Suddenly he felt a hand laid
on his shoulder, he turned and saw the old Sheik of Praousta, the
successor of Masa's father, who gave him a kindly greeting.
Mohammed always found pleasure with the old man of whom the people
said that he had the gift of prophecy, and could read the future.
Mohammed did not believe in this, but he did believe in his wisdom
and experience of the world; and knew that much was to be learned
from the old man, who had been a great traveller, and had now
returned to his home to rest, to spend the evening of his days as
Sheik of Praousta.
"How fares it with you?" repeated the sheik, fixing his large dark
eyes on Mohammed in a kindly gaze.
"Well, my business affairs are prosperous."
The sheik shook his head. "It was not concerning such matters that I
inquired. Ah, Mohammed, it is frequently well with our business
affairs, and just the reverse with ourselves."
"Well, then, things go well with myself, also," replied Mohammed,
but with averted gaze.
The old man shook his head. "I can read a man's thoughts on his
forehead, Mohammed, and I tell you sad thoughts are inscribed on
yours." And with another shake of the head he continued: "The
governor has, as you know, raised a body of three hundred soldiers;
Osman has been appointed their captain, and yourself his
lieutenant."
"Cousrouf Pacha is a generous man," said Mohammed, in a peculiar
tone.
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