In the midst of the exercises, and the attention they received from all the bystanders, Malluch came upon the ground, seeking the sheik.
"I have a message for you, O sheik," he said, availing himself of a moment he supposed favorable for the speech--"a message from Simonides, the merchant."
"Simonides!" ejaculated the Arab. "Ah! 'tis well. May Abaddon take all his enemies!"
"He bade me give thee first the holy peace of God," Malluch continued; "and then this despatch, with prayer that thou read it the instant of receipt."
Ilderim, standing in his place, broke the sealing of the package delivered to him, and from a wrapping of fine linen took two letters, which he proceeded to read.
[No. 1.] "Simonides to Sheik Ilderim.
"Assure thyself first of a place in my inner heart.
"There is in thy dowar a youth of fair presence, calling himself the son of Arrius; and such he is by adoption.
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