_Nahnu malihin._" (We have eaten salt together.) "And the salt is still in thy stomach ?[1]" [Footnote 1: Some Arab tribes hold that the salt binds protection for only twenty-four hours and at the end of that time must be renewed, otherwise it is "not in their stomachs."] "Aye, Master.

You are still _dakhil_ (protected) to me." "Thou art mine to do with as I will ?" "I am the Master's!" "Treason to me, Rrisa, is treason to thy holy laws.

Surely, such treason would plunge thy soul far into the depths of Eblis.

When thy time cometh to walk across the burning pit, on the bridge as fine and sharp as the edge of a simitar, if it be laden with treachery to one who hath saved thy life and whose salt thou hast eaten, surely it shall not pass over, but shall fall.

Far into the deeps of Jehannum it shall fall, where the Prophet says: 'Stones and men shall be the fuel of the everlasting flame!'" "I am the Master's," repeated Rrisa, with trembling mouth.