He thought also there was more
intimacy of acquaintance betwixt the hermit and the Saracen than
the words of the latter had induced him to anticipate; and it had
not escaped him that the former had called the latter by a name
different from that which he himself had assumed. All these
considerations authorized caution, if not suspicion. He
determined to observe his host closely, and not to be over-hasty
in communicating with him on the important charge entrusted to
him.
"Beware, Saracen," he said; "methinks our host's imagination
wanders as well on the subject of names as upon other matters.
Thy name is Sheerkohf, and he called thee but now by another."
"My name, when in the tent of my father," replied the Kurdman,
"was Ilderim, and by this I am still distinguished by many. In
the field, and to soldiers, I am known as the Lion of the
Mountain, being the name my good sword hath won for me. But
hush, the Hamako comes--it is to warn us to rest. I know his
custom; none must watch him at his vigils."
The anchorite accordingly entered, and folding his arms on his
bosom as he stood before them, said with a solemn voice, "Blessed
be His name, who hath appointed the quiet night to follow the
busy day, and the calm sleep to refresh the wearied limbs and to
compose the troubled spirit!"
Both warriors replied "Amen!" and, arising from the table,
prepared to betake themselves to the couches, which their host
indicated by waving his hand, as, making a reverence to each, he
again withdrew from the apartment.
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