"Yet, because I have pity on you, I will be content with very little.

Give me that basket of fruit, for my wife has been sick and loves its taste." "I cannot do that, Master," answered the woman, "for it is sent by my hand as a present to the Messenger, and he knows this and will eat of it after he has made prayer to-day.

Did I not give it to him, it would be discovered that I had left it here with you." "Then begone without your medicine," said Hokosa, "for I need such fruit." The woman rose and said, looking at him wistfully:-- "Master, if you will be satisfied with other fruits of this same sort, I know where I can get them for you." "When will you get them ?" "Now, within an hour.

And till I return I will leave these in pledge with you; but these and no other I must give to the Messenger, for he has already seen them and might discover the difference; also I have promised so to do." "As you will," said Hokosa.

"If you are with the fruit within an hour, the medicine will be ready for you, a medicine that shall not fail.".