follow him. I must meet him, must
see him again, were it in Hell itself!"

At these words the Vekeel burst into loud laughter, and when Amru
reproved him sharply the negro retorted and a vehement dialogue ensued.

Obada's contumely had roused Orion's wrath; he was longing, burning
to reduce this insolent antagonist to silence. However, he contained
himself by a supreme effort of will, till Amru turned to him once more
and said in a reserved tone, but not unkindly:

"This clear-sighted man has mentioned a suspicion which I myself had
already felt. A worldly-minded young Christian of your rank is not so
ready to give up earthly joys and happiness for the doubtful bliss of
your Paradise and when you do so and are prepared to forego all that
a man holds most dear: Honor, temporal possessions, a wide field of
action, and revenge on your enemies, to meet the spirit of the departed
once more after death, there must be some special reason in the
background. Try to compose yourself, and believe my assurances that I
like you and that you will find in me a zealous protector and a discreet
friend if you will but tell me candidly and fully what are the motives
of your conduct. I myself really desire that our interview should be
fruitful of advantages on both sides. So put your trust in a man so much
your senior and your father's friend, and speak."

"On no consideration in the presence of that man!" said Orion in a
tremulous voice. "Though he is supposed not to understand Greek, he
follows every word I say with malicious watchfulness; he dared to laugh
at me, he..."

"He is as discreet as he is brave, and my Vekeel," interrupted Amru
reprovingly. "If you join us you will have to obey him; and remember
this, young man. I sent for you to impose conditions on you, not to
have them dictated to me. I grant you an audience as the ruler of this
country, as the Vicar of Omar, your Khaliff and mine."

"Then I entreat you to dismiss me, for in the presence of that man my
heart and lips are sealed; I feel that he is my enemy."

"Beware of his becoming so!" cried the governor, while Obada shrugged
his shoulders scornfully.

Orion understood this gesture, and although he again succeeded in
keeping cool he felt that he could no longer be sure of himself; he
bowed low, without paying any heed to the Vekeel, and begged Amru to
excuse him for the present.

Amru, who had not failed to observe Obada's demeanor and who keenly
sympathized wit