to his mind. There lived at Tantah an old uncle, whom he had not seen for eighteen years, and who was said to be rich.
"I am little Rajeb."
"I will look him up," thought Rajeb, "and beg of him to lend me the three thousand piastres; he will not, surely, refuse!" And he longed for the day, that he might set out upon this hopeful quest.
Morning dawned at length, and Rajeb started on his journey. In order both to be and to appear economical, he walked all the way. Just as he reached the first houses of Tantah, he met some boys, of whom he inquired for his uncle, "the rich Jousoff." "The rich Jousoff!" echoed they, in derision; "say, rather, 'the beggarly old miser Jousoff,' who hates to fling away a bone after he has picked it clean."
At these words the youth's heart sank within him. However, he asked one of the lads to take him to his uncle's house. There he beheld a withered, ragged, dirty old man, who saluted him roughly with—
"What do you want?"
"Oh, dear uncle!" exclaimed Rajeb; "do you not remember me? I am your sister's son, Rajeb—little Rajeb, whom you used to love. I have come to see you. How are you, dear uncle?"
"Oh, I'm quite well," said the old man; "quite well, but very poor. I shall be unable to offer you very splendid hospitality."
"What of that?" returned Rajeb, cheerfully. "Both riches and poverty come from heaven."
"The two supped on detestable cheese and black bread."
Thus conversing, they entered Jousoff's room, which was exceedingly dark and dingy, and contained no furniture but an old mat and a jar of water. Neither pipes nor coffee were to be seen. Rajeb, however, was goodhumoured and apparently contented. The two supped that evening upon a morsel of detestable cheese and some crusts of coarse black bread. The cheese was an unusual luxury, procured especially for the occasion, and the neighbours who saw the old man go out and buy it could scarcely believe their eyes. Rajeb was not accustomed to rich fare, but after his toilsome journey he really stood in need of a good substantial supper. When the meagre meal was ended, he tried to guide the conversation into a channel suitable for the introduction of his request. The old man quickly understood his hints. Anticipating his purpose, he cried, "I am a beggar! No dervish is poorer than I! All the world robs me. I have spent my last para upon a supper for you. I am ruined!" By glowing descriptions of the girl's beauty and his own passion of love for her, Rajeb strove in vain to soften the miser's heart. Finding
