Suddenly they heard a cry, a loud voice calling. It was Rahib the
tent-maker. He was beside Kaid's stirrups, but no weapon was in his hand;
and his voice was calling blessings down on the Effendina's head for
having pardoned and saved from death his one remaining son, the joy of
his old age. In all the world there was no prince like Kaid, said the
tent-maker; none so bountiful and merciful and beautiful in the eyes of
men. God grant him everlasting days, the beloved friend of his people,
just to all and greatly to be praised.
As the soldiers drove the old man away with kindly insistence--for Kaid
had thrown him a handful of gold--Mizraim, the Chief Eunuch, laughed
wickedly. As Nahoum had said, the greatest of all weapons was the mocking
finger. He and Mizraim had had their way with the governor of the
prisons, and the murderer had gone in safety, while the father stayed to
bless Kaid. Rahib the tent-maker had fooled the plotters. They were mad
in derision. They did not know that Kaid was as innocent as themselves of
having pardoned the tent-maker's son.
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