his morning, and he scowled at me--well, I'll be fair--he looked
at me as seriously as he could, made me a stately bow, and went away."

"These noble cut-throats pay their doctors' bills very cheaply," said
the professor. "Hullo, Ibrahim, what is it?"

"The Emir, Excellency, to see the Hakim."

"Advice gratis only in the morning," said the professor gruffly. "Can't
send him back, I suppose. What's the matter with him now?"

The explanation soon came, for their friend entered at once, followed by
three of his men laden with something, and the next minute Ibrahim was
busy at work interpreting the great chief's speech, which was to the
effect that his brother Emir thanked the Hakim for saving him from death
by his skill, and begged that the great and wise doctor would accept the
trifles that he sent by the hand of his friend. In addition, he said
that if at any time the Hakim would change his home, there was one for
him in his patient's tribe, where all his people would live longer and
be happier if they had so wise and learned a man in their midst.

"But tell the great Hakim," continued the Emir, "that he must not think
of leaving me and mine. That I look upon him as a young man might look
upon his noble, learned brother, for he has saved my life and my son's
life, and given health and strength to hundreds who have come to ask his
help."

The fierce, rugged face of the Emir grew softer as he spoke these last
words, and then drawing back he signed to two of the men to lay their
loads at the Hakim's feet, which they did, and then left the room.

"Tell the Hakim that this is from me for all that he has done for me and
my son."

At a sign the third man laid his burden upon the rug in front of the
doctor, and passed out in turn, while bending down to take the latter's
hand the great chief held it for a few moments in silence, and then
moved toward the door.

"Stop!" cried the doctor quickly. "Tell the Emir to stay that I may
thank him, Ibrahim."

The chief turned and shook his head.

"It is enough that the great Hakim will take my little gifts," he said,
and he gravely passed out of the room.

"Then they are grateful," said the professor, "and I beg their pardon,
both of them. What have they sent for you? Rich rugs and silk and
muslins, I suppose, and--"

"Never mind them," cried Frank in an excited whisper. "I have it now!"

"What?" said the doctor earnestly.

"The idea for getting near poor Hal."