We
need not both remain here until our friends arrive. Suppose you go and
send your cablegram in peace. By the time you have written it we shall
be close behind you. Pray don't wait on my account. You see I want to
crow over Miss Fenshawe."
"Just as you like, ma'am," said Stump, lifting his cap awkwardly. He
went at the noisy mob like a battering-ram. "Sheer off, you black-an'-
tan mongrels!" he roared at them. "Go an' ax some one to play on you
with a hose-pipe. Jow, you soors! D'ye think the lady likes to be
pisened?"
He cleared a space, and rolled away towards the town. Hence, he did not
notice a gaunt Arab, whose flowing burnous and distinguished air
singled him out from the mixed gathering of nondescripts at the
landing-place, who bided his time until Mrs. Haxton looked in his
direction. Then he salaamed, with a courtly blend of deference and
hauteur, and she beckoned him instantly.
"You are Sheikh Abdullah?" she asked in French.
"Yes, madam," he replied, in the same language.
"You know the town well?"
"I have been waiting here two months.
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