book_id
stringlengths 2
6
| title
stringclasses 1
value | author
stringclasses 1
value | conversations
listlengths 1
5.07k
|
|---|---|---|---|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Allah! What's this? he exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rrisa--he's been here--and with a knife?--"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he is surely gone, he whispered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(It is Allah's will; may Allah be satisfied with him!)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What would I not give to have him back!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clouds on the horizon, my Captain. And I think there is a mountain range coming in sight. Would you care to look?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that is all nonsense! he tried to assure himself, as he took his binoculars from the rack and sighted at the forbidding, mysterious range."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Am I responsible for a Moslem's superstitions, or his fanatic irrationality?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Allah send a storm of sand--_jinnee_ to bury the poor chap, that's all I can wish now!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You understand, of course, that we may now be facing perils beyond any yet encountered. We have already upset all Islam, and changed the _kiblah_--the direction of prayer--for more than two hundred million human beings. The 'fronting-place' is now aboard _Nissr_."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are approaching what will probably be the final goal of this expedition; a city beyond unknown mountains; a city that no white man has ever yet seen and that few have even heard of. What the conditions will be there no one can tell; but--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not even Rrisa? put in the major."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faith, now's the time, if ever, to consult that lad!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Correct, for once,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Major, look well to your guns. For once you may have a chance to use them. I have put my various pieces of apparatus in good condition, and have improvised some new features. In addition, we have the second kappa-bomb."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I trust we shall not be driven to a fight. If diplomacy can win, there will be no bloodshed. Otherwise, our only limit will be the total destruction of these unknown people, or our own annihilation. It's a case, now, of win what we are after, or end everything right there, beyond those mountains!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By Allah! the major heard him mutter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It can't be true--the thing I've heard. Only a fable, surely! And yet--"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The city? asked Bohannan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That--can't be the city, can it, now? Faith, if it _is_, we're too late. Damn me, sir, but the whole infernal place is on fire! Just our rotten luck, eh?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I too have heard, my Captain. I too know the story of the Bara Jannati Shahr--but I have always thought it fable. Now, now--."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Faith! interrupted the major, with sudden excitement. He smote the rail a blow with an agitated fist."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If that doesn't look like gold, I'm a--."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gold? burst out the Master, unable longer to control himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course it's gold! And we--are the first white men in all the world to look on it--the Golden City of Jannati Shahr!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gold? stammered the major, and fell to gnawing his mustache, as he stared at the incredible sight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By God--gold? Sure, it can't be _that_!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It not only can be, but is! the Master answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The old legend is coming true, that's all. Have you no eyes in your head, Major? If that shine isn't the shine of gold, what is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, but the thing's impossible, sir! cried Bohannan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, man alive! If that's gold, the whole of Arabia would be here after it! There'd be caravans, miners, swarms of--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's obvious you know nothing of Moslem severity or superstition, the Master interrupted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is no Mohammedan beggar, even starving, who would touch a grain of that metal. Not even if it were given him. There's not one would carry an ounce away from the Iron Mountains. This whole region is under the ban of a most terrific _tabu_, that loads unthinkable curses on any human being who removes a single atom of any metal from it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, that's it, eh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that's very much it! And what is more, Major, no word of this ever gets out to the white races--or hardly any. Nothing more than vague rumors that barely amount to fairy stories. Even though I forced Rrisa to tell me the location of this city, he wouldn't mention its being gold, and I knew too much to ask him or try to make him. Why, he'd have been torn to bits before he'd have betrayed _that_ Inner Secret. So now you understand!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see, I see,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is surely a fitting spot for the exact geometrical center of Islam, the Master said to Leclair, as they stood looking down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My measurements show this secret valley to be that center. Mecca, of course, has only been a blind, to keep the world from knowing anything about this, the true heart of the Faith. The Meccans have been usurping the Black Stone, all these centuries, and these Jannati Shahr people have submitted because any conflict would have betrayed their existence to the world. That is my theory. Good, eh?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These people here evidently represent a far higher culture than any other Moslems ever known. Who ever saw a finer city--even not considering its material--or more wonderful cultivation of land?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arabia Felix."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Jerusalem of Solomon's day, thought the Master,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faith, but that looks like lotus-eating, all right, said the major, notching up his cartridge-belt another hole."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That looks like 'A book of verses underneath the bough,' with Fatima or Lalla Rookh, or the like, eh? He drew at a cigarette, and smiled with sweet visionings of Celtic exuberance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A golden city! Lord!