ellency"--he turned to David.
"He also was of my slaves. Word was delivered to his Highness that
thou"--he turned to Nahoum again--"wast in thy palace, and Achmet Pasha
went thither. He found thee not. Now the city is full of watchers, and
Achmet goes from bazaar to bazaar, from house to house which thou was
wont to frequent--and thou art here."

"What wouldst thou have me do, Mizraim?"

"Thou art here; is it the house of a friend or a foe?" Nahoum did
not answer. His eyes were fixed in thought upon the floor, but he was
smiling. He seemed without fear.

"But if this be the house of a friend, is he safe here?" asked David.

"For this night, it may be," answered Mizraim, "till other watchers be
set, who are no slaves of mine. Tonight, here, of all places in Cairo,
he is safe; for who could look to find him where thou art who hast taken
from him his place and office, Excellency--on whom the stars shine
for ever! But in another day, if my lord Nahoum be not forgiven by the
Effendina, a hundred watchers will pierce the darkest corner of the
bazaar, the smallest room in Cairo."

David turned to Nahoum. "Peace be to thee, friend. Abide here till
to-morrow, when I will speak for thee to his Highness, and, I trust,
bring thee pardon. It shall be so--but I shall prevail," he added, with
slow decision; "I shall prevail with him. My reasons shall convince his
Highness."

"I can help thee with great reasons, Saadat," said Nahoum. "Thou shalt
prevail. I can tell thee that which will convince Kaid."

While they were speaking, Hylda had sat motionless watching. At first
it seemed to her that a trap had been set, and that David was to be the
victim of Oriental duplicity; but revolt, as she did, from the miserable
creature before them, she saw at last that he spoke the truth.

"Thee will remain under this roof to-night, pasha?" asked David.

"I will stay if thy goodness will have it so," answered Nahoum slowly.
"It is not my way to hide, but when the storm comes it is well to
shelter."

Salaaming low, Mizraim withdrew, his last glance being thrown towards
Hylda, who met his look with a repugnance which made her face rigid.
She rose and put on her gloves. Nahoum rose also, and stood watching her
respectfully.

"Thee will go?" asked David, with a movement towards her.

She inclined her head. "We have finished our business, and it is late,"
she answered.

David looked at Nahoum. "Thee will rest here, pasha, in peace. In a