ell. Now I think I know the trick that rogue is playing. I
have seen him in the company of one Muhammad, who tends the
orange-garden belonging to a member of our Church, the rich Aziz; and
Aziz is gone these two days upon business to El Cuds. But his brother
remains with us, praise to Allah, and it is but a step from here to go
and warn him. I too have a debt against Elias, who invited me to bless
his house, yet never paid me. So dry thy tears, my son, and come with
me."

The priest went in among the hovels, while Iskender gathered up his
sketching things, with hope revived. It being noon, the brother of
Aziz was in his house. It was plain he did not share his brother's
wealth, for his abode was of the humblest, and in dress and bearing he
was a poor fellah. His dark face brightened wonderfully when he heard
what the priest required of him. He seized his staff and called out
all the neighbours, who burst out laughing when they learned the nature
of his business. When Iskender joined them, however, there were looks
askance; one said to another, "Is not this the Brutestant, the son of
Yacub? What hand has he in this affair? It were a sin for us to vex a
true believer for the pleasure of a child of filthy dogs," till the
priest cried, "Welcome him, for he accepts the truth," when all gave
praise to Allah. One tall fellah forthwith embraced Iskender, and
began at once to tell him of the joys of Heaven.

The brother of Aziz then led the way down a narrow path among
fruit-trees to his brother's garden, which was not far off. The crowd
of neighbours followed. Arrived at the gate, he ordered the women and
children to remain there, while himself and Mitri, with six turbaned
men all armed with big tough staves, crossed themselves devoutly,
murmured "Bismillah," put the right foot first, and stole in very
quietly.

Iskender followed at a distance, contrary to the command of Mitri, who
had bidden him wait without with the women and children, till he saw
them stop and whisper together, when he struck off independently.
Pressing his way through the dark foliage, hung with yellowing globes
and sweet with the scent of orange-flowers, he reached a secret place
whence he could watch what happened.

CHAPTER XI

On a carpet spread in the shade which fringed some open ground beside
the sakieh, Elias and the Frank reclined at ease. Within hand's reach
of them was placed a heap of oranges and sweet lemons, represen