but let me think over the pros and cons of the case. Am I a prophet? No, I am not; therefore I am not bound to cut it down. Am I commanded to do so? No, Then if I do not do it I shall not be guilty of the iniquity. Should I accept his proposal? No doubt from the religious point of view it is more useful. No doubt. I think I should accept it: yes, I must." Thus the two pledged their words and the hermit returned. Next morning he found the two dinars at his bed side and was highly pleased. Another morning the glittering gold was there, but on the third morning the hermit searched for them in vain. His fury knew no bounds, He rushed for his axe, and hurried with it towards the place of idolatry. Satan again met him in the way as before. "Thou wretch, thou arch-devil", cried out the hermit "wilt thou prevent me from my sacred duty?" "You cannot do it, you dare not do it", retorted the Evil one. "Hast thou forgotten the