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll do no dallying 'with Amaryllis in the shade,' in _this_ valley! the Master flung at him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nor any lotus-eating, either. To your stations, men! Wake up! Forget all about this gold, now--remember my orders! That's all you've got to do. The gold will take care of itself, later. For now, there's stern work ahead!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My men think they are surprised, he mused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What will these Jannati Shahr men think, when I have opened my little box of tricks and shown them what's inside?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden's"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damn it all, sir! the major exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When are you going to rip into them? They'll be on us, in three minutes--in two! Give 'em Hell, before it's too late! Stop 'em!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Major, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No machine-guns yet. You and your eternal machine-guns are sometimes a weariness to the flesh. He raised his voice, above the tumult of the approaching storm of men and horses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose you've never even heard of the _La'ab el Barut_, the powder-play of the Arabs? They are greeting us with their greatest display of ceremony--and you talk about machine-guns!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No mistakes now, men! No accidents! The first man that pulls a trigger at these people, I'll shoot down with my own hand!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We must give them a return salute, my Captain, he said in Arabic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To omit that would be a grave breach of the laws of host and guest--almost as bad as violating the salt!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is quite true, Lieutenant, he answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you for reminding me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Load with blanks, he commanded,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is well, _Effendi_! approved the lieutenant, his eyes gleaming with Gallic enthusiasm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These are no People of the Black Tents, no Beni Harb, nor thieving Meccans. These are men of the very ancient, true Arabic blood--and we must honor them!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In Allah's name, who are ye?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Franks,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Men of Feringistan? asked the aged Sheik."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what do ye here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We be fighting-men, all,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fighting-men, all, the Master repeated, while Leclair listened with keen enjoyment and the Legion stood attentive, with the white-burnoused horsemen giving ear to every word--astonished, no doubt, to hear Arabic speech from the lips of an unbeliever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have traveled far, from the Lands of the Books. Is it not meritorious, O Sheik? Doth not thy Prophet himself say: 'Voyaging is victory, and he who journeyeth not is both ignorant and blind?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see, O Frank, that thou hast read the Strong Book. Thou dost know our law, even though thou be from Feringistan. What is thy name?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Men know me only as The Master. And thine?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dost thou wish us well?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have come to bring ye wondrous gifts,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is well, assented Bara Miyan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But never before have the Franks come to this center of the Empty Abodes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even Allah had to say 'Be!' before anything was!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Allah made all men, he affirmed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mayhap the Franks and we be brothers. Have ye come by way of Mecca?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yea. And sorry brotherhood did the Mecca men offer us, O Sheik! So, too, the men of Beni Harb. Together, they slew five of us. But we be fighting-men, Bara Miyan. We took a great vengeance. All that tribe of Beni Harb we brushed with the wing of Azraël, save only the Great Apostate. And from the men of the 'Navel of the World'--Mecca--we exacted greater tribute than even death!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Abd el Rahman still lives?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He lives, Bara Miyan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where is the Great Apostate?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In our flying house, a prisoner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "First let us share the salt!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The salt--not yet, O White Sheik!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have brought thy people precious gifts,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ask him if this place is really all gold! Faith, if I could only talk their lingo! Ask him!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shall place you under arrest, if you interfere again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What saith the White Sheik?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only prayer in my own tongue, Bara Miyan. A prayer that thine and mine may become _akhawat_"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But if thou wilt not deliver Abd el Rahman to me, or test thy magic against my magic, then depart now, in peace, before the setting of the sun. I have spoken!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take him at his word, my Captain! murmured Leclair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can get no better terms. Even these are a miracle!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My opinion, exactly,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I accept,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Art thou, indeed, that Shaytan called Abd el Rahman, the Reviler?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sa'ad, commanded Bara Miyan,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Master, I see,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lead him away, thou and Musa. He was brought us by these _zawwar_ (visitors). Thy hands and Musa's are strong. Remember, no drop of blood must be shed in El Barr.[1] But let not the dog see another sun. I have spoken."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Plain."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thy magic against our magic! Say, O Sheik, dost thou dare accept that challenge?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The magic of the unbelievers against that of the People of the Garment! (Moslems!) cried he."