Behind a tumble-down hut a fire was blazing. Some men were squatted
around a tripod which supported a large iron pot. One was speaking, and
even Royson's untrained ear recognized the measured cadence of the
story-teller. A rumble of laughter showed that the protest of some
discomfited rogue or some wise moullah's saw had just tickled the
audience when Abdullah leaped from the saddle and approached the
circle.
"Peace be with you, brethren," said he, bowing gravely.
The story-teller broke off abruptly. One of the men rose and replied:
"With you be peace, brother, and the mercy of God, and His blessings."
This formula made it certain that the group near the fire were
Mahomedans. "Es-salamu aleikum!" is at once the test of the believer
and the "Open, Sesame!" of the desert. Abdullah was sure now of a
hearing, sure even of counsel and assistance, provided that his
interests did not run counter to theirs.
Royson, dismounting for the sake of Moti, watched Abdullah's face in
the flickering light of the fire to learn whether or not he was
receiving the expected news.
Pages:
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219