AGA-REHIM. You seem very much astonished at it, Aga-Bechin, but the most Holy Majesty of God chooses for their merit, and places at the head of their contemporaries, those of his servants whom he has distinguished by special favor. Now, the most Holy Majesty of God has distinguished the President of the Tribunal with quite extraordinary gifts in regard to the knowledge of affairs. Would you like to know what this really is? It is not inspiration; it is, to my mind, a special gift of grace from God. AGA-DJEBBAR. Yes, you have the choice of the two opinions, either of which may be maintained. Is it not so, Aga-Merdan? AGA-MERDAN. Undoubtedly. It is certainly so. AGA-REHIM. Aga-Merdan, how is the little boy of Hadji-Ghafour getting on? AGA-MERDAN. Very well, thank God. His mother understands it all, and he will come as soon as he is summoned to appear. AGA-DJEBBAR. He must be fully seven months old, is he not? AGA-MERDAN. Yes, exactly seven months. THE PRESIDENT. How is this? Does a son survive Hadji-Ghafour? They told me that he had no child. AGA-BECHIN. But he had one, my lord; you have been misinformed. He left a little boy who is as beautiful as a crescent moon. Yesterday, as we returned from prayer, we saw him on the doorstep in the arms of his nurse. AGA-MERDAN. He and Hadji-Ghafour are as much alike as two halves of an apple. AGA-SETTAR. Do you recall, my lord, the features of Hadji-Ghafour? THE PRESIDENT. Yes, it is not so long since he died. AGA-SETTAR. Well, when you see the face of this child you would think at first sight that you beheld that of Hadji-Ghafour. THE PRESIDENT. I did not know that. It is very good. But tell me, Aga-Merdan, if there is a son of Hadji-Ghafour living, it is a waste of time to open the case. It is evident that the fortune of his father ought to revert to this child, and in such a case the other relatives and collateral heirs have no claim upon it. AGA-MERDAN [_in a tone of perfect humility_]. My lord, if I recounted to you the reason on which their claims are based, you might doubt of my sincerity. But Aga-Bechin will tell you the whole story.