I, meanwhile, recovering from the fit as fast as I dared and trying to remember how to do it.
Noureddin Ali was plainly for having me thrown out, until they mentioned the name of Staff-Captain Ali Mirza; at that he tried to cross-examine Suliman at great length, but could get nothing out of him.

Suliman had evidently overheard Grim talking about Noureddin Ali, and was very much afraid of him.
"All right," Noureddin Ali said at last.

"No more business today, Yussuf.

Keep the door locked, but admit the captain.

We must find out what this message is about." Yussuf went to tidying up the place, while Noureddin Ali and the alligator person talked excitedly in low tones in the corner near the scullery door.