"
"Look at him" she commanded. "He is a man, Asad, and such a son as
another might take pride in. Is it not time he girt a scimitar about
his waist and trod the poop of one of thy galleys?"
"Indeed, indeed, 0 my father!" begged Marzak himself.
"What?" barked the old Moor. "And is it so? And wouldst thou go forth
then against the Spaniard? What knowledge hast thou that shall equip
thee for such a task?"
"What can his knowledge be since his father has never been concerned to
school him?" returned Fenzileh. "Dost thou sneer at shortcomings that
are the natural fruits of thine own omissions?"
"I will be patient with thee," said Asad, showing every sign of losing
patience. "I will ask thee only if in thy judgment he is in case to win
a victory for Islam? Answer me straightly now."
"Straightly I answer thee that he is not. And, as straightly, I tell
thee that it is full time he were. Thy duty is to let him go upon this
expedition that he may learn the trade that lies before him."
Asad considered a moment. Then: "Be it so," he answered slowly. "Shalt
set forth, then, with Sakr-el-Bahr, my son."
"With Sakr-el-Bahr?" cried Fenzilch aghast.
"I could find him no better preceptor."
"Shall thy son go forth as the servant of another?"
"As the pupil," Asad amended. "What else?"
"Were I a man, 0 fountain of my soul," said she, and had I a son, none
but myself should be his preceptor.
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