Thank you for a night's lodging." He walked away in a great huff, and I set out for the house of Abu Shamah, using my scant store of Arabic to ask the way.
Mahommed ben Hamza was lolling on the stone veranda, gossiping with half-a-dozen men.

He came the minute I beckoned him.
"I've seen Jimgrim," I said.

"You're to come with me at noon to the mejlis as my interpreter." He grinned delightedly.
"And see here, you smelly devil: Here's money.

Buy yourself a clean shirt, a new coat, and some soap.

Wash yourself from head to foot, and put the new clothes on, before you meet me at the castle gate ten minutes before noon.