The ship seemed about to sink, and his fellow-passengers who
had laughed at the Mulla’s warnings that they should prepare their
souls for the next world fell on their knees and cried out for help.
In their lamentations they were promising what they would do if
they were saved…
   ‘Steady, friends!’ shouted the Mulla. ‘Such prodigality with your
worldly goods! Avoid entanglement, as you have in your lives so far.
Trust me! I think I see land!’