The negro syces and other attendants
were inveterate gossips, and it would be strange if they had not told
him that some of their number were marching towards the sea with the
Hakim-Effendi and one of the Giaour women. What would happen were this
knowledge to come to Alfieri's ears? The man who had not scrupled to
order the pursuit and capture--the death, if need be--of Royson himself
and Abdur Kad'r, was not a stickler at trifles. It was reasonable to
suppose that he was making overtures of peace solely because his scouts
had revealed the size of the expedition. How would he act under these
fresh circumstances? Judging by the pact, there could be only one
answer.
"Now what is it?" pouted Irene, trying to assume an injured air when
she saw the grave look in her lover's face. "Perhaps you don't care for
the eleven o'clock idea? I thought you would like to sit and smoke, and
tell me everything that happened since--since I said good-by to you the
other evening, but, of course--"
"If you gaze at me so reproachfully, Irene, I shall kiss you now, this
instant, under the eyes of every man, horse, and camel.
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