Arabian Nights and Days Read Online Free Page A

and been obliterated, nothing being left of him but a confused mind that chewed over memories as though they were delusions.
    He became conscious of a clamor sweeping down the commercial street. It was Ali al-Salouli, governor of the quarter, making his way at the head of a squadron of cavalry, reminding people of the governor’s power and vigilance, a challenge to any disorder. As he proceeded hereplied to the greetings of the merchants to right and left. This was the man he had undertaken to kill. His heart overflowed with fear and loathing. This was the secret of his torment. It was he who had chosen to liberate the genie from his black magic. It was the genie alone who had done this. His escape was conditional on his doing away with al-Salouli. His eyes became fixed on the dark, well-filled face, pointed beard and stocky body. When he passed in front of the shop of Ibrahim the druggist, the owner hurried up to him and they shook hands warmly. Then, passing before Sanaan’s shop, he happened to glance toward it and smiled so that Sanaan had no choice but to cross over and shake him by the hand, at which al-Salouli said to him, “We’ll be seeing you soon, God willing.”
    Sanaan al-Gamali returned to the shop, asking himself what he had meant. Why was he inviting him to a meeting? Why? Was he finding the path made easy for him in a way he had not expected? A shudder passed through him from top to toe. In a daze he repeated his words, “I’ll be seeing you soon, God willing.”
IX
    When he lay down to sleep that night the other presence took control and the voice said mockingly, “You eat, drink, and sleep, and it is for me to exercise patience!”
    “It’s an onerous assignment. Those with such power as yourself do not realize how onerous,” he said miserably.
    “But it’s easier than killing the little girl.”
    “What a waste! I had long been thought of as among the best of the good.”
    “External appearances do not deceive me.”
    “They were not simply external appearances.”
    “You have forgotten things that would bring sweat to one’s brow with shame.”
    “Perfection is God’s alone,” he said in confusion.
    “I also don’t deny your good points, and it was for this that I nominated you to be saved.”
    “If you hadn’t forced your way into my life, I wouldn’t have got myself involved in this crime.”
    “Don’t lie,” he said sharply. “You alone are responsible for your crime.”
    “I don’t understand you.”
    “I really judged you too favorably.”
    “If only you’d just left me alone!”
    “I’m a believing genie and I told myself, ‘This man’s goodness exceeds his wickedness. Certainly he has suspicious relations with the chief of police and doesn’t hesitate to exploit times of inflation, but he is the most honest of merchants, also he is charitable and undertakes his religious devotions and is merciful to the poor.’ Thus I chose you to be saved, to be the saving of the quarter from the head of corruption, and the saving of your sinful self. Yet instead of attaining the visible target, your whole structure collapsed and you committed this repugnant crime.”
    Sanaan moaned and kept silent, while the voice continued, “The chance is still there.”
    “And the crime?” he asked helplessly.
    “Life gives opportunities for both reflection and repentance.”
    “But the man is an impregnable fortress,” he said in a voice clinging to a vestige of hope.
    “He will invite you to meet him.”
    “That seems unlikely.”
    “He will invite you—be sure and be prepared.”
    Sanaan thought for a while, then inquired, “Will you promise me deliverance?”
    “I chose you only for deliverance.”
    So exhausted was Sanaan that he fell into a deep sleep.
X
    He was getting ready to go to the café when Umm Saad said, “There’s a messenger from the governor waiting for you in the reception room.”
    He found the private secretary, Buteisha Murgan, waiting for him with his