Arrived at the boundary line of the desert, where two horses awaited
them, the sheik halted. Having dismounted with Mohammed, he
addressed a few loud words to the dromedary; it turned, and flew
homeward across the desert.
"It knows the way," said the sheik, smiling. "It will return alone
to Butheita."
They mounted the horses, and rode on swiftly through meadows, and
palm and sycamore groves.
The sheik now drew rein. "Do you see that black line standing out
against the evening sky? That is your camp. If you desire it, I will
accompany you farther. It rests with you to decide."
"I will ride on alone, sheik. Farewell, and accept this for your
hospitality."
He held out to the sheik a purse filled with gold-pieces. The latter
proudly rejected it.
"With one breath you say things that do not agree with each other.
You wish to pay me, and yet you say you have enjoyed my hospitality.
The guest does not pay, unless it be with love and friendship. If
you pay me in that way, I shall rejoice, and Butheita also, I know."
"O sheik, I thank you both for your hospitality, and will love you
and hold you in good remembrance. Farewell, sheik!"
He pressed his knees to his horse's flanks and rode off in a rapid
gallop. Evening had already sunk down when he approached the plain
where his soldiers lay encamped. He dismounted, and left his horse
to return alone.
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