ibute the
divisions and devise new modes of collecting the revenue. The best scheme
will have the preference; and you seem to me to be the man to win the
prize, and, with it, a wide and noble field of work in the future. It is
not a mere sense of tedium, or a longing for the pleasures of the capital
to which you are accustomed, that are tempting you to quit Memphis the
melancholy. . . ."

"No, indeed, my Lord," Orion assured him. "The duty I have in view does
not even profit me, and if I had not given my word I would throw myself,
heart and soul, into so grand a task, no later than to-morrow. That you
should expect me to solve so hard a problem is the most precious incense
ever offered me. If it is only to be worthy of your confidence, I will
return as soon as possible and put forth my utmost powers of intelligence
and prudence, of endurance and patriotism. I have always been a diligent
student; and it would be a shame indeed, if my experiences as a youth
could hinder the man from outdoing the school-boy."

"That is right, well said!" replied Amru, holding out his hand. "Do your
best, and you shall have ample opportunity of proving your powers.--Take
my warnings to heart as regards the patriarch and the black Vekeel. I
unfortunately have no one who could fill his place except the worthy Kadi
Othman; but he is no soldier, and he cannot be spared from his post. Keep
out of Obada's way, return soon, and may the All-merciful protect
you. . . . "

When Orion had recrossed the bridge on his way home, he saw a
gaily-dressed Nile-boat, such as now but rarely stopped at Memphis, lying
at anchor in the dock, and on the road he met two litters followed by
beasts of burden and a train of servants. The whole party had a brilliant
and wealthy appearance, and at any other time would have roused his
curiosity; but to-day he merely wondered for a moment who these
new-comers might be, and then continued to meditate on the task proposed
to him by Amru. From the bottom of his heart he cursed the hour in which
he had pledged himself to take the part of these strangers; for after
such long idleness he longed to be able to prove his powers. Suddenly,
and as if by a miracle, he saw the way opened before him which he had
himself hoped to tread, and now he was fettered and held back from an
enterprise which he felt he could carry out with success and benefit to
his country, while it attracted him as with a hundred lode-stones.

Next morning,