"For if they thought that you had really fled from death from a love of life, they would have felt such contempt for you that serious harm might have happened." "Yes," said I; "but among the Kosekin what you call harm would probably have been just what I want.

I should like to be viewed with contempt, and considered unworthy of death and the Mista Kosek, and other such honors." "Oh yes," said Layelah; "but that doesn't follow; for you see the paupers love death so intensely that they long to bestow it on all; and if they knew that you were afraid of it, they would be tempted to bestow it upon you immediately, just to show you how delightful a thing it is.

And that was the very thing that I was trying to guard against." "Well," said I, "and what is the result?
Do you know what their decision is ?" "Yes," said Layelah.
"What is it ?" I asked, eagerly.
Layelah hesitated.
"What is it ?" I cried again, full of impatience.
"I'm afraid it will not sound very pleasant to you," said Layelah, "but at any rate your life is spared for the present.

They have decided to give you what they call the greatest possible honors and distinctions." Layelah paused, and looked at me earnestly.

For my part these words sounded ominous, and were full of the darkest meaning.
"Tell me all," I said; "don't keep me in suspense." "Well," said Layelah, "I'm afraid you will think it hard; but I must tell you.