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188 Taib listened to the inspired words of the holy marabout, and then he went to the harem and told the mother of his two sons what had been prophesied.

The two brothers grew up side by side, and when they had reached the age of manhood they went together on pilgrimage to behold the blessed towns of Mecca and Medina.

Now, Hadji Khassoum was a noble youth and a true Moslim; he was resigned unto Allah, pious and generous; he was an old man in prudence, but a youth in the might of his two strong arms; his face was as fair as the moon on the fourteenth day, and his body as slender and supple as a Damascan blade; his sword was triumphant in the cause of justice, and when he opened his mouth to speak, men would point at him and say: "Listen to the pilgrim whose words are like sweet liquid honey; he is indeed as wise as 'Asef."

Such was Khassoum, the son of Taib.

But his elder brother, Nassim, was shaped in the likeness of Eblis, the cursed father of lies; the fruit of his mouth was bitter and his sharp tongue darted forth venom like the unclean reptile found in the