A cool whiff of damp air came from the darkness of the riverside; it made Abdulla and Babalatchi shiver, and woke them up from their abstraction.
"Open the gate and go first," said Abdulla; "there is no danger ?" "On my life, no!" answered Babalatchi, lifting the rattan ring.

"He is all peace and content, like a thirsty man who has drunk water after many days." He swung the gate wide, made a few paces into the gloom of the enclosure, and retraced his steps suddenly.
"He may be made useful in many ways," he whispered to Abdulla, who had stopped short, seeing him come back.
"O Sin! O Temptation!" sighed out Abdulla, faintly.

"Our refuge is with the Most High.

Can I feed this infidel for ever and for ever ?" he added, impatiently.
"No," breathed out Babalatchi.

"No! Not for ever.