own sword."

"You mean; each man on his own account?"

"Yes. So there is peace. Five--fifteen--thirty throats are cut
daily; and if you go down to the Jordan and listen, you will
hear the shots being fired from ambush any day."

"And you invite me to make the trip with you?"

"Oh, that is nothing. In the first place, you are American.
Nobody will interfere with an American. They are welcome. In
the second place, there is a good reason for bringing you; we
all want an American school at El-Kerak."

"But I am no teacher."

"But you will be returning to America? It is enough, then, that
you look the situation over, and tell what you know on your
return. We will provide a building, a proper salary, and
guarantee the teacher's life. We would prefer a woman, but it
would be wisest to send a man."

"How so? The woman might not shoot straight? I've some of our
Western women do tricks with a gun that would--"

"There would be no need. She would have our word of honour. But
every sheikh who has only three wives would want to make her his
fourth. A man would be best. Will you come with me?"