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The magic! To the testing of the magic!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything now depends on the outcome of the approaching contest, said he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These people, irrespective of what we show them, will probably evince no surprise. If we allow any sign or word of astonishment to escape us, no matter what they do, they will consider us beaten and we shall lose all. There must be no indication of surprise, among you. Remain impassive, at all costs!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Remember the signals, now. One mistake on your part may cost my life--more than that, the lives of all the Legion. Remember!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Count on me, my Captain!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have one favor to ask of you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your life is worth everything, now. Mine, nothing. Let me subject myself--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hast thou, O Bara Miyan, he asked in a steady voice,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thou speakest to such a one, White Sheik!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take, then, a simitar of the keenest, and cut me down!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strike, son of the Prophet!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strike again, Bara Miyan, invited the Master."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The other arm, perhaps, may not have lost its cunning!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, by Allah! he replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know thy magic can numb the flesh, and it is a good magic. It is strong. But by the rising of the stars--and that is a great oath--the bullets of our long rifles can pierce thine unbelieving body!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then bring six of thy best riflemen and station them a dozen paces from me, the Master challenged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let them look well to their cartridges. It is not I who load the guns with bullets made of soft black-lead, as the _Effendi_ Robert-Houdin did long ago to the confusion of the Marabouts in Algeria. No, let thy men load their own rifles. But, and his voice grew mocking,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Load well, and shoot me this Frank!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(Even so!) replied one of the riflemen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Allah will make it easy for us!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have no fear, Bara Miyan, another said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not so easily shall El Kisa (the People of the Garment) be overcome by the Feringi!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Captain Alden,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ready, men of Jannati Shahr?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are ready, Unbeliever!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then fire!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "O Bara Miyan, said he,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thou must indeed be _Khalil Allah_ (a friend of Allah), he admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No doubt thou art a great _caïd_ in thy own country. It is strong magic, Frank. But now behold what mine _imams_ can do!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is an old trick, said he, indifferently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have seen hawks, much larger, come from under smaller cloths even in the great _suk_ (market-place) at Cairo."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let every Frank behold!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, said the Master,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is very old magic, said he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is told of in the second chapter of Al Koran, entitled 'The Cow;' only when Ibrahim did this magic he used four birds. Well, Bara Miyan, command thine _imams_ to do this ancient magic!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, O Sheik!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps now, O Bara Miyan, thou wouldst ask thine _imams_ to plant a date-stone, and make it in a few minutes bear fruit, even as the Prophet himself did? Try, if thou hast better fortune than with the birds! But have care not to be led into committing sin, as with these birds--for remember, thou hast shed blood and life hath not returned again, and El Barr is sacred from the shedding of blood!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The blood of believers is meant. Not of animals--or Franks!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And wilt thou make further trial with me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, by the Prophet! It is enough! The Master's soul warmed toward the honesty of this bluff old Arab."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thy magic is good magic. Give me thy salt, Frank, and take mine!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faith! the major's voice was heard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've landed half a dozen home runs, and they've never even got to second!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, O Bara Miyan! the Master smiled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now we will put away the things of magic, and talk the words of men. Here is my salt!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is done, said the Master."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now thou and I are _akhawat. Nahnu malihin._"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But only from this mid-day till noon of the morrow,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even so! Remember, though, that the salt is now in the stomachs of all thy people, both here and in the city, as it is in the stomachs of all my men!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will remember."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And now, O Bara Miyan, I will show thee the very great gifts that I have brought thee!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Some of us may go into the city. Let no man have any traffic with wine or women. If we commit no blunder, in less than twenty-four hours we shall be far away, each of us many times a millionaire. Watch your step!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Behold! cried the Master."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gifts without price or calculation! Holy gifts rescued from unworthy hands, to be delivered into the hands of True Believers!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "O, Bara Miyan, and people of Jannati Shahr, behold!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think, reflected the Master,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "a huge"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very Heavenly City"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "mask seemed somewhat to impress the Arabs, who whispered among themselves concerning it. But not one suspected the sex of this Frank. The"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God! If we only had the smallest of these things, what a fortune that would mean! What an incredible fortune!