at present are mainly a desire for loot. No, no. Abdul Ali has
got to disappear. Then they'll believe he has betrayed them.
Then, instead of raiding Palestine they'll confiscate his
property and curse his ancestors. D'you see the point?"

"More or less. But what good can I do?"

"Do you mind if I use you?"

I laughed. "That's a hell of a silly question. Any use my
minding? You've already used me. You will do it again without
consulting me. I like it, as it happens. But a fat lot you
care whether I like it or not. Isn't it a bit late in the day
to ask permission?"

"Oh, well. You know the hangmen always used to beg the victim's
pardon. Will you obey orders?"

"Yes. But it might be easier if I know what I'm doing."

"As soon as I know I'll explain," he answered. "Where you can
fit into the puzzle at the moment is by rooting for the school
idea. The worst robber chieftain from the farthest cluster of
huts he calls his home town would like to see an American school
here in El-Kerak. If there were one he'd send his sons to it."

"Okay. I'll root like a dog for a buried bone."

"Go to it. That gives you the right to ask questions. That will
oblige ben Nazir to introduce you to any one you want to