might occur still.

If Sowerby had been trapped and was already dead, the knowledge would
creep through the bazaars like a soft wind of the night, and all the
Arab world would rejoice that a cursed Inglesi, making the unpardonable
breach of their code, had been given to the crocodiles, been smothered,
or stabbed, or tortured to death with fire. And, if it were so, what
could be done? Could England make a case of it, avenge the life of
this young fool who had disgraced her in the eyes of the world, of the
envious French in Cairo, and of that population of the palaces who
hated her because Englishmen were the enemies of backsheesh, corruption,
tyranny, and slavery? And to what good the attempt? Exists the personal
law of the Oriental palace, and who may punish any there save by that
personal law? What outside law shall apply to anything that happens
within those mysterious walls? Who shall bear true witness, when the
only judge is he whose palace it is? Though twenty nations should unite
to judge, where might proof be found--inside the palace, where all men
lie and bear false witness?

If Sowerby was not dead, then resort to force? Go to Selamlik Pasha the
malignant, and demand the young officer? How easy for Selamlik Pasha
to deny all knowledge of his existence! Threaten Selamlik--and raise a
Mahommedan crusade? That would not do.

Say nought, then, and let Sowerby, who had thrust his head into the jaws
of the tiger, get it out as best he might, or not get it out, as the
case might be?

Neither was that possible to Dicky Donovan, even if it were the more
politic thing to do, even if it were better for England's name. Sowerby
was his friend, as men of the same race are friends together in a
foreign country. Dicky had a poor opinion of Sowerby's sense or ability,
and yet he knew that if he were in Sowerby's present situation--living
or dead--Sowerby would spill his blood a hundred useless times, if need
be, to save him.

He had no idea of leaving Sowerby where he was, if alive; or of not
avenging him one way or another if dead. But how that might be he was
not on the instant sure. He had been struck as with a sudden blindness
by the news, though he showed nothing of this to Mahommed Yeleb. His
chief object was to inspire the Arab with confidence, since he was
probably the only man outside Selamlik's palace who knew the thing
as yet. It was likely that Selamlik Pasha would be secret till he saw
whether Sowerby would