m of service, so only that they
acknowledge the supremacy of the hound of Rome, which means perdition,
truly, in the next world, but foreign protection in this. It is little
wonder that they have seduced many. . . . What hinders thee from
receiving at my hands the inestimable boon of baptism?"

Iskender murmured that he still had doubts. The angry glances of the
girl Nesibeh made him shame-faced.

"Show me thy doubts that I may straight resolve them."

Iskender was muttering that he must think them out, that they were not
yet quite clear in his mind, when Nesibeh cried from the inner room:

"Hear him not, O my father! The low dog is mocking thee. Force him to
be baptized, or drive him forth!"

"Silence, shameless one!" the priest cried sternly; nevertheless he
took her suggestion and, turning to Iskender, whose brow was throbbing
painfully, inquired: "Hast thou one good reason to desire delay?"

"Yes, O our father!" Iskender blurted out the truth at last. "I know
not how my patron would regard it. On him I depend entirely for the
present. I have heard him scoff at all who change the faith that they
were born in. Wait a little, I beseech thee, until he is gone!"

"Is that in truth all?" replied Mitri, fully satisfied. "The right is
with thee. We must wait awhile. But Allah grant thou die not in the
interval."

CHAPTER XVI

The season recommended by Elias as most favourable for their adventure
now drew near. Each steamer that touched at the port disgorged a
little crowd of travellers. The Emir being no longer alone in the
hotel, his radiance suffered eclipse. Other Franks of distinction came
and went continually; dragomans, splendidly attired, hung about the
entrance, tugging at their moustachios, tapping their riding-boots with
silver-mounted whips, and spitting superbly, as became men whose
special province it was to order the lords of gold about like dogs.
Merchants and pedlars, as many as could get permission from the sons of
Musa, spread out their wares on the floor of the hall, and smiled
allurement on the visitors. The servants of Cook and other Powers of
Europe and America strutted about and gave command like princes.

Iskender, for his footing in the house, helped the servants wherever an
extra hand was required, and in that way learnt to wait at table, to
polish boots and brush clothes, and acquired some inkling of the art of
cooking. The positive need of these attainments for