already felt. A worldly-minded young Christian of your rank is not so
ready to give up earthly joys and happiness for the doubtful bliss of
your Paradise and when you do so and are prepared to forego all that a
man holds most dear: Honor, temporal possessions, a wide field of action,
and revenge on your enemies, to meet the spirit of the departed once more
after death, there must be some special reason in the background. Try to
compose yourself, and believe my assurances that I like you and that you
will find in me a zealous protector and a discreet friend if you will but
tell me candidly and fully what are the motives of your conduct. I myself
really desire that our interview should be fruitful of advantages on both
sides. So put your trust in a man so much your senior and your father's
friend, and speak."

"On no consideration in the presence of that man!" said Orion in a
tremulous voice. "Though he is supposed not to understand G