t multitude of Muslims, in
which not one European face showed, and from lip to lip there passed the
word, "Harrik--Harrik--remember Harrik! Kaid turns from the infidel!"

They crowded near the great pavilion--as near as the mounted Nubians
would permit--to see Kaid's face; while he, with eyes wandering over
the vast assemblage, was lost in dark reflections. For a year he had
struggled against a growing conviction that some obscure disease was
sapping his strength. He had hid it from every one, until, at last,
distress and pain had overcome him. The verdict of the Italian expert
was that possible, but by no means certain, cure might come from an
operation which must be delayed for a month or more.

Suddenly, the world had grown unfamiliar to him; he saw it from afar;
but his subconscious self involuntarily registered impressions, and he
moved mechanically through the ceremonies and duties of the immediate
present. Thrown back upon himself, to fight his own fight, with the
instinct of primary life his mind involuntarily drew for refuge to
the habits and predispositions of youth; and for two days he had shut
himself away from the activities with which David and Nahoum were
associated. Being deeply engaged with the details of the expedition to
the Soudan, David had not gone to the Palace; and he was unaware of the
turn which things had taken.

Three times, with slow and stately steps, the procession wound in a
circle in the great square, before it approached the pavilion where the
Effendina sat, the splendid camels carrying the embroidered tent wherein
the Carpet rested, and that which bore the Emir of the pilgrims, moving
gracefully like ships at sea. Naked swordsmen, with upright and shining
blades, were followed by men on camels bearing kettle-drums. After them
came Arab riders with fresh green branches fastened to the saddles like
plumes, while others carried flags and banners emblazoned with texts
and symbols. Troops of horsemen in white woollen cloaks, sheikhs and
Bedouins with flowing robes and huge turbans, religious chiefs of the
great sects, imperturbable and statuesque, were in strange contrast to
the shouting dervishes and camel-drivers and eager pilgrims.

At last the great camel with its sacred burden stopped in front of
Kaid for his prayer and blessing. As he held the tassels, lifted the
gold-fringed curtain, and invoked Allah's blessing, a half-naked sheikh
ran forward, and, raising his hand high above hi