Arabian Nights and Days Read Online Free Page B

sparkling eyes and short beard.
    “The governor wants to see you.”
    His heart beat fast. He realized that he was going off to commit the gravest crime in the history of the quarter. Perhaps it worried him that Buteisha Murgan should be acquainted with the circumstances surrounding his visit, but he took reassurance in Qumqam’s promise.
    “Wait for me,” he said, “till I put on my clothes.”
    “I shall go ahead of you so as not to attract attention.”
    So the man was bent on keeping the secret nature of the meeting, thus facilitating his task. He began anointing himself with musk, while Umm Saad watched, nursing a sense of unease that had not left her since the night of the dream. She was held by a feeling that she was living with another man and that the old Sanaan had vanished into darkness. Without her noticing, he slipped into his pocket a dagger with a handle of pure silver that he had received as a gift from India.
XI
    Ali al-Salouli received him in his summer mansion at the governorate’s garden, appearing in a flowing white robe and with his head bare, which lessened the awe his position bestowed. A table stood in front of him on which were assembled long-necked bottles, glasses, and various nuts, dried fruits, and sweets, which gave evidence of conviviality. He seated him on a cushion alongside him and asked Buteisha Murgan to stay on.
    “Welcome to you, Master Sanaan, true merchant and noble man.”
    Sanaan mumbled something, hiding his confusion with a smile.
    “It is thanks to you, O deputy of the sultan.”
    Murgan filled three glasses. Sanaan wondered whether Murgan would stay until the end of the meeting. Maybe it was an opportunity that would not be repeated, so what should he do?
    “It’s a pleasant summer night,” said al-Salouli. “Do you like the summer?”
    “I love all seasons.”
    “You are one of those with whom God is content, and it is by His complete contentment that we start a new and productive life.”
    Impelled by curiosity, Sanaan said, “I ask God to complete His favor to us.”
    They drank, and became elated and invigorated from the wine.
    “We have cleansed our quarter of riffraff for you,” al-Salouli continued.
    “What firmness and determination!” he said with secret sadness.
    “We scarcely hear now of a theft or other crime,” said Buteisha Murgan.
    “Have you discovered who the culprit is?” asked Sanaan cautiously.
    “Those confessing to the crime number over fifty,” said al-Salouli, laughing.
    Murgan laughed too, but said, “The true culprit is doubtless among them.”
    “It’s Gamasa al-Bulti’s problem,” said al-Salouli.
    “We must also increase the exhortations at the mosques and at religious festivals,” said Murgan.
    Sanaan was beginning to despair, but then al-Salouli gave a special sign to Murgan, who left the place. Even so, the guards were dispersed throughout the garden and there was no way of escape. But not for an instant was he unmindful of Qumqam’s promise.
    “Let’s close the discussion of crimes and criminals,” said al-Salouli, changing his tone of voice.
    “May your night be a pleasant one, sir,” said Sanaan, smiling.
    “The fact is that I invited you for more than one reason.”
    “I’m at your disposal.”
    “I would like to marry your daughter,” he said confidently.
    Sanaan was amazed. He was saddened too about an opportunity that was fated to miscarry before it was born. He nevertheless said, “This is a big honor, the greatest of happiness.”
    “And I also have a daughter as a gift for your son Fadil.”
    Chasing away his bewilderment, Sanaan said, “He’s a lucky young man.”
    For a while the other was silent and then continued, “As for the final request, it relates to the public welfare.”
    There gleamed in Sanaan’s eyes an inquiring look, at which the governor said, “The contractor Hamdan Tuneisha is your relative, is he not?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “The point is that I have made up my mind to