human
For me this day hath indeed been one full of events,
gpt
And for me also, he replied, without glancing towards me.
human
How sad it is that the daring Hamma, hero of a hundred fights, should have fallen in his valiant attempt to rescue thee!
gpt
Yes, I answered.
human
He fought bravely, indeed. But how didst thou know of his death?
gpt
I was awaiting thee outside the mosque opposite the Fada gate, with a horse for Hamma and thyself, he answered.
human
I saw him fall, and then I witnessed thy flight. I could not reach thee in time, but by the shouts of the janissaries I knew the direction thou hadst taken, and posted myself in readiness. Praise be unto Allah that thou hast escaped those fiendish brutes!
gpt
But it is all a mystery, I said.
human
Tell me who plotted my deliverance; why should it be attempted by an outlaw?
gpt
I know nothing, he replied,
human
Why?
gpt
Because thou art the Amin, and the Well-Beloved.
human
What dost thou know of me? I asked, in surprise.
gpt
Nothing, beyond the fact that thou, who hast undertaken a secret mission, fell into the hands of the slave-raiders and became a prisoner in the inner court of the Fada.
human
Then thou art aware of my mission?
gpt
I am aware that thou art a Roumi from across the sea.
human
Knowest thou Hadj Mohammed ben Ishak, the _imam_ of the Mesallaje?
gpt
Yes, I knew him. He was a man pious and full of learning.
human
What! hath the Avenger claimed him?
gpt
No. He hath gone on a journey.
human
On a journey? I cried in dismay.
gpt
When will he return?
human
I know not.