Thou
knowest the governor of the prisons--has he not need of something? Hath
he never sought favours of thee?"
"Bismillah, but a week ago!"
"Then, listen, thou shepherd of the sheep--"
He paused, as there came a tap at the door, and a slave entered hurriedly
and addressed Nahoum. "The effendi, Ebn Ezra Bey, whom thou didst set me
to watch, he hath entered the Palace, and asks for the Effendina."
Nahoum started, and his face clouded, but his eyes flashed fire. He
tossed the slave a coin. "Thou hast done well. Where is he now?"
"He waits in the hall, where is the statue of Mehemet Ali and the lions."
"In an hour, Mizraim, thou shalt hear what I intend. Peace be to thee!"
"And on thee, peace!" answered Mizraim, as Nahoum passed from the room,
and walked hastily towards the hall where he should find Ebn Ezra Bey.
Nearing the spot, he brought his step to a deliberate slowness, and
appeared not to notice the stately Arab till almost upon him.
"Salaam, effendi," he said smoothly, yet with inquisition in his eye,
with malice in his tone.
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