"Because they favor the Zionists."

"And that is what the conference is all about?"

"Yes. There is a man here from Damascus, who urges them to raid
across the Jordan into Palestine. He says that the Palestinian
Arabs will rise then, and cut the throats of all the Zionists.
He says that Emir Feisul is going to attack the French in Syria,
and that the British will have to go and help the French, so now
is the time for a raid."

"Is my host, ben Nazir, the man who is talking that way? He has
been to Damascus."

"No. Another, named Abdul Ali--a very rich sheikh, who comes
here often with caravans of merchandise, and gives rich presents
to notables."

"Has ben Nazir anything to do with it?"

"Who knows? Mashallah! The world is full of mysteries. That
Nazir is a knowing one. They say of him: whichever option is
uppermost, that is always his opinion. He is a safe man to
follow for that reason. Yet it is easier to follow water through
a channel underground."

We made our way toward the castle at the south side of the town,
but were prevented from entering by a guard of feudal retainers,
who looked as if they had been well drilled. They were as solemn