Talbot Mundy

“ It is doubtless written whether I am to die or not at this time; but the consequence of that is also written and the fruits of the tree of friendship, Ali Baba, are always sweeter than the excrements of enmity!”
“What can I do? I am old. And the fire is laid!”
“Can the old not keep their promises? Are the old ungrateful? Do the old, because they are old, forget their friends?”
“Nay, Jimgrim, on the contrary! But you must not be too hard with me.”
The only thing about Grim that suggested militarism was his uniform. ”

“ The man went off at a run and Grim sat down in the window-seat.
“Come and sit by me, Ali Baba. Now, you infernal old scoundrel, let’s understand each other. I’m going to watch you like a fox stalking a bird, and I warn you not to make one signal to your gang. If you want to know what I’ll do if you disobey me, just make one signal to your gang and see! These boys here made a mistake, didn’t they, when they clapped you in jail? That gave you a chance to stir ructions, didn’t it? And get rescued and fill your caves with loot after the rioting. ”

“ Tell him to think rather on damnation that awaits him after death!” said Ali Baba, turning his back. “I offered you tea in the jail, Jimgrim.”
Grim chuckled.
“Shall I order tea? It’s too bad the Koran forbids wine.”
“Whisky is not wine. I have read the Koran through two hundred times and never found the word whisky mentioned in it.”
Grim set a whisky bottle down on the table in front of him and the old man helped himself to a tumblerful.
“Now,” said Grim, “we’ll send for your sixteen sons and grandsons. Write them an invitation.” ”

“ They will come.”
“Ali Baba, the thief!”
“Ali Baba ben Hamza, the captain of thieves!”
The old man made that boast as proudly as ever Roman captain gloried in his legion, and Grim smiled comprehendingly.
“You’re not going to be here when they come, old friend. We’ll save them the trouble of pulling the jail down.”
“Ah! That is wisest, Jimgrim. To spoil this good jail were a pity. And there are mean rascals in here whom they would release, but who ought to remain for the hangman. It is best to let me go; you were always a man of discernment.” ”

“ I will pay two lives. Nay, I will do better; I will repay fifteen for the two! Seventeen for two! Thy life, Jimgrim, and the two youngsters who have tried to rule here and these—even this Jew—the doctor at the mission hospital and the woman who helps him and your ten policemen ”

“ Shall a river turn backwards in its course because Jimgrim bids it and seventeen thieves stand with him and say yes?”
“What is your story then, about you and your sixteen working miracles?”
“That is different. That is the fire-gift that we won by entering the tomb of Abraham.”
“You’ve been using it by all accounts to stir up the city for a massacre of Jews.”
“Truly. Fire begat fire in men’s hearts. Shall it now put out the fire it lit?”
“Certainly.”
“Allah! Shi muhal! You speak in riddles, Jimgrim!”
“Not I. Tell your sons and grandsons to repeat their miracle tonight. ”

“ I am not willing to be enriched with your goods, lest you should meditate envy and bring evil into the world; for the little are envious and only the great have understanding. I give you back your watch. ”

“ But as you don’t propose to murder any Jews yourself, or at any rate don’t intend to be seen murdering them, and have plenty of friendly witnesses in any case, you yourself expect to get off scot-free with lots of loot. ”

“ Does it bid return evil for good? Does it say in the Koran that a captain of thieves has no honor and need not keep promises? What are you and I—friends or enemies?”
“Jimgrim, you know I am your friend! All my sons and grandsons are your friends. You know it!”
“That is what I have been told, but I have yet to see it proved.”
“What can I do? I am an old man. Can I stay a massacre by wagging a gray beard in the suk?”
“That remains to be seen. I will tell you what I have done. I have a true friend in Jerusalem—a friend unto death. Also, those in authority in Jerusalem listen when I speak ”