After proceeding down several streets, they arrived at the
burial-ground, where they had conversed in the morning; and when they
had entered that more retired spot, the eunuch fell back, and addressed
his companion.
"Now, worthy Hakim," he said, "if you deceive me, I will never
patronize a man of science again. I found an opportunity of speaking
to the Prince this afternoon of your talisman, and he has taken from my
representations such a fancy for its immediate proof, that I found it
quite impossible to postpone its trial even until to-morrow. I
mentioned the terms. I told the Prince your life was the pledge. I
said nothing of the moiety of the reward, worthy Hakim. That is an
affair between ourselves. I trust to your honour, and I always act
thus with men of science."
"I shall not disgrace my profession or your confidence, rest assured,"
replied Iskander. "And am I to see the captive to-night?"
"I doubt it not. Are you prepared? We might, perhaps, gain a little
time, if very necessary,"
"By no means, sir; Truth is ever prepared.
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