"
In the dim hallway two men stood guarding the door to the Chief's
chamber, and when the man who had taken the Gulab up explained her
mission, one of them said, "Wait you here. I will ask of Kassim his
pleasure." Presently he returned; "The Commander will see the woman
but if it is a matter of trifling let the penalty fall upon the guard
below. The mingling of women in an affair of men is an abomination in
the sight of Allah."
When Bootea entered the chamber she gave a gasping cry of horror. The
Chief lay upon the floor, face downward, just as he had dropped when
slain, for Kassim had said; "Amir Khan is dead, may Allah take him to
his bosom, and such things as we may learn of his death may help us to
avenge our Chief. Touch not the body."
Her entrance was not more than half observed, for Kassim at that moment
was questioning the Afghan, who stood, a man on either side of him, and
two behind.
He was just answering a question from the Commander and was saying: "I
left your Chief with the Peace of Allah upon both our heads, for he
gripped my hand in fellowship, and said that we were two men.
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