But when I followed Hamoudi into the mosque, there were neither the sheikh nor any worshippers.

“There is the garden beneath the trees, Excellency,” said the Sheikh.

Then came the usual scene of hubbub with the sheikh, the camels, the porters, and the drivers.

No sooner had the Sheikh seen her than he became violently in love, and seemed to lose all regard for his religious duties.

The monks of Sheikh Mattai received him hospitably, and gave him lodging in their monastery.

One night Sheikh Bayazid went out of the town, and found reigning everywhere profound silence.