Opening Framing Device:A Holy Man (or Imam) (Charles Belcher) was seated in front of a young boy.He was stirring a steaming pot next to him, and then pointed into the starry sky of the night desert to emphasize an inscription written there - with the platitude:HAPPINESS MUST BE EARNEDThis was followed by a quotation allegedly from the Koran:Praise be to Allah - the Beneficent King - The Creator of the Universe - Lord of the Three Worlds!The KoranAlso, there was a quotation from the Introduction to he Arabian Nights:Verily the works of those gone before us have become instances and examples to men of our modern day, that folk may view what admonishing chances befel other folk and may there-from take warning.He heard only the mention of the words "apple core" - an imperceptible detail that becomes much more significant later.[She deludes herself about her father's interest in her and his occupation - a diplomat in Washington....They were paid to come, so they can't go away." And then Sister Briony from the dispensary burst in with similar news: "The General's clerk has orders to pay everybody who comes to my dispensary.