When I answered 'no,' I saw him throw a side-glance at Rashid, as if he thought him fortunate in having so obtuse a master.

As he was departing, Rashid, at my command, gave him a silver coin, for which he kissed my hand and, having done so, said: 'I know a clever man, none like him for such business.

I will send him to your presence in an hour.' Three hours passed.

I had finished luncheon, and was sipping coffee in the lounge, when a sleek personage in gorgeous robes was brought to me.

He had a trick of looking down his nose at his moustache, the while he stroked it, with a gentle smirk.
'Your Excellency has been robbed,' he murmured in a secret tone, 'and you would know the robber?
There is nothing simpler.