h
him with jealous eyes."

"Of course you can see him," said the doctor. "He will be in my room."

"Let's go, then, at once," said the professor. "I say, Ibrahim, there
need be no disguise about him. He is a Frank, and the Hakim's slave."

"Yes, that will do, Excellency," said the Sheikh. "The Hakim's skill as
a learned man and curer of the people's ills will cover all. If this
man is clever, too, as a barber every Moslem will look upon him as a
friend. Barber, surgeon, and the Hakim's slave. Yes, that will do."

Five minutes after the party were in the doctor's room, and upon the
bell being answered by a native servant, Sam was fetched from his
breakfast, to come up wondering, half expecting that something was
wrong.

"Sam," said the doctor gravely, "I wish you to shave this gentleman's
head."

"Certainly, sir. I'll ring for some hot water."

"No," said the professor; "we're going where hot water will be scarce--I
mean that sort of hot water. Do it with cold."

"Right, sir," said the man, in the most unruffled way, and slipping off
his coat he turned up his sleeves, placed a chair for the Sheikh, opened
the doctor's dressing-case, brought out shaving-box, strop, and razors,
and then made the old chief look a little askance as one of the latter
was opened, examined, and laid down, while the brush and shaving-box
were brought so vigorously into action, that in a very short time the
Arab's head was thoroughly lathered, and left to soak.

"I always prefer hot water, gentlemen," said Sam, confidentially; "it's
better for the patient, and better for the razor, for it improves the
edge. But these are splendid tools, as I know."

Whipping open one of the choice razors, and drawing the strop as if it
were a short Roman sword, Sam made the Sheikh wince a little as the
sharp blade was made to play to and fro and from end to end, changing
from side to side, and with all the dash and light touch of a clever
barbel, being finished off by sharp applications to the palm of the
operator's hand.

"There we are, sir," said Sam, who seemed to be quite in his element.
"Don't squirm, sir; I won't cut you, nor hurt you either. I was taught
shaving by a first-class hand."

"Don't talk so much, Sam," said Frank impatiently. "We want you to
shave this Arab gentleman carefully and well."

"Well, ain't I trying my best, Master Frank? Look at that, and look at
that, and that. Razor cuts beautifully."

As he spoke he