My wealth was now worthless to me, and without hesitation I complied with their demands; and all I had was seized, save one small hoard, which was enough to keep me thus to the end of my days.

My wants are few: a handful of rice or grain a day, and I am satisfied.

I should have put an end to my life, were it not that, according to our religion, the suicide is accursed; and, moreover, I would fain live to see the vengeance that must some day fall upon the tyrant.
"After what I have said, it is for you to decide whether you think I can be trusted with your secret, for I am sure it is for no slight reason that you have come to this accursed city." Dick felt that he could safely speak, and that he would find in this native a very valuable ally.

He therefore told his story without concealment.

Except that an exclamation of surprise broke from his lips, when Dick said that he was English, the old man listened without a remark until he had finished.
"Your tale is indeed a strange one," he said, when he had heard the story.