" Kaid's face darkened.
"What is thy meaning?"
"I ask Nahoum's life that he may serve under me, to do those things thou
and I planned yesterday--the land, taxation, the army, agriculture, the
Soudan. Together we will make Egypt better and greater and richer--the
poor richer, even though the rich be poorer."
"And Kaid--poorer?"
"When Egypt is richer, the Prince is richer, too. Is not the Prince
Egypt? Highness, yesterday--yesterday thee gave me my commission. If thee
will not take Nahoum again into service to aid me, I must not remain. I
cannot work alone."
"Thou must have this Christian Oriental to work with thee?" He looked at
David closely, then smiled sardonically, but with friendliness to David
in his eyes. "Nahoum has prayed to work with thee, to be a slave where he
was master? He says to thee that he would lay his heart upon the altar of
Egypt?" Mordant, questioning humour was in his voice.
David inclined his head.
"He would give up all that is his?"
"It is so, Effendina."
"All save Foorgat's heritage?"
"It belonged to their father.
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