human
One Greek sculptured a hog on the Mosque of Omar, trying to make it into a _kanisah_ (unclean idol-house). My people discovered the sacrilege, and --he added with intent--
gpt
That is of no importance whatever, Rrisa, answered the Master with an odd smile.
human
What thy people do to the unbeliever, if they capture him, is nothing to me. For--dost thou see?--they must first make the capture. What I would most like to know is this: where is all that treasure, now?
gpt
I cannot tell you, Master.
human
At Mecca?
gpt
No, Master, not at Mecca.
human
Then where?
gpt
Not against the commands of thy sheik--and I am thy sheik!
human
The treasure, Master, is far to the south-east--in another city.
gpt
Ah! So there _is_ another city far out in Ruba el Khali, the Empty Abodes!
human
Yea, _M'almé_, that is so.
gpt
Then the ancient rumor is true? And it is from near that city that thou didst come, eh? By Allah's power, I command thee to tell me of this hidden city of the central deserts!
human
This thing I cannot do, my sheik.
gpt
This thing thou must do!
human
O Master! It is the secret of all secrets! Spare me this!
gpt
No Rrisa, thou must obey. Far inside El Hejaz (the barrier), that city is lying for my eyes to behold. I must know of it. Thy oath to me cannot be broken. Speak, thou!