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We of the Empty Abodes are 'born on horseback.' But ye, white as the white hand of Musa (Moses) have houses that, so I have heard, move on iron roads. And I see now ye have flying houses. Wherefore horses are not dear to you, as to us. But I see that ye can ride like men. Well done! _Salaam_!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faith, though, the major whispered to"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Captain Alden, close behind him,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that we have eaten salt and are _akhawat_ brethren, said he,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This will put us at a very serious disadvantage, thought he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Remember now, men, no women and no wine! If this city is like the usual Arab towns, there will be neither in sight. But if not, and temptations arise, remember my orders! No drop of any kind of liquor--and no flirtation. I'll deal summarily with any man who forgets himself. There's everything at stake now, in the next hour or two. We can't jeopardize it all for any nonsense!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Keep your revolvers loose in the holsters, men, the Master added, as Bara Miyan gestured toward the slowly opening entrance of the citadel--a massive door as all doors seemed in Jannati Shahr; a door of gold reinforced with huge teak beams."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Watch for any sign of treachery, but don't shoot until I give the order. Then, shoot to kill! And whatever you do, stick together. Don't separate, no matter what the provocation! Now, follow me!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden that the Master's anxiety was now awakened. Here was a woman, not only exposed to risks of death, but also of capture by Orientals--and what it might mean to a white woman to be seized for some hidden harem in Jannati Shahr the Master knew only too well. He found a moment's pause to speak in a low tone to the"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Remember the mercy-bullet! said he."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If anything happens and there's any risk of capture--remember, the last one for yourself!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the worst comes, she whispered,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can at least share death together!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, O Frank! Bara Miyan was saying. The Olema's words recalled the Master to himself with a start."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Such food and drink as we men of El Barr have, gladly we share with thee and thine!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "May the peace be upon thee, all at once exclaimed Bara Miyan, gesturing for the Master to enter the vast hall."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peace, until the rising of the day!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And upon thee, the peace!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They recognize the Stone, right enough, thought he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As long as nothing happens to that, we hold the whip-hand of them. Our only real danger is that something _might_ happen to it. But a few hours, now, will end all this. And in a few hours, what can happen?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Keep together, men, the Master commanded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Group yourselves closely here, in the middle. Say nothing. Watch everything. Make no move without specific orders. If it comes to a fight, and I am killed, Leclair will command you. His knowledge of Arabic temporarily ranks him above Bohannan. Don't shoot unless it comes to hard necessity; but if you do shoot, make every bullet count--and save the last one for yourselves!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are these infernal murderers here for? growled he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ask the Sheik, will you? I thought you and he had eaten salt together! If this isn't a trap, it looks too damned much like it to be much of a picnic! Faith, this is a Hell of a party!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Silence, sir! commanded the Master; while Leclair, at his other side, cast a look of anger at the Celt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Diplomacy requires that we consider these men as a guard of honor. Pay no attention to them, anybody! Any sign of hesitation now, or fear, may be suicide. Remember, we are dealing with Orientals. The 'grand manner' is what counts with them. I advise every man who has tobacco, to light a cigarette and look indifferent. _Verb sap!_"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rather messy, eh?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden's"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faith, but this is a good imitation of Lotus-land, after all, he murmured to Janina, at his side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't mind boarding at this hotel for an indefinite period. Meals excellent; waitresses beat anything on Broadway; atmosphere very restful to wandering gentlemen. Now if I could only get acquainted with one of these lovely Fatimas, and find out where the bar is--the bar of El Barr! Very good! Faith, very good indeed!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, White Sheik, thou hast eaten of our humble food, and seen our dancing. Thou hast heard our song. Wilt thou also see jugglers, wrestlers, trained apes from Yemen? Or wilt thou take the _kaylulah_ (siesta)? Or doth it please thee now to speak of the gifts that my heart offers thee and thine?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let us speak of the gifts, O Bara Miyan, answered the Master, while Leclair listened intently and all the Arabs gave close heed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have not many hours more to stay in this paradise of thine. We must be away to our own Feringistan, in our flying house. Let us speak of the gifts. But first, I would ask thee something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Speak, in Allah's name, and it shall be answered thee!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The salt is still in thy stomach for us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is still in my stomach."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thou dost swear that, O Bara Miyan, by a great oath?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By the rising of the stars, which is a great oath!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And by the greatest oath, the honor of thy women?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yea, Frank, by the honor of my women! But thou and thine, too, have covenants to keep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What covenants, great Olema?