To speak in the style of the period, the meeting just described took place in the year of Rome 747.

The month was December, and winter reigned over all the regions east of the Mediterranean.

Such as ride upon the desert in this season go not far until smitten with a keen appetite.

The company under the little tent were not exceptions to the rule.

They were hungry, and ate heartily; and, after the wine, they talked.
"To a wayfarer in a strange land nothing is so sweet as to hear his name on the tongue of a friend," said the Egyptian, who assumed to be president of the repast.