On the decks of the little steamer which was to carry them south David,
Ebn Ezra, Lacey, and Mahommed waited. Presently Kaid came, accompanied by
his faithful Nubians, their armour glowing in the first warm light of the
rising sun, and crowds of people, who had suddenly emerged, ran shrilling
to the waterside behind him.
Kaid's pale face had all last night's friendliness, as he bade David
farewell with great honour, and commended him to the care of Allah; and
the swords of the Nubians clashed against their breasts and on their
shields in salaam.
But there was another farewell to make; and it was made as David's foot
touched the deck of the steamer. Once again David looked at Nahoum as he
had done six years ago, in the little room where they had made their bond
together. There was the same straight look in Nahoum's eyes. Was he not
to be trusted? Was it not his own duty to trust? He clasped Nahoum's hand
in farewell, and turned away. But as he gave the signal to start, and the
vessel began to move, Nahoum came back. He leaned over the widening space
and said in a low tone, as David again drew near:
"There is still an account which should be settled, Saadat.
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