the three "honest men," and took down lists of names from their
dictation, getting Doctor Ticknor meanwhile to go for the police because
Yussuf Dakmar might still be lurking in the neighbourhood for a chance
to murder Narayan Singh. It was only after the police had carried off
the prisoners to jail (where they repudiated their entire confession
next morning) that Grim showed us the letter which, like a spark, had
fired a powder magazine--although a smaller one than its writer
intended.

"It isn't in Feisul's handwriting," he said, holding the feathery Arab
script up to the lamplight; "and it's no more like his phraseology than
a camel resembles a locomotive. Listen to this:

To the Pan-Arab Committee in Jerusalem, by favour of Yussuf Dakmar Bey
its District President, Greeting in the name of God:

Ye know that on former occasions the foes of our land and race were
overwhelmed when, relying on the aid of the Most High, and raising the
green banner of the Prophet--on whom be peace--we launched our squadrons
in a cause held sacred by us all.

Ye know that in that fashion, and not otherwise, the accursed conquerors
were driven forth and our sacred banner was set on high over the
Damascus roofs, where by Allah's blessing may it wave for ever!

Ye know how those who claimed to be our friends have since proven
themselves foes, so that the independent state for which we fought is
held today in ignominious subjection by aliens, who deny the true Faith
and hold their promises as nothing.