The Mercy of Allah #264910

By all means, said Mahmoud, who was ever ready to describe his own talents and success. Send the little fellows round to me to-morrow about the hour the public executions take place before the Palace, for by that time I shall have breakfasted, and shall be ready to receive them. The Surgeon, with profuse thanks, left his brother and conveyed the good news to the seven lads, who stood in order before him with the respect for parents customary in the Orient, each placed according to his size and running in gradation from eight to sixteen years of age. Upon the morrow, therefore, the Surgeon's seven sons, seated gravely upon crossed legs, formed a semi circle at the feet of their revered relative, who, when he had watched them humorously and in silence for some moments, puffing at his great pipe, opened his lips and spoke as follows.