ichael and Abdul talked together in low accents and in
English. What had the _Omdeh's_ news really meant?

In Abdul's heart there was little doubt as to who had found it, if
there was any truth in the rumour. Even if they divided the wealth of
the treasure by a hundred, and made all due allowances for native
exaggeration, it still seemed as though the treasure was one of unusual
importance.

"Then you believe there is truth in the report that the treasure has
been found, Abdul?"

"Who but the spy of Madam could have known of it, Effendi? and
certainly this rumour is disturbing."

"Some natives might have hit upon it by accident. Such things have
happened before."

"_Aiwah_, Effendi." Abdul smiled his unbelieving, unpleasant smile.
"Just at this particular time, after all these thousands of years, the
coincidence would indeed be strange."

"Then you believe, Abdul, that Madam has anticipated us? that she has
secured the treasure?"

"_Aiwah_, Effendi, I do, if there is any truth in the story. And if
there is not, it is very strange that such a rumour should have been
started at this moment."

"I agree," Michael said. "And yet something in my heart tells me that
Madam has not done the deed."

"The little voice, Effendi, it is always true, it knows. If the little
voice counsels, always obey it."

"It tells me, Abdul, that in this one instance Madam is innocent. I
agree with you that if the treasure has been found, it is passing
strange and points only to one thing. And yet, if I was to lay my hand
on the Holy Book and swear my belief, it would not be that she was
guilty of this piece of treachery."

"If Madam has not anticipated the Effendi, then the treasure is intact!
The rumour is false. It is strange what wonderful treasures have
melted into thin air before this, Effendi. I have known of dealers in
_antikas_ travelling for days without end, only to find . . .!" Abdul
threw back his head.

"A mare's nest," Michael said. "That is what we call it, Abdul."

"A good expression, Effendi." In Abdul's heart there was anger and
chagrin. Had the harlot outwitted them? Was she even now in
possession of the jewels and gold which the saint had discovered, which
he himself had clearly visualized?

A beatific smile lit up his face. If the woman had lain in the sheets
which had made the sick man's bed, not all the jewels of the Orient or
the gold of Ophir would now make her hideous face pleasing in t