It must be something entirely different; yet, if you do not
wish to tell me, I will ask you no further. May Allah be with you in
all things, and I will entreat the same of my God. I think and trust
both will hear the prayer, for they are one and the same, after all.
Now, my young friend, come into my store with me and let us chat
with each other while we smoke the nargile, and refresh ourselves
with a cup of coffee.--Ho! ye lads; Admeh, bring us coffee and the
nargile, with some of the finest tobacco--some of that intended for
the sultana at Stamboul, that is to be sent off to-morrow. There is
great joy in my house to-day, for Mohammed Ali, the young boulouk
bashi, is here."
He seats himself on a cushion covered with Persian carpet, and
requests Mohammed to seat himself on another at his side. He does as
requested, but it does not escape the merchant's observant eye that
he conforms to this hospitable usage with impatience, and does not
wish to remain long. He therefore does not urge him to remain when
he, after a short time, rises and asks the merchant to go with him
to the store.
He wishes to buy all sorts of things. He has received his first
salary from the tschorbadji to-day, and desires to spend a portion
of it for some of the pretty things of which there are such
quantities and varieties in the merchant's store.
"It depends on what you wish, Mohammed.
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