He was in this
Palace alive at night. In the morning he was found in bed at his own
home."
"There was no wound?"
"None, Effendina."
"The thong?"
"There was no mark, Effendina."
"Poison?"
"There was no sign, Effendina."
"Diamond-dust?"
"Impossible, Effendina. There was not time. He was alive and well here at
the Palace at eleven, and--" Kaid made an impatient gesture. "By the
stone in the Kaabah, but it is not reasonable that Foorgat should die in
his bed like a babe and sleep himself into heaven! Fate meant him for a
violent end; but ere that came there was work to do for me. He had a gift
for scenting treason--and he had treasure." His eyes shut and opened
again with a look not pleasant to see. "But since it was that he must die
so soon, then the loan he promised must now be a gift from the dead, if
he be dead, if he be not shamming. Foorgat was a dire jester."
"But now it is no jest, Effendina. He is in his grave."
"In his grave! Bismillah! In his grave, dost thou say?"
High's voice quavered. "Yesterday before sunset, Effendina.
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