e almost shut lids. That Nahoum should seek David, who had
displaced him from his high office, was scarcely Oriental, when his
every cue was to have revenge on his rival. This was a natural sequence
to his downfall. It was understandable. But here was David safe and
sound. Was it, then, some deeper scheme of future vengeance? The
Oriental instinctively pierced the mind of the Oriental. He could have
realised fully the fierce, blinding passion for revenge which had almost
overcome Nahoum's calculating mind in the dark night, with his foe in
the next room, which had driven him suddenly from his bed to fall upon
David, only to find Mahommed Hassan watching--also with the instinct of
the Oriental.

Some future scheme of revenge? Kaid's eyes gleamed red. There would
be no future for Nahoum. "Why did Nahoum go to thee?" he asked again
presently.

"That I might beg his life of thee, Highness, as I said," David replied.

"I have not ordered his death."

David looked meditatively at him. "It was agreed between us yesterday
that I should speak plainly--is it not so?"

Kaid nodded, and leaned back among the cushions.

"If what the Effendina intends is fulfilled, there is no other way but
death for Nahoum," added David. "What is my intention, effendi?"

"To confiscate the fortune left by Foorgat Bey. Is it not so?"

"I had a pledge from Foorgat--a loan."

"That is the merit of the case, Effendina. I am otherwise concerned.
There is the law. Nahoum inherits. Shouldst thou send him to Fazougli,
he would still inherit."

"He is a traitor."

"Highness, where is the proof?"

"I know. My friends have disappeared one by one--Nahoum. Lands have been
alienated from me--Nahoum. My income has declined--Nahoum. I have given
orders and they have not been fulfilled--Nahoum. Always, always some
rumour of assassination, or of conspiracy, or the influence and secret
agents of the Sultan--all Nahoum. He is a traitor. He has grown rich
while I borrow from Europe to pay my army and to meet the demands of the
Sultan."

"What man can offer evidence in this save the Effendina who would profit
by his death?"

"I speak of what I know. I satisfy myself. It is enough."

"Highness, there is a better way; to satisfy the people, for whom thee
lives. None should stand between. Is not the Effendina a father to
them?"

"The people! Would they not say Nahoum had got his due if he were
blotted from their sight?"

"None has been so generous to