per, I _very much doubted the fact_.

I did not remain long at home, as, although it was my duty to acquaint
my mother with my father's death, it was also my duty to appear to
return to my corps. This I had resolved never more to do. I reflected
that a life of quiet and ease was best suited to my disposition, and I
resolved to join some religious sect. Before I quitted my mother's roof
I gave her thirty sequins, which she was most thankful for, as she was
in straitened circumstances. "Ah!" cried she, as she wrapt up the money
carefully in a piece of rag, "if you could only have brought back your
poor father's head, Hudusi!"--I might have told her that she had just
received what I had sold it for--but I thought it just as well to say
nothing about it; so I embraced her, and departed.

There was a sort of dervishes, who had taken up their quarters about
seven miles from the village where my mother resided, and as they never
remained long in one place, I hastened to join them. On my arrival, I
requested to speak with their chief, and imagining that I was come with
the request of prayers to be offered up on behalf of some wished-for
object, I was admitted.

"Khoda shefa midehed--God gives relief," said the old man. "What wishest
thou, my son? Khosh amedeed--you are welcome."

I stated my wish to enter into the sect, from a religious feeling; and
requested that I might be permitted.

"Thou knowest not what thou askest, my son. Ours is a hard life, one of
penitence, prostration, and prayer--our food is but of herbs and the
water of the spring; our rest is broken, and we know not where to lay
our heads. Depart, yaha bibi, my friend, depart in peace."

"But, father," replied I (for to tell your highness the truth,
notwithstanding the old man's assertions, as to their austerities of
life, I very much doubted the fact), "I am prepared for all this, if
necessary, and even more. I have brought my little wealth to add to the
store, and contribute to the welfare of your holy band; and I must not
be denied." I perceived that the old man's eyes twinkled at the bare
mention of gold, and I drew from my sash five-and-twenty sequins, which
I had separated from my hoard, with the intention of offering it. "See,
holy father," continued I, "the offering which I would make."

"Barik Allah--praise be to God," exclaimed the dervish, "that he has
sent us a true believer. Thy offering is accepted, but thou must not
expect yet to enter into