"
The father and mother praised Antonio for his heroism. But Antonio was
only too glad to have saved Almira; and at night he thanked God for the
strength and courage which He had sent him to save a human life.
CHAPTER V
THE OFFER
In his whole life Antonio had never slept so peacefully as he did on
this night; never had he arisen from his bed in such a happy frame of
mind as on the following morning. He walked out into the garden and
gazed for a long time at the sun, just peeping over the hills; he
thought it had never shone so brightly. Never had the heavens appeared
so blue or the flowers more vivid. Each dewdrop, too, seemed to be more
brilliant. All nature proclaimed itself friendlier than ever. With the
fragrance of the flowers, his grateful prayer ascended to heaven. As he
went about gathering blossoms for the decoration of the house, he met
his master, Ashmed, who wished him a pleasant good-morning.
"Come with me; I have something important to tell you," said Ashmed.
He took Antonio affectionately by the hand and led him to a pathway
lined on both sides with flowering bushes, where they walked up and down
for a few moments in deep silence. After a short pause, Ashmed said: "I
am greatly indebted to you, Antonio. You have saved my child. Each
moment I realize your bravery more and more fully. From this hour you
shall no longer be my slave, but I will look upon you as my son. You
shall share all our joys."
For a moment Antonio seemed unable to utter a word, so completely was he
lost in thought and overcome with emotion.
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