This explains the writer’s experience of becoming friends with someone they have had trouble with in the past.
the question say Do you think that is to long to travel for a weeklong trip?
the correct word should be DO YOU THINK THAT IS TOO LONG TO TRAVEL FOR A WEEKLONG TRIP?
I think the Arabs think that Santiago and the alchemist are spies. They allowed Santiago and the alchemist to keep the treasure because both have claimed that treasure doesn't have to be something material. The treasure can be something spiritual.