among them is that
perhaps I am urging them on in order to serve my own ambition at
their expense. They appreciate the opportunity to loot; but
they say that the British will hit back afterwards, and they,
being nearest to the border, will suffer most; whereas I stand
to gain all and to lose nothing. Very absurd, of course, but
that is their argument."

"Surely," I said, "you don't expect me to take my coat off and
preach a jihad against the British?"

"Im Gotteswillen! No, no, no! This is my meaning: if I can go
before them with the offer of a school for El-Kerak, which the
very worst scoundrel among them desires with all his ignorant
heart; and if I can produce a distinguished gentleman from
America, present among them on my invitation for the sole purpose
of making the arrangements for such a school, that will convince
them that I have their interests really at heart. Do you see?"

Again the irritating fingers drumming on my knee. I did not
answer for fear of betraying ill-temper.

"I am a statesman, sir. I understand the arguments with which
whole nations may deceive themselves. I have made it my
profession to detect the trends of thought and the tides of
unrest. Psychological moments are for me a fascinating study. I
can recognize them."

He laid the fat hand on my shoulder for a change, and tried to
look into my eyes; but I was watching the edge of a curtain at
the far end of the room.

"Now, to you, an American, our local dispute means nothing. This
raid is no affair of yours. You wash your hands of it. You, an
altruist, are interested only in a school. I offer you
opportunity, building, subsidy, guarantees. You reciprocate by
giving me a talking point. I shall make use of the opportunity.
That is settled. And, let me see, I promised you inducements,
didn't I?"

He looked, at me and I looked at him. He waited for a hint of
some sort, but I made no move to help him out.

"What shall we say?"

I was as interested in the result of his appraisal as he was in
making it. Whether complimentary or not, another's calculated
judgment of your character is a fascinating thing to wait for.

"I think you will be getting full value. I shall introduce you
to all the notables," he said at last. "To a man of your
temperament it will be a privilege to attend the council, and to
know in advance all that is going to happen. There will be no
objection to that, because it is already decided