If any unforeseen event, whether an act of folly of my own, or the hand of Allah, who is wise, should destroy the peace of mind I have enjoyed for ten years, with very trifling interruption,--if anything should occur to make me permanently unhappy, beyond the possibility of ordinary consolation,--I should seek comfort in the study of the pure doctrines of the higher Buddhists.

The pursuit of a happiness, so immeasurably beyond all earthly considerations of bodily comfort or of physical enjoyment, can surely not be inconsistent with my religion--or with yours." "No indeed," said I."But, considering that you are the strictest of Mohammedans, it seems to me you are wonderfully liberal.

So you have seriously contemplated the possibility of your becoming one of the 'brethren'-- as they style themselves ?" "It never struck me until to-day that anything might occur by which my life could be permanently disturbed.

Something to-day has whispered to me that such an existence could not be permanent.

I am sure that it cannot be.