This lucrative branch of practice rendered it
necessary that Hartley should make the Oriental languages his study, in
order to hold communication with his patients without the intervention
of an interpreter. He had enough of opportunities to practise as a
linguist, for, in acknowledgment, as he used jocularly to say, of the
large fees of the wealthy Moslemah and Hindoos, he attended the poor of
all nations gratis, whenever he was called upon.
It so chanced, that one evening he was hastily summoned by a message
from the Secretary of the Government, to attend a patient of
consequence. "Yet he is, after all, only a Fakir," said the message.
"You will find him at the tomb of Cara Razi, the Mahomedan saint and
doctor, about one coss from the fort. Enquire for him by the name of
Barak el Hadgi. Such a patient promises no fees; but we know how little
you care about the pagodas; and, besides, the Government is your
paymaster on this occasion."
"That is the last matter to be thought on," said Hartley, and instantly
repaired in his palanquin to the place pointed out to him.
The tomb of the Owliah, or Mahomedan Saint, Cara Razi, was a place held
in much reverence by every good Mussulman. It was situated in the centre
of a grove of mangos and tamarind-trees, and was built of red stone,
having three domes, and minarets at every corner. There was a court in
front, as usual, around which were cells constructed for the
accommodation of the Fakirs who visited the tomb from motives of
devotion, and made a longer or shorter residence there as they thought
proper, subsisting upon the alms which the Faithful never fail to bestow
on them in exchange for the benefit of their prayers.
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