"Give also the money to him to whom it belongs!" said the Greek.
"You may be as certain that it will reach him as if you gave it to him
yourself."
"And promise me that you will compel him to whom the letter is addressed
to accept the money."
"I will not leave his house till he has given me a voucher in writing
for it, and whenever you come back again to me here you will find it in
my possession."
"God be with you then, honest Mussulman!"
"Salem alek!"
Halil straightway ran home, clambered up to the roof by means of the
rope-ladder, found both the letter and the money under the carpet,
rejoiced greatly that they had not been stolen during his absence, and
thrusting them both into his satchel of reeds without even taking the
trouble to look at them, hastened off to the bazaar with them, where
there was an acquaintance of his, a certain money-changer, who knew all
about every man in Stambul, in order that he might find out from him
where dwelt the man to whom the letter entrusted to him by the stranger
was addressed.
Accordingly he handed the letter to the money-changer in order that he
might give him full directions without so much as casting an eye upon
the address himself.
The money-changer examined the address of the letter, and forthwith was
filled with amazement.
"Halil Patrona!" cried he, "have you been taking part in the Carnival of
the Giaours that you have allowed yourself to be so befooled? Or can't
you read?"
"Read! of course I can.
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