'
'Where is your order?'
''Tis here,' said the merchant, drawing it from his vest, 'a very
business-like document, drawn upon one Bostenay, whom they described as
very rich, and who is here enjoined to pay me five thousand dirhems, if,
in consequence of my information, Hassan Subah, that is yourself, return
forthwith to Hamadan without attacking them.'
'Old Bostenay's head shall answer for this.'
'I am glad of it. But were I you, I would make him pay me first.'
'Merchant,' said Hassan, 'have you any objection to pay another visit to
your friend Alroy?'
'Allah forbid!'
'In my company?'
'That makes a difference.'
'Be our guide. The dirhems shall be doubled.'
'That will make up for the fifty per cent. I hardly like it; but in your
company that makes a difference. Lose no time. If you push on, Alroy
must be captured. Now or never! The Jewish dogs, to rifle a true
believer!'
'Oglu,' said Hassan to one of his officers. 'To horse! You need not
strike the tents. Can we reach the city by sunset, merchant?'
'An hour before, if you be off at once.' 'Sound the drums. To horse! to
horse!' The Seljuks halted before the walls of the deserted city. Their
commander ordered a detachment to enter and reconnoitre.
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