Even I who am but a humble Christian, can, by virtue of my religion, do some of these.

But you, since your religion is superior, can no doubt do far more, and so I beg you to give us a sign that we may be able to say that we know that the religion of Islam is the more powerful." Behind all his dignity and reserve, the Arab has a good fund of curiosity.

The hush among the listening Arabs showed how the words of the Frenchman as translated by Mansoor appealed to them.
"Such things are in the hands of Allah," said the priest.

"It is not for us to disturb His laws.

But if you have yourself such powers as you claim, let us be witnesses to them." The Frenchman stepped forward, and raising his hand he took a large, shining date out of the Moolah's beard.