I will rather dwell in the
valleys-in the shadow of the cliffs on the sea shore-and gather
shells, and revel in the gladness and delight of a modest and quiet
existence."
"And you, Mohammed," said the pacha, smiling scornfully, "what is
your ambition? Will you gather shells upon the sea-shore with Osman,
or will you climb the heights with me to a splendid goal?"
Mohammed turned his eyes entirely away from the pacha, nodded to his
friend Osman, and said: "I will tread my own path alone. Where fate
will lead me I know not. I seek no companionship, and will follow no
man's lead. From time to time, I may turn aside from my path, and
wander, with joy and gladness, with my only friend, on the sea-
shore, and seek for shells, and revel in the delights of a modest
and quiet life."
With a kindly glance, Osman extended his hand, as if in a grateful
greeting.
The men of Praousta continued to pass before the iron cage, and the
sheik still appealed to them to be firm, and not to sacrifice their
rights.
Suddenly the sun disappeared, and night came down upon the earth.
The prisoners said their evening prayers in a loud voice, and when,
from the minarets of Praousta, the call of the muredin rang out on
the air, the prisoners commenced singing, firmly and devoutly: "God
is great! There is no God but our God, and Mohammed is his prophet!
Come to prayer! Come to be healed! God is just! There is no God but
our God!" And from the village of Praousta the solemn hymn was
echoed back: "God is just! There is no God but our God!" Then all
was silent, and the night, like a silver veil, wrapped the earth in
its folds.
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