hs ago a stranger came to this village. He
was on his way to Fathpur-Sikri, to witness the glories of the court of
the mighty Akbar. But on the road he had fallen ill, and, arriving here,
was too sick to proceed. I am ashamed to say that none of us were
willing to take him in, for sickness goes from one person to another. So
we have to be careful, especially in my calling, where I come into such
close contact with so many.

"'There was quite a little crowd just here by the tank, discussing the
situation, the sick man in their midst resting upon the ground, when
Baji Lal and his wife, who happened to be passing, came forward to see
what the commotion was all about. They listened to the story, and then
told the stranger he might come with them. He gratefully accepted, and,
after whispering some instructions to a servant by whom he was
accompanied, he motioned to Baji Lal to lead the way. The little group
moved off, the servant in the rear, leading the horses, which included a
pack animal laden with the traveller's bedding, cooking pots, and other
belongings.

"'After unloading the baggage at Baji Lal's home, the servant, as we
learned later in the day, had, in obedience to orders, straightway
mounted his horse, and ridden away. He had exchanged no words with any
of us.

"'For weeks Baji Lal and his wife attended to the wants of the invalid,
until at last he was able to move about the village, and talk with one
and another. From the first we had recognized the stranger as a man of
distinction. Now we learned his name--Sheikh Ahmed, a Moslem, I need not
say. But in these days of Akbar all religious feuds are to be set aside,
this by direct command of the Emperor himself--blessed be his name and
exalted his glory! So this follower of the prophet was made quite
welcome among us, a community of Hindus.

"'Day by day the Sheikh regained his strength, and often would he come
of an evening when the village folk gathered under this pipul tree,
listening to the chit-chat going on, sometimes joining in the
conversation. Soon he began to tell us stories of far lands, for he had
travelled to many distant places, even outside of Hindustan, so we grew
to like him, and to watch each evening for his coming.

"'But all of a sudden he disappeared from our midst. The day before he
had been with us, sitting almost on the very spot where you are seated
now. He did not say he was going away, nor even hint that he intended
doing so. When B