" asked Grim.

"Surely."

"What sort are they? Mangy old louse-food, I suppose, that had
been turned out by the Jews to die?"

"Allah! My sons have scoured Hebron for the best. Never were such
camels! They are fit to make the pilgrimage to Mecca."

"I suppose that means that the rent to be charged for each old
camel for a month is more than the purchase-price of a really
good one?"

"The camels are mine, Jimgrim. I have bought them. Shall there be
talk of renting between me and thee?"

"Not yet. After I've seen the beasts. If they're as good as you
say I'll pay you at the government rate for them per month."

"Allah forbid! The camels are yours, Jimgrim. For me and mine
there will no doubt be a profit from this venture without
striking bargains between friends."

Grim smiled at that like a merchant listening to a salesman. It
is not often that you can tell the color of his eyes, but on
occasions of that sort they look iron-gray and match the bushy
eyebrows. He turned to de Crespigny.

"Have you finished the census, 'Crep?"

"Pretty nearly."

"Have you got Ali Baba's property all listed?"

"Yes."

"And that of his sons and grandsons?"

"Every bit of it that's taxable."

"Good. You hear that, Ali Baba? Now listen to me, you old rascal.
When you complained to me the other day that there was no more
thieving left to do in Hebron, I told you you're rich enough to
quit, and you admitted it, you remember? You agreed with
me that jail isn't a dignified place for a man of your years
and experience."

_"Taib._* Jail is not good." [* All right]

"But you complained that you couldn't keep your gang out
of mischief."

"Truly. They are young. They have talent. Shall they sit still
and grow fat like a pasha in the harem?"

"So I said I'd find them some honest employment from time
to time."

"That was a good promise. Here already is employment. But you
know, Jimgrim, they are used to rich profits in return for
running risks. Danger is meat and drink to them."

"They shall have their fill this trip!" said Grim.

_"Taib._ But the reward should be proportionate."

"Government wages!" Grim answered firmly. The old Arab smiled.

"Under the Turks," he answered, "the officer pocketed the pay,
and the men might help themselves."

"D'you take me for a Turk?" asked Grim.

"No, Jimgrim. I know you for a cunning contriver--an upsetter
of calculations--but no Turk. Nevertheless, as I understand
it, we go again