The prince nodded. "Joe told," he repeated; "but it is all
arranged. Your distinguished friend, the Sage of Stillwater,
will receive the Crescent of the third class."

Peter's eyes were still fastened hungrily upon the diamond
sunburst.

"Why," he demanded, "can't some one get him one like that?"

As though about to take offense the prince raised his
eyebrows, and then thought better of it and smiled.

"There are only two men in all Turkey," he said, "who could
do that."

"And is the Sultan the other one?" asked Peter. The prince
gasped as though he had suddenly stepped beneath a cold
shower, and then laughed long and silently.

"You flatter me," he murmured.

"You know you could if you liked!" whispered Peter stoutly.

Apparently Abdul did not hear him. "I will take one card," he
said.

Toward two in the morning there was seventy-five thousand
francs in the pot, and all save Prince Abdul and Peter had
dropped out. "Will you divide?" asked the prince.