My job in the world is to do what I'm able to do, and I'm going to prevent war in this land if I get killed doing it and have to ruin you in the bargain! Now, are we set ?" "I think you're a fool," she said, "and you think me a villain.
We're strange partners! Very well, let's try." Promptly he handed her an envelop, sheet of paper, and his fountain-pen.
"Write first, then, to Ibrahim ben Ah.

He knows your hand, I suppose?
Tell him there is news of a British force coming over the border, and that he must stay at that oasis in readiness to attack after Ali Higg has taken steps to draw the British in the right direction.
"Say he may have to stay there a week or ten days, and that he is to enforce the death penalty on any of his men who dares try to leave the oasis.

Tell him that secrecy as to his present whereabouts is the all-important point.

For that reason strangers may be made prisoner and held until further orders.

The messenger who bears this is to be sent back with an answer immediately." "How much of that is true about a British force ?" she demanded.
"Are you trying to trap those men ?" "None of it's true.