The orderly, in the same tongue, made answer as he obeyed: "The Master hath but to talk, and it is answered, if my knowledge can suffice." His words were submissive; but the expression was strange in his eyes, at sight of the blanket on the table.

That blanket might hide--what might it not hide?
The light in his gaze became one the Master had never yet seen there, not even in the sternest fighting at Gallipoli.
"Mecca lieth behind us, Rrisa," the Master began.

"Thou hast seen nothing of it, or of what happened there ?" "Nothing, _M'alme._ I was bidden remain in my cabin, and the Master's word is always my law.

It is true that I heard sounds of a great fighting, but I obeyed the Master.

I saw nothing.