d
him, and, very likely, bring Arabi's wrath down on his own head.
It's splendid!"

Naoum watched the animated, hopeful face, smiling indulgently. The
young man pleased him greatly; his sturdy hopefulness, his bright
way of facing troubles, his general optimism, all combined to make
the older man admire him. But, with better practical experience of
the East, he did not share Helmar's view of the matter; he looked
upon the Pasha's visit as of evil omen, to be treated with
suspicion--to be watched with a lynx eye, and combatted with all the
subtle means so dear to the Eastern heart. He vowed that if aught of
evil befell his friend and _protege_, some one should pay dearly for
it.

Instead of replying to George's words Naoum turned the subject.

"I have found out," he said, "that the priest you befriended has
been released, and that he has already disappeared."

"Then he was not in the prison from which I escaped?"

"No, he was never placed in it. There is a superstition regarding
that man, and even the worst fanatics would not harm him, so he was
set free, and the man Abdu has been reprimanded for interfering with
him."

"And a good thing too, it will perhaps be a lesson to him and----"

"Make him hate you the more."

"Why hate me the more? He ought to thank me that I have saved him
from murdering the poor old man."

"Ah, you don't understand the Eastern mind. That would be a strong
reason for Abdu's hatred of you, you baulked him in his
villainies--it is enough."

After a little more conversation Naoum left the room to prepare for
the coming of the rebel Pasha. He paused before he went, however, to
give some parting advice.

"When Arabi speaks, answer boldly. Say what your good sense prompts,
but do not let him think you fear him. Arabi admires a bold man.
Though clever, he is weak, and can easily be influenced by boldness.
If he thinks you fear him, it will make your escape all the harder
to accomplish, for he is in the power of his subordinates and will
do as they bid him."

This was indeed news to Helmar; he had believed that Arabi, the man
who could have brought about this terrible rebellion, must be a man
of indomitable character, and here he was told that such was not the
case. He was truly living and learning. Now he began to understand
how Mark had attained a position of so much power in such a short
time; now he could understand how that worthy had been able to
promise him a speedy execution by