human
No, Bara Miyan. Though thy women be fair as the dawn over the Sea of Oman, and soft-eyed as the gazelles in the oasis of the _Wady el Ward_ (Vale of Flowers), not for us are they. We seek other rewards. Therefore will I ask thee still another question.
gpt
Thy question shall be answered, O Frank!
human
Is it true that the Caliph el Walid, in Hegira 88, sent forty camel-loads of cut jewels to Mecca?
gpt
That is true.
human
And that, later, all those jewels were brought hither?
gpt
Even so! It is also true that two Franks in Hegira 550, digged a tunnel into the Meccan treasury from a house they had hired in the guise of Egyptian _Hujjaj_. They were both beheaded, White Sheik, and their bodies were burned to ashes.
human
No doubt, the Master answered, nonchalantly.
gpt
But they had brought no rich gifts to the Meccans. Therefore, now speaking of these forty camel-loads of cut jewels, O Bara Miyan--
human
It is in thy mind to ask for those, White Sheik?
gpt
Allah giveth thee two hearts, Bara Miyan, as well as the riches of Karun. Surely, 'the generous man is Allah's friend,' and thy hand is not tied up.
human
To have two hearts (_dhu'kulbein_) signifies to be prudent, wise. Karun is the Arabic Croesus.
gpt
Thy hand is tied up