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These: That no harm shall befall Myzab and the Great Pearl Star and the Black Stone, before thou and thine fly away to the Lands of the Books. Then, that no blood of our people shall be shed in El Barr, either the city of Jannati Shahr or the plain. These things thou must understand, O Frank. If harm befall the sacred relics, or blood be shed, then the salt will depart from my stomach, and we will be _kiman_,[1] and the _thar_[2] will be between thine and mine. I have spoken!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "These things be very clear to my heart, he answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They shall be treasured in my memory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is well. Now speak we of the gifts."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what things, began the Olema,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it permitted to tell thee that this gold, of which thou hast carved thy city--this gold which to thee is as stones and earth to the people of Feringistan--hath great value with us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is permitted, O Frank. This thing we already know. The old man frowned ominously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dost thou ask gold?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gold? he repeated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yea, that is what we ask! Gold! Give unto us what gold our flying house can carry hence to our own land beyond the salted seas, and we will depart. Before the rising of the stars we will be gone. And the peace be unto thee, O Bara Miyan, master of the gold!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yea, gold! the Master repeated with hard-forced calm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is the gift we ask of thee, for the Myzab and the holy Black Stone and Kaukab el Durri--the gift of gold!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "SONS OF THE PROPHET, SLAY!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not one grain can be taken from El Barr. The curses of Jehannun, of Eblis, rest on Arab or _Ajam_ who dare attempt it. Surely, such a one shall be put to the sword, and his soul in the bottom pits of Hell shall be taken by the feet and forelock and cast into the hottest flames! That soul shall eat of the fruit of the tree Al Zakkum, and be branded forever with the treasure he did attempt to ravish from us!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Remember, great Olema, we did bring thee the Myzab and Kaukab el Durri, and the holy Black Stone!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ask some other thing; and remember, if thou dost try by any magic to remove even a sand-grain of this gold, the salt will be no longer between thee and me. This must be added to the two things I have already told thee of, that would take away the salt!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will tell thee a great secret, O Frank. In this city lie the lost books of the Arwam (Greek) wise men and poets. When the Alexandrian library was burned by Amrou, at Omar's order, the four thousand baths of the city were heated for six months by ancient scrolls. I have heard that ye Feringi have greatly mourned the loss of the Arwam learning and poetry. Not all this treasure was lost, White Sheik!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then--?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Some twenty thousand of the most precious parchments were privately carried by our _Sufis_ to Medina, and thence, after many years, to Jannati Shahr. Here they still lie, in perfect form, clearly to be read. This is a treasure that would set the world of the Feringi ablaze and make thee as a god among thy people. Ask this gift, O Frank, and it shall be granted thee! For the mere asking, this treasure shall be thine!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "the Master exclaimed, with emphasis equal to the Olema's."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Bara Miyan, this cannot be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our dancing and singing maidens are like a flame of Paradise. Their enchantments make the heart of man glad with perpetual springtime. Choose, O Frank, two handmaids for thyself and for each of thy men, and let them be yours to go with you to your own country and to be your chattels and your sweet delights!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Captain Alden"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Bara Miyan. Though thy women be fair as the dawn over the Sea of Oman, and soft-eyed as the gazelles in the oasis of the _Wady el Ward_ (Vale of Flowers), not for us are they. We seek other rewards. Therefore will I ask thee still another question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thy question shall be answered, O Frank!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it true that the Caliph el Walid, in Hegira 88, sent forty camel-loads of cut jewels to Mecca?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that, later, all those jewels were brought hither?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even so! It is also true that two Franks in Hegira 550, digged a tunnel into the Meccan treasury from a house they had hired in the guise of Egyptian _Hujjaj_. They were both beheaded, White Sheik, and their bodies were burned to ashes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No doubt, the Master answered, nonchalantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But they had brought no rich gifts to the Meccans. Therefore, now speaking of these forty camel-loads of cut jewels, O Bara Miyan--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is in thy mind to ask for those, White Sheik?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Allah giveth thee two hearts, Bara Miyan, as well as the riches of Karun. Surely, 'the generous man is Allah's friend,' and thy hand is not tied up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To have two hearts (_dhu'kulbein_) signifies to be prudent, wise. Karun is the Arabic Croesus."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thy hand is tied up"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Remember, men, the Master warned his men as they penetrated the dim, golden-walled passage also lighted with sandal-oil _mash'als_--"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be ready for a quick draw. But whatever you do, don't be the aggressor. Watch your step!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This thing, O Frank, thou shouldst see, he remarked dryly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Above all, the inner chambers. Wilt thou go with me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will go, the Master answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lead the way!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here is a new trophy, just added to all that Allah hath placed in our hands, said he, gravely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are some three-and-twenty places yet left, to fill. Wilt thou see the new trophy?"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Abd el Rahman?