alone. Is thy guest imbecile? Let them go. I have that to say
which is for Prince Harrik's ear alone."

An instant's hesitation, and Harrik motioned the slaves away. "What is
the private word for my ear?" he asked presently, fingering the stem of
the narghileh.

"To do right by Egypt, the land of thy fathers and thy land; to do right
by the Prince Pasha, thy brother."

"What is Egypt to thee? Why shouldst thou bring thine insolence here?
Couldst thou not preach in thine own bazaars beyond the sea?"

David showed no resentment. His reply was composed and quiet. "I am come
to save Egypt from the work of thy hands."

"Dog of an unbeliever, what hast thou to do with me, or the work of my
hands?"

David held up Kaid's ring, which had lain in his hand. "I come from the
master of Egypt--master of thee, and of thy life, and of all that is
thine."

"What is Kaid's message to me?" Harrik asked, with an effort at
unconcern, for David's boldness had in it something chilling to his
fierce passion and pride.

"The word of the Effendina is to do right by Egypt, to give thyself to
justice and to peace."

"Have done with parables. To do right by Egypt wherein, wherefore?" The
eyes glinted at David like bits of fiery steel.

"I will interpret to thee, Eminence."

"Interpret." Harrik muttered to himself in rage. His heart was dark, he
thirsted for the life of this arrogant Inglesi. Did the fool not see his
end? Midnight was at hand! He smiled grimly.

"This is the interpretation, O Prince! Prince Harrik has conspired
against his brother the Prince Pasha, has treacherously seduced officers
of the army, has planned to seize Cairo, to surround the Palace and take
the life of the Prince of Egypt. For months, Prince, thee has done this:
and the end of it is that thee shall do right ere it be too late. Thee
is a traitor to thy country and thy lawful lord."

Harrik's face turned pale; the stem of the narghileh shook in his
fingers. All had been discovered, then! But there was a thing of dark
magic here. It was not a half-hour since he had given the word to strike
at midnight, to surround the Palace, and to seize the Prince Pasha.
Achmet--Higli, had betrayed him, then! Who other? No one else knew save
Zaida, and Zaida was in the harem. Perhaps even now his own palace was
surrounded. If it was so, then, come what might, this masterful Inglesi
should pay the price. He thought of the den of lions hard by, of the
cage of tigers-the