But I looked again upon my
leaf, and then I saw that thy name now was also upon my leaf, and that it
was neither green nor withered; but was a leaf that drooped as when an
evil wind has passed and drunk its life. Listen, O Kaid! Upon the tomb of
Mahomet I will set my lips, and it may be that the leaf of my life will
come fresh and green again. But thou--wilt thou not come also to the lord
Mahomet's tomb? Or"--he paused and raised his voice--"or wilt thou stay
and lay thy lips upon the cross of the infidel? Wilt thou--"
He could say no more, for Kaid's face now darkened with anger. He made a
gesture, and, in an instant, the man was gagged and bound, while a sullen
silence fell upon the crowd. Kaid suddenly became aware of this change of
feeling, and looked round him. Presently his old prudence and subtlety
came back, his face cleared a little, and he called aloud, "Unloose the
man, and let him come to me." An instant after, the man was on his knees,
silent before him.
"What is thy name?" Kaid asked.
"Kaid Ibrahim, Effendina," was the reply.
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