And he, being as poor as they were, though he might have been so rich, cheered them always, even when they murmured against him, as Absalam had cheered his little fellowship at Tetuan: "God will feed us as He feeds the birds of the air, and clothe our little ones as He clothes the fields." Such was the man whom Israel went out to seek.

But Israel knew his people too well to make known his errand.

His besetting difficulties were enough already.

The year was young, but the days were hot; a palpitating haze floated always in the air, and the grass and the broom had the dusty and tired look of autumn.

It was also the month of the fast of Ramadhan, and Israel's men were Muslims.