"
"No," said Mohammed, hastily, "no, that I did not do!"
"Yes, you did, my friend," said Osman, quietly. "A cripple stood by
the way-side, whom you brushed against in passing by; he cursed you,
and followed you for a while, continually cursing, but you walked on
without heeding him."
Mohammed looked at him in dismay. "How do you know all this?"
"I told you before that I had spies who watched both you and the
pacha. I employ them because I love and wish to protect my
Mohammed!" He placed his lips close to his ear, and whispered: "To
protect you and the white dove that has sought safety in your bosom.
Be still! Do not deny me this favor! Consider that your happiness is
also that of your friend, and that he watches over you when you are
imprudent in the rashness of your overflowing bliss. Listen,
Mohammed! You went down to the sea-shore, to the secret place among
the cliffs, known only to you and me! Do you not remember the time
when, filled with anxiety on your account, we were seeking you in
that vicinity, and Mr. Lion saw you creep out of a crevice in the
rocks? You afterward pointed out to me the place to which it led,
and--"
"For Heaven's sake, mention to no one that there is a cave there,
and that you know the way to it!" said Mohammed, anxiously.
"Did I not tell you that I was watching over you?" said his friend,
gently. "No one shall hear of it, only be careful yourself that no
one sees you enter it.
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