several hours to come.

"I have searched them!" said he to the French officer. "They have no
gold, and they are all right."

The French have faults like the rest of us, but they are quicker than
most men to recognize logic. The man with crimson pants and sabre
grinned cynically, shrugged his shoulders, and passed on to annoy
somebody easier.




CHAPTER XII

"Start something before they're ready for it!"


Just before the train started, a handsome fellow with short black beard
trimmed into a point and wearing a well-cut European blue serge suit,
but none the less obviously an Arab, came to the door of our compartment
and stared steadily at Grim. He stood like a fighting man, as if every
muscle of his body was under command, and the suggestion was
strengthened by what might be a bullet scar over one eye.

If that fellow had asked me for a loan on the spot, or for help against
his enemies, he would have received both or either. Moreover, if he had
never paid me back I would still believe in him, and would bet on him
again.