If cool skill were worthy of success
they had earned it in full measure. In fact, the achievement would have
ranked high in the villainous annals of Massowah were it not for the
blind chance that separated Mulai Hamed from Royson two hours earlier.
The sun sank behind the highlands of Abyssinia while the Effendi
awaited the Governor's return in the guard-room of the fort. Thereupon
his guide, being an orthodox Mahomedan, faced towards Mecca, knelt by
the roadside, and bowed his forehead in the dust. Another devout
follower of the Prophet joined him, and the two chanted their prayers
in unison. It is said that hymns are seldom sung with such gusto as in
convict settlements, and, appraised by this standard, Mulai Hamed and
his casual companion were accomplished rascals, for they rattled off
the Salat and the Sunnah unctuously, and performed the genuflections
and prostrations of the Reka with military precision.
Then they exchanged news. Mulai Hamed, telling of the Giaours in the
hotel, was vastly surprised to hear from his brother Mussulman, a cook
in the fort, that two of the Effendis were prisoners.
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