Ahmed would do very well." "No, not Ahmed." "Who then ?" "I will find a man." He hesitated.

If ever a man was reviewing all the possible contingencies, murder of me included, behind a mask of superficial courtesy, that man was he.
"He should be a man acceptable to the notables," he said at last.
"I ought to know his name in advance." "I must have unfettered choice, or I won't attend the mejlis." [Council] "Oh, very well.

Only the interpreter, too, will have to remain afterward in El-Kerak." I looked at that curtain again, for it was moving in a way that no draft from the open window could account for.

But at last the movement was explained.

Before Abdul Ali could speak again a man stepped out from behind it, crossed the room, and went out through the door, closing it silently behind him.