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yea, the Apostate, answered Bara Miyan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At last, Allah hath delivered him to us of El Barr."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thou hast used a heavy hand on the Apostate, O Sheik."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We of Jannati Shahr do not anoint rats' heads with jasmine oil. Tell me, Frank, how many men hast thou?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Three-and-twenty, is it not so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yea, it is so. Tell me, Bara Miyan, this whole pyramid--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Skulls, yea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is the Pyramid of Ayeshah that I have heard strange tales of?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Pyramid of Ayeshah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No myth, then, but reality, the Master commented, fascinated in spite of himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even as the famous Tower of Skulls at Jerba, in Tunis!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thou hast said it, O Frank. Here be more than ten-score thousand skulls of the enemies of Islam, of blasphemers against the Prophet, of those who have penetrated the Empty Abodes, of those who have sought to carry gold from El Barr. It is nearly done, this pyramid. But there still remain three-and-twenty vacant places to be filled."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hast thou seen enough?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mine eyes are filled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And dost thou still ask rewards of gold?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nay, it is as I have already told thee; let the cut jewels of the Caliph el Walid suffice!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is well spoken. Let us descend."
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything is therefore quite satisfactory. But watch every move. If nothing breaks, in two hours from now we should be on our way. Again I caution you all, keep silent and make no move without my orders. The prize is at our very finger-tips. So long as we shed no blood and as nothing happens to the Myzab and the Black Stone, we are safe. But remember--_be careful!_"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, the old man asked,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even so!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come, then!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, O Master of the fighting-men of Feringistan! exclaimed the Olema."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In Allah's name, take of the gifts that I have already offered thee, and then in peace depart!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God above--! the major gulped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Captain Alden"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If that's the explosive, Bohannan cried,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sons of the Prophet! Slay me these dogs! Kill!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got _him_!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faith, but this is a grand fight! the major exulted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's Donnybrook with trimmings! He waved his big fists enthusiastically on high, and blinked his one good eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If a man can die this way, sure, what's the use o' living?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Steady men! Steady! the Master cautioned, reloading his gun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No time, now, for shouting. Load up! This fight's only begun!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, men! commanded the Master."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No chance to defend this position. They'll be in, directly. There are thousands of them in reserve! Away from here!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where the devil _to_? demanded the major, defiantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hang to it--give 'em blue Hell as they come through!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you're so keen on dying, he cried,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're more than even with them, so far, he exulted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've beaten them, so far! The rest will get us, all right enough, but Jannati Shahr will remember the coming of the white men!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Alden,"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "he grunted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An accident, eh? Something must have gone wrong--or did the brown devils attack? I hope our men outside made good slaughter of these Moslem pigs, before they died. Eh, my Captain?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it not possible that _Nissr_ and our men still live? That they will presently bombard the city? That they may rescue us?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They may live, he answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See! he cried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another door!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's some door, all right! judged Bohannan, peering at its dark wood, heavily banded with iron."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Faith, but they've got a padlock on that, big enough to hold the Pearly Gates!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is only a question, now, of the key,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Faith, _here's_ a trap! the Irishman continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A trap, for you! And thirteen rats in it! Lucky, eh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In Jananti Shahr, the memory of a sentence flashed to the Master,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But all he said was:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Light, here! Bring lamps!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If we put out all lights, we'll have the attackers at a disadvantage. We can account for fifty or more, before they close in. And--'Captain Alden,' sir! Where are you going? Back, here!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those two--they were guardians of this vault, of course! she cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here is the key!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, the grand fight! he shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "God, the grand old fight!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By Allah! a hoarse shout echoed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look, Mustapha! The Feringi!"
}
]
|
12265 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Feringi, Yusuf, cried another voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And they are alone! What meaneth this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(I know not), ejaculated still another."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But _kill--kill_!"
}
]
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.