“No, no!” cried Orion.  “I know that Benjamin is my foe; but I have lost a beloved parent, and I believe in a meeting beyond the grave.”

“So do I,” replied the Moslem.  “And there is but one Paradise and one Hell, as there is but one God.”

“What gives you this conviction?”

“My faith.”

“Then forgive me if I cling to mine, and hope to see my father once more in that Heaven. . . .”

“The heaven to which, as you fools believe, no souls but your own are admitted!  But supposing that it is open only to the immortal spirit of Moslems and closed against Christians?—­What do you know of that Paradise?  I know your sacred Scriptures—­Is it described in them?  But the All-merciful allowed our Prophet to look in, and what he saw he has described as though the Most High himself had guided his reed.  The Moslem knows what Heaven has to offer him,—­but you?  Your Hell, you do know; your priests are more readier to curse than to bless.  If one of you deviates by one hair’s breadth from their teaching they thrust him out forthwith to the abode of the damned.—­Me and mine, the Greek Christians, and—­take my word for it boy—­first and foremost you and your father!”

“If only I were sure of finding him there!” cried Orion striking his breast.  “I really should not fear to follow him.  I must meet him, must see him again, were it in Hell itself!”

At these words the Vekeel burst into loud laughter, and when Amru reproved him sharply the negro retorted and a vehement dialogue ensued.

Obada’s contumely had roused Orion’s wrath; he was longing, burning to reduce this insolent antagonist to silence.  However, he contained himself by a supreme effort of will, till Amru turned to him once more and said in a reserved tone, but not unkindly: 

“This clear-sighted man has mentioned a suspicion which I myself had already felt.  A worldly-minded young Christian of your rank is not so ready to give up earthly joys and happiness for the doubtful bliss of your Paradise and when you do so and are prepared to forego all that a man holds most dear:  Honor, temporal possessions, a wide field of action, and revenge on your enemies, to meet the spirit of the departed once more after death, there must be some special reason in the background.  Try to compose yourself, and believe my assurances that I like you and that you will find in me a zealous protector and a discreet friend if you will but tell me candidly and fully what are the motives of your conduct.  I myself really desire that our interview should be fruitful of advantages on both sides.  So put your trust in a man so much your senior and your father’s friend, and speak.”

“On no consideration in the presence of that man!” said Orion in a tremulous voice.  “Though he is supposed not to understand Greek, he follows every word I say with malicious watchfulness; he dared to laugh at me, he. . .”

“He is as discreet as he is brave, and my Vekeel,” interrupted Amru reprovingly.  “If you join us you will have to obey him; and remember this, young man.  I sent for you to impose conditions on you, not to have them dictated to me.  I grant you an audience as the ruler of this country, as the Vicar of Omar, your Khaliff and mine.”