I must therefore lose my rich
catch and the nets besides. Your old uncle, Toussoun Aga, will be
well pleased, however, for it will take all I have to purchase new
nets from him."
"My uncle can make no nets at present," said Mohammed. "He has been
ill for weeks; I therefore advise you to save those you have, as you
will find it impossible to procure as good ones from anybody else."
"A good piece of advice!" cried the fisherman, angrily. "But what am
I to do if the storm tears my nets away?"
"Try to save your nets," replied Mohammed, laughing. "What will you
give me if I go over and get them and the catch of fish besides?"
"You wouldn't attempt it! Look how the waves roar and open their
wide jaws as if to devour you even here on the shore! You will not
venture out."
"I know the waves," replied the boy, "and I know your boat. It
glides over the water like a nutshell, and the monsters of the deep
love me and will safely bear me over to the island on their backs. I
will go if you will give me what I ask."
"What do you, ask?"
"You shall give me half your fish. If I bring them over safely, call
four of your friends; let them fairly estimate the price, and then
pay me my share. Will you agree to this, Omar?"
"No, I will not! This is unheard of!" cried the fisherman, angrily.
"Just as you please," said Mohammed, quietly. "You would rather lose
the whole, than save half, and the nets besides.
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