Do you accept my offer ?" "Can you doubt," said I, with eagerness, "that I would avail myself of the services of any man, however displeasing to me, and worthless in himself?
How, then, can I avoid embracing the friendship of one so extraordinary in knowledge and intellect as yourself?
I do embrace it, and with rapture." The priest pressed my hand.

"But," continued he, fixing his eyes upon mine, "all alliances have their conditions: I require implicit confidence; and for some years, till time gives you experience, regard for your interests induces me also to require obedience.

Name any wish you may form for worldly advancement, opulence, honour, the smile of kings, the gifts of states, and--I--I will pledge myself to carry that wish into effect.

Never had eastern prince so faithful a servant among the Dives and Genii as Morton Devereux shall find in me: but question me not of the sources of my power; be satisfied when their channel wafts you the success you covet.

And, more, when I in my turn (and this shall be but rarely) request a favour of you, ask me not for what end nor hesitate to adopt the means I shall propose.