Argosy, Vol. 111, No. 1 — page 84: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

74 drunken of the well of truth, for that which is not there is surely vain!”’ “ Nay,” commented Rabbit, “ Allah is all-merciful, beneficent!” ‘“Thy words are shrouded in the cloak of night.” “Hath not our Lord so truly said that the unrighteous are like unto the flies in summer-time?”’ ‘“Verily they are more numerous than the stones upon the wayside!” exclaimed Rabbit. ‘ Is it not pleasing in the sight of Allah to correct the ways of the un- righteous?’’ “Allah is all-wise provident!” asserted Larbi, hopefully. *“ Much merit is there in the mending of evil ways!” agreed a third. “Is it not written that he of the faithful who entertaineth the infidel without just cause is unworthy of the blessings of Allah the Forgiving?” ‘‘ Behold the mantle of the Prophet hath descended upon the son of Bussulham!”’ jeered another impiously. “Js not the scoffer despised by Allah?” retorted Rabbit. ‘‘ Truly is it written that the third cup turneth men of holy mind to the chattering of the monkey!” “Verily!” snorted Larbi. ‘“‘ Thy words are as yet as empty as the brook in flood- time! ”’ ‘‘Let us then take upon us the manner of the lion of which thou hast such sore need, thou men of weak faith!”? commented Rabbit. ‘“Subhan Allah!” swore Larbi energet- ically to the music of the liquor, ‘‘ the stream of thy words at last enters the deep well of knowing!” “Truly Allah is merciful, forgiving, and loveth his children!”’ chanted another as he gazed fascinatedly at the silhouette of a tin cup against the stars. Clopp, clopp! smacked Larbi. ‘Of a truth hath the blood of the mountain-lion entered my vitals!” “ Yillah!”’ swore the second drinker, “ its my arm palsied for the lack of striking at the unrighteous!” “ By my father’s beard!” swore the next, “thy spirit of holiness grows apace within me!” THE ARGOSY. | “ A-ah!” sighed Wakid, “ verily it seems that the houris of paradise do mock me from the skies!” ‘“* By the beard of Mulai Idrees!” shouted Rabbit, “is the mantle of wisdom descend- ed upon this most unworthy son of my father!” ‘Songs of desire are upon my tongue, but my lips are sewn with kisses that are not yet!’ murmured Wakid, stretching luxuriously upon the mat. “Listen, O my brethren!” continued Rabbit, ignoring romantic youth. “ Allah in his mercy hath delivered into our hands the means of much merit, the chastening of sinners!” ‘“We are all sinners!” grave one in the shadow. merciful!” ‘“And the giver of many douro (dol- Jars)!” ‘By Allah!” quoth Larbi, sitting upon his haunches, ‘“ is not his voice sweeter than the lark above the corn field?” ‘“ Aye,” agreed another, “to be poor is blessed, but it payeth not the uxorious caid (local governor). May Allah burn him!” ‘“'Where is he who is unrighteously swol- len with douro that I may cause him to be acceptable unto Allah?” demanded Larbi impatiently. ‘“ Behold the tion roareth for the lamb that he may devour!’ commented the sardonic one. ‘Thy tongue is less melodious than the cry of the water-bearer in the market- place!” snapped Larbi. ‘“ Pour forth the honey of thy golden words, O anointed of Allah!” ‘Well thou knowest this unrighteous man!” obeyed Rabbit. ‘ Sheik Ben Ghali who dwelleth this night even at the village of Omar, the son of Shaib—” “By Allah!” exclaimed one man, “ hath Allah stricken thee with his blessing? Art crazy? Is he not Governor of Arzila, where indeed is his wealth stored?” ‘““Even so,” agreed Rabbit imperturba- bly. “ But thou art like unto one who condemneth the ground ere he hath sought for the well!” : ‘““ Aye, the yapping of the jackal,” quoted Larbi, “‘ deflecteth not the lion from his mumbled the “But Allah ts GOMIIG OOO S (CO