Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/89

Rh The bidders began to make offers. At that moment one of the Princes of the King of the land passed by, and when he saw Elijah he returned and resolved to buy such a noble-looking slave for the King his master. The bidding went on and the Prince offered eighty pieces of gold. Whereupon Elijah whispered to his poor friend,—

"Sell me now to this bidder: do not accept a higher price."

He did just as Elijah told him and accepted the eighty pieces of gold and immediately gave one to his generous benefactor. The latter returned it, saying,—

"Now take this coin and live by means of its blessing; it will enable you and all your family to exist in comfort. Want and poverty shall never again trouble you all the days of your life. We will now part, and I wish you God's blessing."

The poor man thanked Elijah with tears in his eyes. He said,—

"I grieve to think you should allow yourself to become a slave just to help me and my family. I have done just as you told me because I seem to feel that you are wiser than I am. You said I should see you again within twenty-four hours. I do not see how that will be possible now that you are a slave."

"You will see me within the appointed time; till then farewell."

Elijah then went away, following his new master.