The latter, wise in Eastern ways, remained gravely unsmiling.

Never in all his dealings with the son of the East had he by word or look offended against Islam.

There was, however, iron determination in his eyes as he demanded: "Is it indeed true that in Mecca stands a building called the Ka'aba, also called _Bayt Ullah_, or Allah's House ?" "Yea, Master, that is true," answered the Arab, with strange eyes.
"And is it indeed covered with a wondrous silken and gold cloth, every year renewed, known as the _kiswah_ ?" "Those words are true." "All Moslems greatly revere the Ka'aba ?" "It is the center of our mighty faith, Master." "And thou hast seen it with thine own eyes ?" "With my own eyes, Master, for I am a _Hadji_.[1]" Attentively the Arab was now watching the Master.

Slowly he continued: "Prayer, with face to Mecca, alms-giving, the keeping of the fast of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to the Ka'aba, these are our law.

Yea, Master, I have myself seen the Ka'aba, and more than once!" [Footnote 1: Title among the Arabs and Moslems in general for one who has performed the pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey which every good Moslem considers necessary for salvation.] A certain trouble had now grown manifest in Rrisa's eyes.