Lion, who
extends both hands to him over his counter, and regards him
tenderly.
"Here again, my Mohammed! They have been speaking of you all day,
and three men have already been here to tell of your heroic deed.
Let me see your hands. Yes, they are torn and bleeding. Yes, my boy,
I have rejoiced with you, and am proud with you for having put those
boys to shame."
"I thank you, sir," said he, earnestly; "yet it is not enough to
conquer boys; one must also conquer men and nations!"
Mr. Lion regarded him with wonder. "What is this you are saying?
What are you busying your brain with now?"
"With many things, sir; I desire you to help me provide for my
future."
"I am delighted, Mohammed," said the merchant, regarding him with a
friendly smile, "I am delighted to see you thoughtful of your
future. I have often scolded your mother about you; you are tall and
sensible for your age, are almost a young man, and it would become
you to be taking care of yourself. But both your mother and your
Uncle Toussoun are spoiling you in their anxiety to strew your
pathway with rose-leaves, and guard you from every hardship."
"They would," said the boy, shrugging his shoulders, "if I allowed
them, but I will not! I will bare my face to the storm, and walk on
thorns instead of rose-leaves, in order that my feet may become
hardened. Therefore, tell me, dear sir, what I am to do to provide
for my future.
Pages:
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41