Consul-General stood near by. David advanced to him, and,
as he did so, the few who surrounded the Consul-General fell back. David
held out his hand. Somewhat abashed and ill at ease, the Consul-General
took it.

"Have you good news from Downing Street?" asked David quietly.

The Consul-General hesitated for an instant, and then said: "There is
no help to be had for you or for what you are doing in that quarter."
He lowered his voice. "I fear Lord Eglington does not favour you; and he
controls the Foreign Minister. I am very sorry. I have done my best, but
my colleagues, the other consuls, are busy--with Lord Eglington."

David turned his head away for an instant. Strange how that name sent
a thrill through him, stirred his blood! He did not answer the
Consul-General, and the latter continued:

"Is there any hope? Is the breach with Kaid complete?"

David smiled gravely. "We shall see presently. I have made no change in
my plans on the basis of a breach."

At that moment he caught sight of Nahoum some distance away and moved
towards him. Out of the corner of his eye Nahoum saw David coming, and
edged away towards that point where Kaid would enter, and where the
crowd was greater. As he did so Kaid appeared. A thrill went through
the chamber. Contrary to his custom, he was dressed in the old native
military dress of Mehemet Ali. At his side was a jewelled scimitar,
and in his turban flashed a great diamond. In his hand he carried a
snuff-box, covered with brilliants, and on his breast were glittering
orders.

The eyes of the reactionaries flashed with sinister pleasure when they
saw Kaid. This outward display of Orientalism could only be a reflex of
the mind. It was the outer symbol of Kaid's return to the spirit of
the old days, before the influence of the Inglesi came upon him. Every
corrupt and intriguing mind had a palpitation of excitement.

In Nahoum the sight of Kaid produced mixed feelings. If, indeed, this
display meant reaction towards an entourage purely Arab, Egyptian, and
Muslim, then it was no good omen for his Christian self. He drew near,
and placed himself where Kaid could see him. Kaid's manner was cheerful,
but his face showed the effect of suffering, physical and mental.
Presently there entered behind him Sharif Bey, whose appearance was the
signal for a fresh demonstration. Now, indeed, there could be no doubt
as to Kaid's reaction. Yet if Sharif had seen Mizraim's face evilly
gloating near