CHAPTER XII.
IN WHICH IS REPORTED SOME CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE NOBLE SARABOUL AND HER FIANCÉ.
WHEN Ahmet rejoined his companions, the final arrange- ments for supping first and sleeping afterwards had been completed. The sleeping-apartment, or rather the common dormitory, was the cavern, which, high and spacious, contained many convenient recesses wherein each member of the party might repose at his or her pleasure, comfort- ably. The dining-room was the level plain outside, where- on were scattered boulders and stones, which would serve admirably for tables and chairs.
Some provisions had been taken from the cart which had been drawn by the little donkey. The latter was amongst the number of the convives, having been specially invited by his friend Kéraban. A little forage, on which the animal had made an excellent meal, sufficed for his part of the feast, and he brayed his satisfaction. "Let us have supper," cried Kéraban, in a cheerful tone "let us sup, my friends. Let us eat and drink at our ease. There will then be so much less for this brave little donkey to drag to Scutari."
