human
For many moons have I dwelt within thy land, O mighty Sultan of the Sahara, I said.
gpt
Though I have ever acted with honour towards thy people of Al-Islam, yet I am far spent with travel, and clothed with calamity as with a garment. Why seekest thou my death?
human
Have I not already told thee? Thou hast filched from us the wondrous secret power by which we vanquished our enemies; the unseen force that hath enabled us to rule the Desert. While thou remainest alive, of a surety ruin and extinction threaten us.
gpt
But I am, alas! ignorant of thy strange allegation, I said, earnestly endeavouring to get the angry Arab to speak more calmly.
human
By what means have I taken from thee this extraordinary influence that once was thine? Tell me, for a slave may not be condemned for an unknown crime.
gpt
Thou knowest well, he answered distinctly, with loud emphasis and glittering eye, placing one hand upon the hilt of his jewelled _jambiyah_, and standing erect with regal air.
human
It is useless for thee to deny deeds which have worked our defeat, and actions that must ere long be the cause of our downfall.
gpt
I deny nothing, O mighty Sheikh of the Ennitra, I protested.
human
Years ago, thy valiant race filled me with admiration, and because of that, I learned to speak thy tongue, and read the commands of the Prophet. Times without number have I been the willing servant of thy people of Al-Islam; nay, even to-day have I brought hither under my protection a fair woman of thy tribe, whom I assisted to escape from a harem in the land of thine enemies.
gpt
A woman? he exclaimed, with an expression of surprise, and, turning to his attendants, asked,
human
Who is she?
gpt
She is named Halima, O Master, answered Labakan.
human
To me hath she explained that the Infidel intended to convey her to his own land, and only by a ruse did she succeed in getting to our camp. He carried her off from the harem of the Sheikh of the Kel-Fade, in order to possess her himself.
gpt
Miserable parasites! ejaculated Hadj Absalam angrily, on hearing the mention of the hostile tribe,
human
May their vitals be devoured by insects, and may their bodies be given unto the wild beasts! Did the chief of these locusts of the sands hold our kinswoman in bondage?
gpt
Yes, I answered.
human
We escaped from the palace of the Sheikh together.
gpt
Behold, O Master! said the bandit who had attempted to kill me.
human
He admits that they journeyed in company. He tried by force to cause her to fly with him across the Atlas and beyond the sea, unto the land of the Infidels.
gpt
It's a lie! I shouted warmly.
human
Bring her hither, and let her, O Sheikh, relate unto thee her story.
gpt
Already she hath told it, the old chieftain replied.
human
Already thou art proved to be no respecter of our women, for thine eyes have defiled their unveiled faces, and by thy speeches hast thou caused them to forget the commands of the Prophet, and look upon thee, a white-faced son of offal, with favour.
gpt
My acquaintance with any woman of thy race will not preclude her from drinking of the fountain of Salsabil,
human
Thou wilt deny next that thou hast ever spoken with our beauteous Daughter of the Sun!
gpt
I deny not my actions, neither shall I attempt to refute the allegations made against me by a murderer,